8 Hidden Heat Stroke Warning Signs Doctors Can't Ignore

8 Hidden Heat Stroke Warning Signs Doctors Can't Ignore

M Hasan    5:35 PM   

Understanding Heat Stroke: Causes, Symptoms, and Immediate Actions

There are few things that feel better than a brisk walk outside on a warm, sunny day. However, if you're working hard in sweltering temperatures, you may be putting yourself at risk for heat stroke. While it does take time for heat exhaustion to develop into heat stroke, knowing the possible heat stroke symptoms can be the difference between staying safe and healthy and putting your body in a dangerous position.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are similar but have some key differences. Heat exhaustion comes down to a couple of factors: exposure to uncomfortably high temperatures over several days and a lack of fluids. This can lead to lots of sweating, rapid breathing, and a fast but weak pulse.

Types of Heat Stroke

There are two forms of heat stroke, explained by J. Luke Pryor, Ph.D., A.T.C., C.S.C.S., a kinesiologist and researcher in the Hydration, Exercise, and Thermoregulation Laboratory in the Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences at the University of Buffalo.

Classic Heat Stroke

Classic heat stroke generally comes on gradually and affects very young and elderly people who have trouble maintaining their core body temperature. People who don’t have a way of cooling down—say, folks who live in a building without air conditioning during a heat wave—are also at risk of classic heat stroke. In these instances, the person may not realize they’ve become hot because their body temperature is steadily rising over many hours or days.

Exertional Heat Stroke

Exertional heat stroke is more sudden and occurs in people who are active in high temperatures. In fact, heat-related illness can come on within hours on particularly hot and humid days. It can affect anyone exercising in the heat, but those who are doing strenuous activity—such as endurance athletes (like runners and soccer players), football players (who sweat it out in stifling equipment), and laborers (like construction workers)—face the highest risk.

“When we begin to exercise, we produce an incredible amount of heat,” Pryor explained. Typically, our sweat cools us down, but with exertional heat stroke, that doesn’t happen. When your organs overheat (which can occur during outdoor workouts on sweltering days) your body’s temperature-control center can malfunction.

So in turn, your internal temperature rises—and when it reaches 104 or 105°F, that’s when things start to get really dangerous. When you get that hot, the cells inside of your intestines get damaged, which can leak toxic substances into your blood and cause multiple organs to fail, Pryor said.

8 Heat Stroke Symptoms to Look For

How do you know if you're dealing with heat stroke? Experiencing one or more of these signs means it's time to take action.

1. High Body Temperature
   If your body temperature hits 104°F or higher, you could be dealing with heat stroke. If you take someone’s temperature and it’s lower than that—but they still exhibit other heat stroke symptoms or feel that something is wrong—you should still do what you can to cool them down and get medical help.

2. Muscle Cramps
   Also known as heat cramps, muscle cramps can be one of the earliest symptoms of heat-related illness during exercise. You may experience painful spasms—particularly in your legs, arms, or abdomen—when you sweat it out in high heat.

3. A Lack of Sweat—or an Abundance of It
   When you spend a long time in extreme heat, your body stops trying to maintain its core internal temperature. So during traditional heat stroke, you may actually stop sweating. However, you’ll probably start sweating like crazy if you’re experiencing exertional heat stroke.

4. Confusion or Trouble Walking
   Exertional heat stroke throws your central nervous system out of whack, so a lack of coordination, confusion, aggression, or the inability to walk are huge red flags.

5. A Poundin Headache
   A throbbing headache is another common sign of heat stroke. This symptom is typically due to dehydration or the overall impact heat stroke has on the central nervous system.

6. Dizziness, Nausea, or Vomiting
   As you continue to sweat, your body will become increasingly dehydrated. The heat will start to affect various organs, all of which can exacerbate any of the heat stroke symptoms on this list and can lead to dizziness, fainting, nausea, or vomiting.

7. Skin Redness
   In instances of both traditional and exertional heat stroke, the body directs blood flow toward the skin as it tries to cool itself down, making it appear red.

8. Elevated Heart Rate or Trouble Breathing
   Your heart is put under an immense amount of stress when you overheat. Why? It needs to pump harder and faster to make sure your body’s natural cooling systems are working to keep your temperature balanced.

What to Do If You Think Someone Has Heat Stroke

The best thing you can do is rapidly and aggressively cool the person down while you wait for help to arrive. Here are a few measures he said you can take:

• Move the person to a cooler place. Get them out of the sun and into the shade or a cool room indoors.
• Fill a tub with ice water and have the person soak for 15 to 20 minutes.
• If a tub is not available, hose them down with cold water, pour a bottle of water over their body, or take them to a nearby lake, river, or anywhere with cool water.
• Get them to drink water or a sports drink. This might be difficult if the person is extremely light-headed, confused, and irritable, so you might need to wait until they cool down before they can tolerate fluids.

'Burned Out and Broken': Nurse Exposes Staffing Crisis at Children's Cancer Unit

'Burned Out and Broken': Nurse Exposes Staffing Crisis at Children's Cancer Unit

M Hasan    6:02 AM   

The Struggles of a Whistleblower in the Children’s Cancer Unit

Hannah Farrell, a former nurse at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, has spoken out about her experience working in the Children's Cancer Unit. She resigned in 2019 due to overwhelming staff shortages and a lack of support from management. Farrell described the system as leaving her broken, disillusioned, and burnt out. She emphasized that the issues she faced were not new, but rather part of a long-standing problem that continued to affect the unit.

According to Farrell, maternity leave, long-term sickness, and career breaks were often not backfilled, leading to understaffing on the wards. This placed an immense burden on the remaining nurses, potentially impacting patient care. When a ward reaches crisis levels, the trust reportedly pulls nurses from other areas, which only provides a temporary solution and negatively affects other departments.

Farrell also shared her personal struggles with the emotional toll of her job. She was responsible for treating some of Northern Ireland’s sickest children, often dealing with the pain of a patient's death. However, she was not offered any professional counseling and had to pay for it herself. The Belfast Health Trust responded by stating that they provide individualized support through their occupational health services and encourage staff to raise concerns with their teams and line managers.

Despite the trust's statements, Farrell said that nothing has changed since she left five years ago. She expressed hope that speaking out would help other nurses who feel their voices are silenced by management. “The system took my fight, my joy, my empathy and compassion—there was nothing left to give,” she said. “I dreaded every shift because I didn’t know what I was going into, staffing-wise, or what the skill mix would be.”

Impact on Patients and Families

The Children’s Cancer Unit is the regional center where children in Northern Ireland receive treatment for cancer or complex blood disorders. Specialist cancer nurses are trained to administer treatments like chemotherapy. However, seven out of 12 specialist nurses are currently off work, which led to some treatment delays earlier this year. According to the trust, about five children were affected, but they have since received their treatment.

Parents of patients treated in the haematology and oncology wards have shared their experiences with the challenges faced by the nursing staff. David and Sara Watson, whose son Adam underwent treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia, highlighted the pressure on nurses. They noted that while the clinical service is world-class, staffing issues have been a persistent problem. Adam, who passed away in 2022, helped establish the B Positive charity to support families and provide counseling to nurses on the ward.

The Department of Health acknowledged the staffing challenges facing the Belfast Trust and recognized the efforts made to manage recent nurse staffing issues in paediatric haematology and oncology. They also noted assurances from the trust that service delivery is being closely monitored.

A System in Crisis

Caroline and Martin Smyth, whose son Theo was treated at the cancer unit in 2020, described how staff shortages impacted the wards. They mentioned that the 10-bed ward was often full, yet there was not always a full quota of staff, especially during weekends. The Belfast Trust stated that there are currently no nursing registrant vacancies at the Children’s Haematology Unit and that all nursing roles in the haematology and oncology departments have been reviewed. This allows the trust to utilize staff from other areas and bank staff to safely cover the service when needed.

Farrell, who still works as a nurse in the health service, said the unit is operating on the "fumes" of the nurses’ good nature. She described her last three overnight shifts as "horrendous," with too much responsibility placed on her shoulders. She oversaw a full ward of seriously-ill children, supported only by a bank and a junior nurse, which ultimately broke her.

She emphasized that the children and families deserved the highest level of care but felt she lacked the ability and support to deliver it. Farrell criticized the NHS for promoting an "it's OK to not be OK" attitude around mental health, yet expecting nurses to give more than they can. She still recalls the names and faces of the 56 children who died in her care, but never received any professional support.

Calls for Change

Parents of sick children continue to call for help with costs and better support for the nursing staff. The ongoing challenges at the Children’s Cancer Unit highlight a broader issue within the healthcare system. As the trust continues to address staffing issues, many believe that real change requires a deeper understanding of the skills and resources needed to properly run such a critical department.

11 Signs Your Sunburn Is Sun Poisoning, Experts Warn

11 Signs Your Sunburn Is Sun Poisoning, Experts Warn

M Hasan    3:43 AM   

Understanding Sun Poisoning: What You Need to Know

Sun poisoning is an extreme version of a sunburn, according to Farah Moustafa, MD, FAAD, a dermatologist and Director of Laser and Cosmetics at Tufts Medical Center. She explains that it starts with red, painful skin—like a regular sunburn—but can quickly escalate into more severe symptoms that require medical attention. While one in three Americans report getting a sunburn each year, about 33,000 individuals end up needing medical treatment for severe sun poisoning symptoms. Below, experts break down what sun poisoning is, how to identify it, and when to seek help.

What Is Sun Poisoning?

Hannah Kopelman, MD, a dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery and co-founder of DermOnDemand, describes sun poisoning as an extreme sunburn with systemic symptoms beyond just red, painful skin. Although not technically a form of poisoning, it’s a term used to describe a severe reaction to UV radiation. A bad sunburn causes redness, tenderness, and possibly blistering, but sun poisoning takes it further. Symptoms may mimic an allergic reaction or make you feel like you’ve come down with the flu.

Certain people are at higher risk, including those with fair skin, a family history of skin cancer, those living near the equator, individuals taking certain medications (such as antibiotics or retinoids), and those with chronic conditions like autoimmune diseases. The Cleveland Clinic notes that the exact cause of sun poisoning isn’t fully understood, and its effects can vary from person to person.

Symptoms of Sun Poisoning

Sun poisoning can feel like a severe cold or flu with full-body symptoms. While a red, painful sunburn might be immediate, symptoms of sun poisoning can take hours or even days to appear. Common signs include:

• Nausea
• Light-headedness
• Fever
• Chills
• Vomiting
• Dehydration
• Headache

In addition to these, there may be severe redness, pain, tenderness, and possible blistering of the skin itself.

How to Tell If You Have Sun Poisoning

A sunburn is a radiation burn caused by UV rays. When exposed to too much UV radiation, skin cells die off, leading to redness, swelling, and other typical sunburn symptoms. However, sun poisoning triggers a broader inflammatory response throughout the body. The immune system reacts to the intense UV damage, releasing chemicals similar to those released during an infection.

Here are some key indicators that you may have sun poisoning:

1. Feeling Like You Have the Flu
   Flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and body aches can occur after a long day in the sun. These symptoms are due to the release of chemicals from damaged skin that activate the immune system.

2. Your Skin Prickles
   Severe sun poisoning can cause a prickly sensation on the skin. If touching your skin feels unbearable, it could indicate a very severe sunburn. Soothing treatments like aloe vera, cool showers, and ibuprofen can help.

3. Extreme Thirst
   Sun poisoning can lead to dehydration. Symptoms include dark-colored urine, not urinating, dry mouth, and feeling faint. In severe cases, IV hydration may be necessary to prevent organ damage.

4. Dizziness or Headaches
   Fluid loss from sun poisoning can cause dizziness, headaches, and confusion. This happens because blood pressure drops, reducing oxygen flow to the brain. Electrolyte imbalances can also contribute to these symptoms.

5. Fever
   A fever is often part of the body's immune response to sun poisoning. A temperature of 102 to 103°F may require immediate attention, especially if accompanied by chills or illness.

6. Blisters on the Skin
   Blistering is a sign of severe sun poisoning. Avoid popping blisters, as this increases the risk of infection. Apply aloe vera and avoid further sun exposure until healing occurs.

7. Falling Asleep in the Sun
   People who fall asleep in the sun often experience severe burns. Even if no symptoms are present yet, increased fluid intake and aloe application are recommended.

8. Peeling Skin
   Peeling is a natural part of healing after a severe sunburn. Do not pick at peeling skin, as it protects new skin underneath. Moisturize with aloe vera and avoid hot showers.

9. Rash on the Body
   A sun poisoning rash appears as an inflamed, itchy eruption with small bumps or blisters. Cool compresses, aloe vera, and hydrocortisone cream can help manage symptoms.

10. Swelling
    Swelling occurs due to inflammation and fluid retention. Elevate affected areas, drink fluids, and apply cool compresses. Severe swelling around the eyes or throat requires immediate medical attention.

11. Eye Pain
    Prolonged sun exposure can cause photokeratitis, a sunburn on the cornea. Symptoms include pain, redness, and sensitivity to light. Artificial tears and rest can help, while severe cases require an eye doctor.

Heat Rash vs. Sun Poisoning

Heat rash is different from sun poisoning. It appears as tiny red bumps in skin folds and is caused by trapped sweat. Sun poisoning involves widespread inflammation and systemic symptoms.

Sunstroke vs. Sun Poisoning

Sunstroke, or heat stroke, is a medical emergency caused by the body overheating. Unlike sun poisoning, it doesn’t always result from sun exposure and affects skin color differently. It is associated with neurological symptoms like confusion and fainting.

Managing Sun Poisoning

There is no instant fix for sun poisoning, but symptoms can be managed with proper care. Hydration, cool compresses, aloe vera, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help. Avoid further sun exposure and rest as much as possible.

When to See a Doctor

If symptoms worsen, such as increasing pain, spreading redness, or a persistent fever, seek medical attention. Severe dehydration, dizziness, or altered mental status also require immediate care. Doctors will focus on correcting dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Preventing Sun Poisoning

To avoid sun poisoning, limit sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., use SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, and stay hydrated. Checking the UV index before going outside can also help minimize risk.

Ohio Parents Fear Dying Before Their Child

Ohio Parents Fear Dying Before Their Child

M Hasan    11:25 AM   

A Life of Love, Care, and Uncertainty

Karen and Jeff Groff have spent nearly four decades reading the same children’s books to their son, Danny. At 39 years old, Danny stands 6 feet, 1 inch tall, but his developmental abilities are equivalent to those of a 2-year-old. He lives in Upper Arlington, Ohio, where he enjoys sitting between his parents on the couch, holding a stuffed Bert Muppet toy. When his mother reads “Curious George Rides a Bike,” he leans in and smiles when she whispers, “George got curious.”

Danny was diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a rare and severe form of epilepsy that typically begins in early childhood. The condition causes frequent seizures, which can lead to brain damage, learning difficulties, and lifelong disabilities. According to the LGS Foundation, about 50,000 people in the U.S. and 1 million worldwide live with this condition. Danny experiences daily seizures, and Karen Groff said that managing his health is a constant challenge.

In addition to his epilepsy, Danny also has Type 1 diabetes, which limits his ability to participate in full-time adult day programs. His caregivers cannot manage his insulin needs, so he spends mornings at the program and the rest of his time at home with his parents.

Daily Routines and Emotional Struggles

Danny’s routine includes morning coffee, daily injections, medications, storytime, afternoon outings, and evenings watching “Wheel of Fortune.” He adores his 10-month-old niece, Cecelia, and his Buckeye-themed bedroom, filled with Ohio State University memorabilia. Despite his love for these simple pleasures, the Groffs know that their son’s future is uncertain.

As retired educators, Karen and Jeff face a daunting reality: they must plan for two possible outcomes—either they pass away before Danny or he passes away before them. “Our worst nightmare is that we lose him first,” Karen said. “And our worst nightmare is that we go first.”

When parents or caregivers are no longer able to provide care, the responsibility often falls to another family member or friend. Even if someone moves into a facility, someone still needs to oversee their care and finances. In the U.S., caregiving is becoming increasingly common, with a new study from AARP showing that nearly one in four adults is a caregiver.

The Groffs are currently planning three funerals: their own and Danny’s. “It’s a little overwhelming,” Karen admitted. “I can’t die.”

Navigating the Challenges of Rare Diseases

Parents of adult children with rare diseases often struggle with the ongoing care their children need. Limited research into these conditions leaves many families unsure how to plan for the future. According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, its help line received nearly 135,000 requests for assistance in 2024, with at least 125 calls annually from parents seeking guidance on long-term care.

Some families opt for residential facilities, while others rely on a mix of family, friends, and paid caregivers for 24/7 in-home care. Both options can be costly. A 2020 report estimated that a household with an adult with a disability requires an additional $17,690 per year.

The Groffs are still figuring out their next steps. A 2018 University of Illinois study found that fewer than half of parents of children with disabilities made long-term plans for their child’s care. Many cited financial constraints, lack of resources, or emotional stress as barriers to planning.

“It’s normal to have these concerns,” said Jill Polander, vice president of patient services at the National Organization for Rare Disorders. “It’s OK to ask for help.”

The Role of Family and Community

For the Groffs, the most difficult part is the burden they feel they will place on their daughter, Jessica Hartman. As a special education preschool teacher, Hartman understands what her brother needs. She and her husband have been ready to take care of Danny since they married.

“We hate to put that burden on them,” Karen said. But Hartman doesn’t see her brother as a burden. “Everything Danny taught me I now use in my career,” she said.

However, the Groffs would prefer to avoid placing the daily responsibilities of caring for Danny on Hartman. They hope to secure a nursing staff to care for him in their home if they pass away before him. Hartman and other family members would still need to manage the caregivers and his finances.

Danny receives about $600 per month through Supplemental Security Income, but it’s not enough for him to live on. To maintain government benefits, people with disabilities must keep their assets under $2,000. For now, Hartman is set up to inherit everything her parents own, with the understanding that the money is for her brother’s care.

“We’re trying to be extremely frugal in retirement so that is untouched,” Karen said.

Building a Roadmap for Families

Caregivers often face an emotional toll, and many hesitate to discuss their challenges with family or friends. Rosellen Reif, a mental health counselor in North Carolina, works with families of people with disabilities and emphasizes the importance of open conversations.

“Parents have so much shame and fear around this topic. It's such a taboo, even in the disability world,” Reif said. She encourages families to make transitions early and involve loved ones in the process.

Reif also helps patients write letters to friends and family, ensuring that everyone is aligned on long-term care decisions. “We don’t want them to lose their parents and in the same week have to move into somewhere new,” she said.

For Karen Groff, community has been essential. After her son’s diagnosis, she found a Facebook group that offered support. “You can go on there any time of the day or night, ask a question, and someone will be up at night and get back to you,” she said. “And you need that sense that you are not alone.”

The Groffs are still looking for a new in-home nurse, but the nursing shortage has made it difficult. They expect the search to take at least six months.

A Focus on Quality of Life

Despite the challenges, the Groffs remain focused on making sure Danny is safe and happy. He is happiest when he’s surrounded by the people he loves, playing “Uncle Danny” to Hartman’s baby and laughing with his aunts and uncles at family gatherings.

“It’s all about quality of life at this point,” Karen said.

This story is part of USA TODAY’s The Cost of Care series, highlighting caregivers across the country.

12 Deadly Medical Conditions You Can Die From in a Day

12 Deadly Medical Conditions You Can Die From in a Day

M Hasan    6:11 AM   

Understanding the Most Deadly Medical Conditions

Some diseases can be extremely deadly, and while heart attacks and strokes are well-known causes of sudden death, infectious diseases also pose significant risks. According to Robert Citronberg, MD, director of infectious diseases at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois, various factors determine whether someone becomes ill and how severe their condition may be. These include genetics, the aggressiveness of a pathogen, and other individual health factors.

Common Causes of Death

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States, with someone dying from a stroke every four minutes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, either by a clot or a ruptured blood vessel. For ischemic strokes, clot-busting medications can be effective if administered within three hours.

Infectious Diseases That Can Be Fatal

Malaria, a mosquito-borne illness found in parts of South America, Africa, and Asia, can be life-threatening. The parasite P. falciparum is particularly dangerous as it rapidly destroys red blood cells, which are essential for delivering oxygen throughout the body. Travelers should consult a travel medicine specialist for preventive measures, including medication.

Severe dengue, another mosquito-borne infection, affects half the world's population. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, and joint pain. If left untreated, it can progress to severe dengue, which can be fatal. There is no vaccine for dengue, so prevention through mosquito repellent is crucial.

Sudden cardiac arrest is responsible for 325,000 adult deaths in the U.S. each year. It is often caused by an arrhythmia, where the heart beats abnormally. Immediate treatment is essential, as death can occur within minutes if not addressed.

Rare but Deadly Infections

Pneumonic plague, transmitted through flea bites or contact with infected individuals, can be fatal within 18 to 24 hours if not treated with antibiotics. Meningococcemia, a rare disease caused by meningococcal bacteria, can lead to rapid organ failure and death. Those without a spleen are at higher risk, and vaccination is the best form of prevention.

Cholera, caused by contaminated food or water, leads to severe dehydration and can kill within hours. Oral rehydration solutions or IV fluids are necessary for treatment.

Diabetic ketoacidosis, a complication of diabetes, occurs when insulin levels are too low, leading to the buildup of ketones in the blood. Symptoms include headaches, muscle stiffness, and nausea. Prompt treatment with insulin and fluids is critical to prevent serious complications.

Rapidly Progressive Infections

Invasive group A streptococcal infections, also known as "flesh-eating" infections, can develop quickly after a skin break. They require immediate identification, antibiotics, and surgery to remove affected tissue. Individuals without a spleen are more susceptible.

Septic shock, a severe reaction to infection, can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Research shows that only 50% of patients receive care within six hours, and survival rates decrease by 7.6% for every hour delayed.

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a bacterial infection that spreads toxins throughout the body. It can be associated with tampon use or open wounds. Symptoms include high fever, a red rash, and skin shedding. TSS can lead to amputations or death if not treated promptly.

Hantavirus, contracted through exposure to rodent droppings, urine, or saliva, has a fatality rate of 38%. It presents with flu-like symptoms, making early detection difficult. Patients suspected of having hantavirus typically require intensive care.

Preventive Measures and Awareness

Understanding these conditions and their symptoms is crucial for timely intervention. Preventive measures such as vaccinations, proper hygiene, and awareness of risk factors can significantly reduce the chances of developing these life-threatening illnesses. Early recognition and prompt medical attention are key to improving outcomes and saving lives.

Survivor Rides Pan-Mass Challenge After 9/11, Two Cancer Battles

Survivor Rides Pan-Mass Challenge After 9/11, Two Cancer Battles

M Hasan    7:57 AM   

A Journey of Survival and Resilience

Kathy Ball-Toncic's story is one of survival, resilience, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Almost 22 years after she ran barefoot from the North Tower on September 11, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. While her medical team at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute cannot definitively link her illness to the toxic dust she inhaled during the attacks, she is part of the WTC Health Program. To date, more than 44,000 individuals exposed to the World Trade Center site have been diagnosed with cancer.

The Morning of September 11

In 2001, Kathy was commuting between Boston and New York, working on Wall Street. On the morning of September 11, she had helped organize a conference at Windows On The World and was in a meeting in the lobby when the first plane hit the tower. At first, no one knew what had happened. She recalls a roar that sounded much like a subway train and flickering lights. She and her colleagues were standing up, pushing papers into their bags, when she heard a BOOM!

The explosion caused glass to shatter in businesses along the first-floor concourse. Kathy and her colleagues were "dressed up" for their meeting. In the moments after the explosion, one of them didn't feel that Kathy was moving quickly enough—probably because she was in shock. He urged her to take off her heels and run from the building. With bare feet, over broken glass, she did.

Blocks later, they stopped. "We stopped and turned around just in time for the second plane to hit," Kathy said. "My memory of that morning is a little bit like a film that's missing a few frames. But I vividly remember when we turned around and the building in flames... I pointed to it and said, 'We were in there.'"

By the time the group arrived at their office, Kathy's feet were bleeding, and she was covered in a thin layer of dust. She remembers feeling fortunate to have escaped and that night, to have been able to return home to Boston.

Healing Through Running

Processing the trauma of the attacks took a lot of intentional, emotional work. There was also a physical component to Kathy's emotional healing. After 9/11, Kathy, who had been a runner for years, began running marathons for charity. "It really felt like a wonderful way to be able to give back, to do something meaningful," Kathy said.

The 2002 Boston Marathon was her first. Running became a way to celebrate her health, nourish friendships, process difficult emotions, and raise money for organizations she believed in. In 2014, the year after the Boston Marathon bombings, she ran for Dana-Farber.

Facing Cancer Head-On

Her breast cancer diagnosis in 2023 was shocking enough. Kathy was treated at Dana-Farber for a full year. The following February, right around her birthday, she celebrated being cancer free. In a photograph with her son Henrik and daughter Maja, she is beaming as she holds a cupcake. That sense of elation, though, was short-lived. Two weeks later, she was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. (Breast cancer and colorectal cancer are two of the almost-70 cancers that have been traced to 9/11 exposure.) She had surgery and chemotherapy.

As someone for whom exercise and physical activity are so important, Kathy recalls her exhaustion at the end of 2024. "The chemo took everything out of me ... I remember lying on the couch thinking, I'm a business owner who's not working. I'm a chef who can't eat. And I'm an athlete who can't make it up a flight of stairs. Who am I?" she asked.

She answered that question by focusing, minute-by-minute, on healing and small victories. Knowing when to give herself grace. Knowing when to ask for help. "I'm someone who's fighting and I'm someone who is visualizing health and wellness," she said.

Riding Toward Recovery

During radiation, she visualized that the treatments were working. In early 2025, still healing from those treatments, Kathy knew that running a marathon was out of the question. But desiring a goal, she asked her doctor (Dr. Brandon Huffman) and physical therapist whether she could ride the Pan-Mass Challenge, an event to which she had donated for years. "They both emphatically said yes and were super supportive!" she said.

Kathy, who works as an executive leadership coach and facilitator, is riding the two-day PMC route from Wellesley to Provincetown. She hopes, with some nervousness, that she will be able to ride the entire route. Those who know her have little doubt. Henrik is a registered volunteer in Bourne and Provincetown. Asked about his mother's decision to take on this new challenge on her bike, he says what she brings to the ride makes him proud. "Grit and determination and perseverance and love and honor and all these wonderful characteristics that make her who she is," Henrik said.

A New Chapter

While she does not miss cancer treatment, she does miss her team at Dana-Farber. "They are so extraordinary," Kathy said. "I think it's a part of cancer. People don't talk about a lot, that you finish your treatment.... And there's a bit of 'now what?' And you are not regularly seeing your care team." She says she will think about them while she is riding.

Kathy is again cancer free. She has regular check-ups, and her team promises to watch her "like a hawk." The colorectal cancer she survived has a high recurrence rate. But she says smiling, "it doesn't know who it's messing with."

PMC Living Proof Rider

A few weeks before the PMC, Kathy enjoyed an experience that offered a new feeling of community. Smiling and flexing a well-toned bicep in a PMC t-shirt at Fenway Park, she was among the Living Proof riders (cancer survivors) who rode the warning track and paused for the national anthem and a standing ovation.

It was PMC Night at Fenway and the ballpark was full of fans. "They announced, 'These are the cancer survivors riding the PMC.' I almost wanted to look around and say, 'Who-like--who are the cancer survivors?' And it's like, it's me!" That realization came with a flood of emotions. "I burst into tears at first. And then I just, I thought I want to be here. I want to take this moment in."

She now looks ahead to the ride and imagines it will feel like a victory lap. "It's a way to celebrate all the people that have supported me. It's a way to celebrate my health," she said. "And it's a way to do whatever I can to make sure people don't have to go through this by raising money for research."

"We are all touched by this horrible thing called cancer," Kathy said.

Journey to Renewal: Peoria Mom Shares Life-Saving Lung Transplant Story

Journey to Renewal: Peoria Mom Shares Life-Saving Lung Transplant Story

M Hasan    5:14 AM   

A Journey of Resilience and Recovery

A Peoria mother is on the path to recovery after undergoing a life-saving double lung transplant. After nearly two months without the ability to speak, she has finally regained her voice, marking a significant milestone in her journey.

Ali Briskey, 41, underwent the double lung transplant at Norton Thoracic Institute at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center last year. Her story is one of perseverance, strength, and hope. “Our journey has been a rollercoaster, lots of ups and downs,” she shared, reflecting on the challenges she faced.

Briskey’s condition began when she was pregnant, as the Scleroderma she had been living with progressed into interstitial lung disease. This condition caused her lungs to fail, along with some heart complications. “My lungs were just failing, and then I had some heart complications as well,” she explained.

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that can lead to the hardening of internal organs, making it difficult to breathe and causing a range of other health issues. For Briskey, this meant a long and challenging battle with her health. “I was hospitalized for 106 days through this journey,” she said.

After the birth of her youngest child, Briskey found herself frequently returning to the hospital. Eventually, she was referred to Norton Thoracic Institute, where she underwent evaluations and was accepted as a transplant candidate. She was placed on the transplant list, and her condition was severe enough that she was prioritized for the procedure.

“Ali’s case was very critical,” said Dr. Leena Pawar of St. Joseph’s Norton Thoracic Institute. “Her numbers were already on the higher side, and I think she received this transplant really quickly, within a matter of a few days.”

The transplant was successful, but it came with its own set of challenges. One of the most difficult aspects for Briskey was losing her voice. “I was stripped of my voice completely,” she said. “I was unable to speak for about 48 days. I was stripped of my ability to move and to walk and to just function in this world, and I had to learn all of that over again.”

Despite these obstacles, Briskey has made remarkable progress. Her ability to speak again is a symbol of her resilience and determination. The road to recovery has not been easy, but she continues to push forward, focusing on regaining her strength and independence.

Key Challenges Faced by Ali Briskey

• Progression of Scleroderma: The autoimmune disease led to interstitial lung disease, severely impacting her respiratory system.
• Heart Complications: Alongside lung failure, she experienced additional health issues that complicated her condition.
• Extended Hospitalization: A 106-day hospital stay marked the peak of her struggle with illness.
• Post-Transplant Recovery: After the surgery, she lost her voice and mobility, requiring extensive rehabilitation.
• Emotional and Physical Struggles: The journey included emotional highs and lows, as well as physical setbacks that tested her endurance.

The Role of Medical Experts

Dr. Leena Pawar played a crucial role in evaluating and treating Briskey. Her expertise and the team at Norton Thoracic Institute provided the necessary care and support throughout the process. The rapid response to her condition ensured that she received the transplant in time to save her life.

Looking Ahead

As Briskey continues her recovery, she remains focused on rebuilding her life. Her story serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges. With each step forward, she demonstrates the power of resilience, medical innovation, and the human spirit.