Lindsey’s Story – Dell Seton Medical Center

Linsey Nixon has always valued her health – she loves running for both the mental and physical benefits and has participated in multiple marathons, eats healthy food, and generally takes very good care of herself.

On a cool December day, Linsey would experience a health emergency she never could have imagined. After dropping her three oldest kids off at school, she developed a pounding headache. Actually, it was more than a headache. A migraine. Yep—it must just be a migraine. But why was her vision getting blurry? She thought she could rest it off, but then her left side went numb. She started to vomit. She was barely able to call her husband who rushed home from work to whisk her off to the ER.

Seeing the urgency of the situation, the staff at Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin immediately performed a cat scan. It didn’t look good. An arteriovenous malformation and a blood clot in the back of the brain. An ambulance was called to take Linsey to Dell Seton Medical Center; EMS told Linsey’s husband to call their family and their minister. The pain in her head was so intense that Linsey was put on morphine, and reality went in and out of focus. What she did understand was that she was about to go in for emergency brain surgery, and there was a good chance she might die.

Before she was put under anesthesia, Linsey told her anesthesiologist, Dr. Mery, “I can’t leave four kids behind.”

“I’m going to take good care of you,” Dr. Mery promised her.

Two and half hours later, Linsey woke up.

Not only did she survive, but because of the expert care from her surgeon, Dr. Ortega-Barnett, and his team, Linsey never had to worry about the blood clot again. She was out of bed in 24 hours and out of the ICU in 48. Though her recovery was really challenging, every day she got a little better and she was back to running only 6 weeks after surgery. She thanks Dr. Ortega-Barnett and his team for not only saving her, but giving her her life back.

“Dr. Ortega is just a good man who loves his job and people. His bedside manner is incredible. Every doctor and every nurse at Ascension Seton has a caring demeanor. I’m so thankful we live in a city that recruits great doctors for me, my children, and my future grandchildren. I’m so thankful Ascension Seton is growing the way it is.”

Matt’s Story – Ascension Seton Medical Center

In 2015, Matt Hudson went from living an active lifestyle – camping, hiking, running and biking in his spare time – to becoming lethargic and losing motivation for the activities he enjoyed so much.

Once Matt’s fatigue became severe, he started to think something could be wrong. He took his blood pressure and found that his heart rate was about 40 beats per minute when the average resting heart rate should be between 60-100 beats per minute.

Matt had a pacemaker implanted soon after, but the symptoms continued for years. He suffered from severe shortness of breath and was constantly gasping for air.

In 2019, Matt got a larger pacemaker, but it didn’t work either. Matt then began working with Dr. Raymond Bietry, a cardiologist from Ascension Medical Group. Dr. Bietry quickly identified the source of Matt’s issue – a rare inflammatory disease called sarcoidosis that had spread from Matt’s lungs to his heart. Dr. Bietry determined that it was critical Matt receive a new heart and immediately placed him on the heart transplant list.

After more than 100 days in the hospital waiting for a match, Matt got his new heart.

A short three months after surgery, Matt had his energy back and competed in the Transplant Games in San Diego. Matt not only competed in the Transplant Games, he placed fourth in the men’s 20-kilometer cycling competition.

Matt said, “[I was] very emotional. Very emotional. My whole life has been a whirlwind, and it just totally blew me away.”

Marina’s Story – Ascension Seton Williamson

Last fall Marina and her family were unexpectedly in need of this neonatal intensive care unit. At just 30 weeks pregnant Marina was diagnosed with preeclampsia and put on bedrest to protect her and her babies. During this time she saw her physician twice a week for ultrasounds and blood work. At 32 weeks pregnant Marina’s bloodwork showed that her liver was being damaged. She was immediately admitted to the hospital and administered steroids to improve the babies’ lung function. Thirty-six hours after being admitted Baby Everett and Baby Elliott were delivered on October 6th at just 32 weeks and 5 days gestation and admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit.

Marina lived in Hutto with her husband and her toddler daughter when the boys were born. Having access to this care at our hospital meant that instead of needing a transfer into Austin, Everett and Elliot could stay right here at Ascension Seton Williamson and Marina and (Marina’s Husband) were only a short drive from their new babies. Marina shared with us how much this meant to them during such a difficult time. Juggling a toddler at home and her babies away was most certainly very challenging but Marina shared that having the babies at the closest hospital to their home made things so much easier.

After 27 days in our NICU, Everett and Elliott were discharged to home with their parents and proud big sister. They are doing incredible and we are so proud to introduce you to this NICU graduate family. Thank you Marina and(Marina’s Husband) for sharing your story with us and for all you do here at the hospital.

“For 32-weekers, life can be tough at first. They need time, support, and guidance to learn to do the most basic things like breathing, swallowing, and staying warm. The NICU becomes their surrogate womb and the NICU at Ascension Seton Williamson did a wonderful job growing and caring for my boys when my own body wasn’t able to anymore. We were overwhelmed with worry when we were told our twin boys needed to be delivered unexpectedly eight weeks early. With twelve doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapists in the operating room, the Labor and Delivery and NICU teams worked together like an intricate orchestra each playing their part to bring our boys into the world. Everett and Elliott spent 27 days in the NICU with zero complications and are now approaching their first birthday. They love to crawl around and explore and they’re always getting into trouble together. Our family feels absolutely blessed to have been cared for by such competent and caring providers so close to our home.”

Erika’s Story – Ascension Seton Hays

At Ascension Seton Hays, associates like Erika Aguirre, patient care technician nurse in the ICU, are an inspiration to all.

Erika was just 32 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. With no family history, Erika was surprised by her diagnosis and she began seeking care at the hospital she works in, Ascension Seton Hays.

Passionate about her job, “helping patients at their worst,” and determined to follow her doctor’s advice to stick to her normal routine, Erika continued to work full time while receiving treatment. She says her team at the hospital offered a lot of much needed support during a difficult time.

Recently, Erika’s team surprised her with a lunch to celebrate her last chemotherapy treatment, and by sporting pink ribbons on their work bags.

“Erika has shown grace and perseverance during this time by continuing her work in the ICU,” said Amber Stafford, nurse manager in the ICU at Ascension Seton Hays. “She is always willing to help without complaint. She is also still attending school to pursue her nursing degree. She is an inspiration to us and a true fighter!”

Today, Erika says she is feeling much better, and wants to support other women diagnosed with breast cancer by building a team for the upcoming Race for the Cure.

Noah’s Story – Dell Children’s Medical Center

At Dell Children’s gene therapy is saving babies’ lives. The ground-breaking treatment means children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy or SMA will live past the age of two. For one Austin family the gene therapy is the science of miracles.

Noah is the youngest patient at Dell Children’s to undergo a new gene therapy for SMA, under the care of Dr. Vedanarayanan.

Noah’s mother, Mikayla, calls him a miracle baby. Thanks to early detection and treatment, Dr. Vedanarayanan says his long-term prognosis is very good.

Noah’s family’s story was covered by several local news outlets. You can read more about this incredible story on CBS Austin or Austin American Statesman.

Barbara’s Story – Ascension Providence

If you’ve spent any time at Ascension Providence Hospital in the past 15 years, chances are you’ve been blessed by the ministry of Barbara Breland. A woman of faith and strength, Barbara gives wooden crosses and beaded angels to patients and families as they face their darkest hours – a quiet reminder that they are not alone.

It all started when Barbara came to work at Ascension Providence. Her mom was very ill at the time, so our chaplain gave her a wooden cross, which provided Barbara with much comfort. The experience moved her so much she decided to hand out prayer crosses to patients and their family members in the rooms she was servicing – – especially for those in dire situations. Soon she added beaded angels, as well.

“I had just been diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and was about to start my treatments,” a patient tells us. “Barbara came up to me and put her hand on my shoulder and said, ‘You don’t know me, but I know what you are going through. I am praying for you every day.’ And she gave me an angel – I cried and put it in a special place. The angel is still there today, 5 years later.”

Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and compassion by people who truly care.

You are part of Barbara’s ministry. Barbara has touched the lives of many associates and patients who recognize her around town years later, and she embodies our Ascension Providence values of respect and compassion for the dignity and diversity of life. We are blessed to have a world-class hospital in our community that understands the importance of treating mind, body, and soul.