UCHealth

Joyce Johnson, known for her boundless energy and dedication to helping others, faced an unexpected challenge when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. The diagnosis was shocking for someone who had always led an active and health-conscious life. But Joyce met the news with resilience and strength. “I thought I felt a little lump, but I initially ignored it,” Joyce said. “My doctor sent me in for a mammogram, and they found a tumor. It was biopsied and confirmed for cancer. I didn’t let myself get down. It is what it is, and I tackled it head-on.” After surgery in September 2023, Joyce underwent three months of chemotherapy. While treatment had its ups and downs, Joyce credits the unwavering support from her care team, family and community for helping her through. “The doctors, nurses and staff were fabulous,” she shared. “My family was also here and helped me a lot. We all kept a positive outlook through the whole process.” Joyce found vital support during recovery at the Mary Jane Voelker Cancer Wellness Place. There, she received everything from wigs and mastectomy bras to emotional care from nurse navigators like Andrea Shirley. “They made sure I was comfortable and had all the items I needed,” Joyce said. “I never felt like I was alone.” Today, Joyce is cancer-free and back to volunteering with her husband, helping injured animals and supporting food charities. She encourages others to prioritize their health: “Get those mammograms and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your health is important to you and your family.”

NEW YEAR’S BABIES👶 Ringing in the new year by welcoming our first babies of 2025 across UCHealth! Welcome to the world, little ones🎊 The first baby born in the UCHealth system this year was Baby Arizeth at 1:06 AM at UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central in Colorado Springs, followed by Baby Teigen at 2:42 AM at UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland. We also welcomed Baby Kehlani at UCHealth Parkview Medical Center at 5:03 AM, Baby Castaneda at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital at 5:17 AM, and Baby Chadlei at UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital at 7:58 AM. Here’s to a bright and beautiful 2025 for all of you.

Making an impact, one grant at a time♥️ Twelve organizations in metro Denver have been awarded community grants to support programs addressing food insecurity, economic stability, mental health and access to care. From Food for Thought Denver bridging weekend hunger gaps to the Colorado Black Health Collaborative training barbers and stylists to support mental health, these nonprofits are changing lives and building healthier communities.

Putting in the Work💪 Payton tore her ACL during her very first college lacrosse game, leading to an 18-month recovery. Her grit and determination got her through three surgeries and countless PT sessions. Thanks to her efforts, she feels stronger than ever. Watch here: https://lnkd.in/gKUahmVh

Join the Colorado Symphony for Mozart and Now on January 12, 2025, at Boettcher Concert Hall🎶 Use promo code UCHEALTH25 to get discounted tickets! #ReadySetCO

Dr. Kalindi Batra, a primary care physician at UCHealth, has faced significant health challenges in recent years. In March 2020, she contracted a severe case of COVID-19, leading to critically low oxygen levels that led her to prepare for the worst. Isolating from her family, she obtained an oxygen concentrator, which likely saved her life. After recovering from the initial illness, she continued to experience long-term symptoms, including shortness of breath, chronic cough and brain fog. In April 2024, Dr. Batra discovered a large lump in her right breast and was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, a particularly aggressive form that doesn't respond to typical therapies. She underwent intensive chemotherapy, enduring significant side effects. Throughout her treatment, she relied on exercise, meditation and support from family and friends to maintain her strength. Dr. Batra hopes to offer strength to others facing similar challenges by sharing her journey. She views her experiences as opportunities to become a better doctor, mother, wife and human being. She expresses profound gratitude for her life and the adventures she has embraced, embodying a spirit of resilience and hope amid adversity.

For decades, individuals living with schizophrenia have faced the challenge of managing their symptoms with antipsychotic medications that, while often effective, can bring about serious side effects. However, there is hope on the horizon! The FDA has approved Cobenfy, a promising alternative. This new medication option aims to help patients maintain stability and improve their quality of life with limited side effects. It’s a step forward in supporting those affected by this condition on their journey towards better mental health.

For one family, a final Christmas wish became a cherished memory, thanks to the compassion and dedication of Kaylah Bowman. When a patient and her husband faced heartbreaking end-of-life decisions after nearly three months in the progressive care unit (PCU) at UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central, Kaylah, a complex care social worker, stepped in to honor their final wish: one last Christmas together. Drawing on her own experiences with loss, Kaylah transformed the patient’s room into a festive wonderland, complete with paper snowflakes, twinkling lights and a Christmas tree adorned with miniature dog ornaments. Nurses joined in the celebration, bringing holiday treats and donning Santa hats, while carolers filled the room with the sound of Christmas joy. “She knew every word to those Christmas carols,” Kaylah said. “Her face was so bright and shining—it was a moment of pure joy.” Two days later, the patient passed away peacefully. Her husband, deeply grateful, called to thank the staff for creating a memory that would stay with him forever. For Kaylah and the team, this final act of kindness was about more than holiday cheer—it was a chance to bring comfort, healing and love to a family during their most difficult days. Thank you, Kaylah, for your work to improve lives♥️

SANTAAA🎅🏻 Thanks for spreading the holiday spirit to our tiniest NICU patients🎄

👏 👏 👏 Richard Zane, MD