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A physical therapist works with a client on a balance ball

PT Program Improves Fitness in Young Adult Cancer Survivors

Nicole Spine’s second brush with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma left the 22-year-old so physically and mentally withered, she doubted that she would ever feel like her former self -- a vibrant, goal-oriented nurse’s aide who dreamed of becoming a nurse. “I felt so dependent on my parents. They wouldn’t leave me home alone because I was so weak,” Spine said. “Getting up the stairs exhausted me. I wasn’t feeling great about myself either.”

David Sabio stands in his garden

Pancreatic Cancer Survivor Back to Doing What He Enjoys

David Sabio was 48 when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. After aggressive treatment at Duke Health including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, he shows no evidence of disease three years later.

Chase Conklin, 34, smiles outside her home in South Mills, NC

Duke Team Safely Removes Rare Brain Abnormality

In Fall 2021, Chase Conklin began experiencing blurry vision, fatigue, brain fog, and balance problems, but she ignored her symptoms. In early 2022, then 31-year-old Conklin had two strokes within a month. Doctors near her home in South Mills, NC, didn’t find the cause until five months later, when Conklin was diagnosed with a cavernoma: a tangled, leaky bundle of blood vessels in her brain. Since undergoing surgery at Duke University Hospital to remove the cavernoma in Fall 2022, Conklin is back to caring for her busy family and running a small business. “I wouldn't be where I am at today if it weren’t for Duke,” Conklin said.

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