Patient Stories

Behind every story in medicine is an important question: What more could be possible? At WashU Medicine, patient care is grounded in leading-edge research — accelerating breakthroughs and turning bold science into tomorrow’s cures. Meet some of the individuals whose lives have been reshaped by teams who never stopped searching for answers.

In Our Lifetime — Part 1: A Piece of Me

Alzheimer’s disease has followed Jake Heinrichs’ family for generations, claiming the lives of his brother, father and others. Jake is part of a WashU Medicine clinical trial exploring whether treatment before symptoms appear could help families like his avoid what is written in their DNA.

Another Tomorrow: The Journey to Finding a Cure for ALS

For those suffering from ALS, time is the ultimate gift. After more than two decades of research, a first-of-its-kind therapy discovered at WashU Medicine is helping patients with a specific form of the disease reclaim strength, movement and futures once thought impossible.

The Cure Within: A First in the Treatment of Sickle Cell Disease

Martin Mwita Jr. lived with sickle cell disease so severe that doctors once said he likely would not live past 35. Then he became the first patient in the region to receive a newly approved gene therapy using his own modified stem cells. His second chance at life is giving the world a glimpse of what’s possible for those living with this devastating disease.

Surviving a Complex Brain Tumor

When Scott Keifer learned he had a life-threatening brain tumor, he started to prepare for the worst. His WashU Medicine neurosurgeon offered hope through an innovative laser surgery that had him back home and pain-free within 24 hours of surgery.

From the OR to the End Zone: Elijah and Dr. Goldfarb’s Journey

Elijah Schultz was born missing a leg and most of his fingers. Throughout his childhood, transformative surgeries from his orthopedic surgeon helped him become a record-breaking, multi-sport athlete — and a champion in the classroom.

James’ Story: Undiagnosed Diseases Network at WashU Medicine

Every test kept coming back normal, but James Lair’s parents knew something was wrong. See how WashU Medicine’s UDN helped them uncover a powerful gift for any family on a years-long diagnostic odyssey: an answer.

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