Archives for Heidi Prescott

When a sore won’t heal: Multi-specialty approach at Beacon saved patient’s leg

It started with a small sore on Terry Wolfinger's little toe — a small annoyance that refused to go away. “I didn’t think much of it at first,” Terry says. “But then it got worse.” Pain in his foot put a cramp in Terry and his wife's plans to enjoy their...

Patient and Beacon neurosurgery team partner for life-changing surgery

Jerry Roberts had high standards when he was looking for a neurosurgeon—as anyone should. He wanted someone who would make decisions together. Someone who would listen to what mattered to him. Someone who could guide him through the pain of spine surgery recovery without feeling like he was risking his 25-year...

Beacon’s online tools make managing your family’s health care easier

Parenting young children means embracing the beautiful chaos — and sometimes it takes a Herculean effort just to get them out the door. “It feels like Navy SEAL training to get them all ready and out of the house sometimes,” says Melissa Cook, mom to a six- and eight-year-old. Everyone must be...

Defying the odds: Patient triumphs over recurring brain tumors, supported by Beacon’s care

“I’m in my ninth year of battling brain tumors,” Christopher Riley shares. With the support of his medical team, family and the strength of his faith, he continues to overcome his medical challenges, practice law, serve his community and enjoy time with loved ones. Nearly a decade ago, Christopher lost sight...

After farm accident, Beacon patient turns recovery journey into mission helping amputees

When we shared Laurie Hayn’s story in 2022, she had just been adjusting to life after losing her left leg and most of her left arm in a farming accident. Through expert trauma care at Beacon, determination and a resilient spirit, Laurie was back to farming within just one year. Since...

It’s a boy! Beacon welcomes its first baby of 2025 at Elkhart General Hospital

It's a boy! Hannah and Billy Dahmen of Edwardsburg welcomed the first baby of the New Year at our Beacon hospitals. Bennett Dahmen was born at 2:45 a.m. at Elkhart General Hospital, weighing in at 7 pounds, 10 ounces. He has two older brothers, Liam, 4, and Everett, 2. "It does feel really...

From age 7 diagnosis to teenage success, Beacon Children’s Hospital patient thrives after scoliosis surgery

When doctors diagnose scoliosis, an abnormal curvature of the spine, they typically see it in adolescents. But for Nayelli Wood, the journey began much earlier, at just seven years old. During what seemed like a routine check-up, both her pediatrician and her mother Marisela, a registered nurse, noticed something concerning –...

Beacon creates new career pipeline with seasonal nursing assistant program at Memorial Hospital

When Memorial Hospital leaders saw they were missing out on a valuable talent pool and an opportunity to nurture future healthcare professionals, they developed a new program tailored for college students pursuing a career in health care. The seasonal nursing assistant program, spearheaded by Pam Morrison, Beacon's Workforce Development Program Manager,...