05
Jan
01
Jan
Meet Beacon Health System’s first baby of 2026
Beacon Health System welcomed its first baby of 2026 when Chozen arrived at 7:35 a.m. on New Year's Day at Memorial Hospital of South Bend. Megan Dawe and Stephen Malone of South Bend welcomed their healthy baby boy after 12 hours of labor. He weighs 8 pounds, 4 ounces and measures 21¾...
23
Dec
NICU babies celebrate their first Christmas at Beacon Children’s Hospital
Santa made a special stop at Beacon Children’s Hospital this season, bringing joy and holiday magic to our tiniest patients and their families. His gentle visit created meaningful memories during what can be an especially emotional time. Watch this heartwarming video of our NICU babies celebrating their very first holiday...
23
Dec
Beacon Bone & Joint team gives patient second chance after severe injury
It was back in July 2018 when Sue Gruett lost her footing on a stepstool and broke her leg, quite badly. For a fall from a stepstool, the injuries were severe. One doctor told her it was as if she hit a wall at 70 miles per hour. “Long story short,...
15
Dec
Beacon team’s quick action saves colleague’s life after heart attack scare
Jeanine Smith has spent much of her career caring for others as an associate at Beacon Health System, most recently working alongside orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ryan O’Rourke as a certified medical assistant at Beacon Medical Group Bone and Joint Specialists in South Bend. Active and healthy with no family history of...
15
Dec
Eye on Health: New minimally-invasive spine surgery gets local runner back on track
Ben Lauer couldn't pick up his kids or stand up straight after a workday due to debilitating back pain, but a new minimally invasive procedure at Beacon Health System changed everything. Dr. David Fessler at Beacon Medical Group North Central Neurosurgery was able to repair Lauer's spine through endoscopic spine surgery...
12
Dec
Caring for your mind and spirit during the holidays
The holidays often come with a whirlwind of activities: shopping, gatherings and endless to-do lists. It’s easy to overlook your own well-being. The best gift you can give yourself this season is caring for your mind and spirit — it’s what makes everything else brighter. Small, intentional moments can make...
10
Dec
Why this two-time cancer survivor believes in giving back to local health care
Julie Chenoweth has a cheerful, easygoing way about her. You’d never guess how much she’s been through: breast cancer, thyroid surgery, a hip replacement, knee replacements, pancreatitis and a second breast cancer. She’s a survivor, thanks in part to the excellent care she received at Elkhart General Hospital. Julie was diagnosed with...
09
Dec
Avid traveler’s infected, fractured elbow repaired by Beacon’s multidisciplinary team
Gloria Wilkeson and her husband have always been explorers at heart, and they’re determined to get the most out of every trip, whether cross-country or overseas. So when Gloria tripped and fell at Dublin Airport in Ireland, she wasn’t about to let a little mishap slow her down. “My rubber shoe tips...
08
Dec