Advocate Health Care

Our teammates shared their favorite songs of the year, and we created the ultimate playlist! It’s a mix of tracks and artists from all kinds of genres—perfect for dancing your way into the new year! 🎶

From heart attack to heart healthy! Michael Barrett, 66, helped unfurl the Bear Down flag at Soldier Field during the Chicago Bears game with his son, Patrick, after recently undergoing a life-saving procedure at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. After experiencing chest pain, Barrett quickly recognized the signs of a heart attack and received prompt care from Dr. Adib Chaus. Now, he’s embracing a healthier lifestyle and is on a mission to prevent future heart issues. 🐻 ⬇️

Meet Kristen Mesik, a true fighter and inspiration. During her senior year of high school, Kristen faced a life-changing diagnosis: a brain tumor causing a seizure disorder. Under the expert care of neuro-oncologist Dr. Nina Paleologos at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, she began her journey of strength and resilience. In 2021, just months before her wedding, a routine MRI revealed tumor growth. Thanks to a successful surgery, Kristen found relief and a path forward. Now at 30, she continues to work closely with Dr. Paleologos to monitor her health — even navigating her care through two pregnancies. This September, Kristen welcomed her second set of twins into the world. ❤️👶👶 "My health care professionals, especially Dr. Paleologos, have truly watched my life unfold and have been there every step of the way," Kristen shares. We’re honored to be part of Kristen’s journey and celebrate her incredible strength at the Chicago Bulls game tonight, where she and her family got to watch the team warm up before heading to the fan tunnel to high five the players as they made their way onto the court.

Santa made a special visit to our tiniest patients at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital. He brought holiday cheer to families in the NICU, capturing magical photos from a professional photographer to celebrate their first Christmas together. 🎄 Families were gifted sweet memories, with volunteers donating adorable Santa hats and families bringing in festive outfits for the occasion. This heartwarming tradition is one we look forward to every year! ❤️

Say hello to Marissa, a registered nurse with our home health team. For Marissa, being able to provide care in a patient’s home is a privilege and she appreciates getting to see them makes strides in the place that provides them with the most comfort. Does this sound like the perfect fit for you? Explore career opportunities with us today: https://insde.co/sbj0

When Advocate Sherman Hospital's Critical Care Nurse Laura Keenon lost her husband, Jeremiah, in August 2022, she continued her relationship with Gift of Hope after he became a tissue donor. This holiday season, Keenon decided to create a tree to allow donor families to come and personalize an ornament for their loved one. “Gift of Hope has a great donor family service team that greatly supports donor families with various events throughout the year to honor their donor loved ones,” Keenon said. “I knew this was something I wanted to share with my colleagues and community here at Sherman.” Keenon’s family, visitors and teammates have helped decorate the tree and personalize ornaments. “I hope this tree is both healing and honoring to donor families as the holidays are one of the most difficult after the loss of a loved one,” she said.

50,000 and counting! 🎉 Congratulations to the Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care rehabilitation teams for reaching a milestone of performing 50,000 virtual visits. The team provides tech-enabled physical, occupational and speech/language therapy visits to Illinois and Wisconsin adult and pediatric patients in their homes, workplaces or anywhere they want care. Learn more about these services: https://bit.ly/41GG3ER

Meet Madelyn, an occupational therapist case manager for our home health services department. After 6 years with us, Madelyn has seen how home health can transform care to create a safe and candid space for patients. Does making a difference and helping others heal in the comfort of their own home resonate with you? Discover our open opportunities and take the next step toward a rewarding career with us: https://insde.co/flid

Charmer and Lunar, a pair of miniature therapy horses from the SOUL Harbour Ranch Animal Therapy Program, visited Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital. Together they brought joy and comfort to patients and teammates alike. “It is a unique opportunity for our patients to receive comfort from mini therapy horses,” said Karen Lambert, President of Advocate Health Care’s North Illinois Area and Advocate Good Shepherd. “We are grateful to SOUL Harbour Ranch for the healing impact their horses have on our patients and for the smiles they bring to our team.” Therapy animals have been shown to greatly enhance mental and emotional well-being by offering comfort, alleviating stress and anxiety, encouraging social interaction and providing a sense of companionship.

We came together with local leaders, health care workers and community members to announce a $1 billion investment to expand access to care and wellness across the South Side of Chicago. This investment will bring more health care locations to the area, new programs focused on prevention and wellness, a state-of-the-art hospital to serve the community and so much more. We’re committed to making a real difference—bringing care where it’s needed most and improving health for generations to come. Learn more: MyVoiceMyHealth.com