Patient Stories

Ever since the age of three, Josh Claybourn was unable to express his needs to others. With the help of the therapy team at FMC, he has finally found his voice.

Heartburn was keeping Priscilla Fitzsimmons from the food she loved – until she found relief through the Fairfield Medical Heartburn Center.

Teamwork and sheer determination saved Holly and Carley Amerine’s lives – now Holly is educating other mothers about the importance of paying attention to their bodies during pregnancy.

Retired State Highway Patrol Trooper Larry Jackson didn’t realize how bad his vision was – until surgery made his world a whole lot clearer.

FMC nurse Millie Pritchard has a healthier outlook on life after dropping more than 100 pounds following bariatric surgery.

A small heart pump and a skilled team of caregivers at FMC saved Delbert Buck’s life following a sudden heart attack.

As someone who has experienced a lot of cancer in her family, Tracy Simons has always been ultra-vigilant about her health.

When Marilyn Stephenson is asked to describe what life was like with chronic heartburn, a condition that plagued her for years and even landed her in the hospital, the word “chaos” always immediately comes to mind.

After re-tearing her ACL, Brittany Deval turned to FHP Orthopedics to help her get back on the field.

As a retired wildlife officer, nothing gives Gary Swope more pleasure than being out amongst nature with a walking stick in hand and his wife, Margie, by his side.

When a stroke sidelined Gary several years ago, he worked hard to rehabilitate and get back to the outdoor activities he enjoys. He never imagined that just a short time later, his health would be challenged once again.

When Lisa Lipka needed surgery to remove a large cyst near her heart, her FMC cardiovascular team was there to ease her concerns and help her heal.

Fairfield Medical Center and the Greenfield Township Fire Department recognized the lifesaving efforts of staff at Matt Taylor Kia.

Following a heart transplant, Tim Graham turned to FMC’s Heart & Lung Fund for cardiac rehab assistance.

Carla Munsey may be battling cancer for the fifth time, but that has never stopped her from living life to the fullest.

Dialysis treatment left Julie Lindsey feeling self-conscious about the access site on her arm. She was told nothing could be done – until she sought a second opinion at FMC.

Despite a delay in seeking treatment, Jackie Bailey’s care teams at FMC and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center were able to race against the clock to save her life following a sudden stroke.

Chuck Snider, a long-time resident of the greater Toledo area, is no stranger to the Lancaster community. “I grew up here, and I graduated from Berne Union High School,” he shared. “To come back and see Fairfield Medical Center after all this time has been incredible; it’s an excellent hospital.”

After two knee injuries sidelined soccer player Bri West, the therapy team at Fairfield Medical Center inspired her to reach a new goal.

In March 2018, Donald Tinnermann was facing an unexpected – and uncertain – future. Fortunately, after receiving care for more than a year at various medical facilities, including Fairfield Medical Center’s Wound Clinic, his life is finally back on track.

With the help of Fairfield Medical Center’s Diabetes Support Group, Kim Coakley isn’t letting her diagnosis define her.

When Afib threatened to keep Jay Truesdell from his passion, FMC got him back on track.

Rick Cochran and wife Denise Bauer have discovered what truly matters in life after Rick’s near-fatal battle with sepsis.

Four out of five people don’t survive a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, but Don Dupler was one of the lucky ones.

Mike Landfried’s unbelievable determination to overcome a stroke that temporarily robbed him of his ability to speak and walk is inspiring other stroke patients.

When pilot Scott Richardson found himself dealing with a medical issue over a holiday weekend, the First Medical Urgent Care was on call to give him the quick treatment he needed.

A week after delivering her first baby, maternity nurse Rachael Hall was back in the hospital with a rare and serious pregnancy complication.

Ron Ramey thought his on-again, off-again chest pain was a symptom of acid reflux – until a trip to FMC’s Emergency Dept. uncovered a serious cardiac problem.

The day that Mary Grace Gundelfinger rang the bell to symbolically end her cancer treatments, she was joined by a lot of people who – like her – had been anxiously waiting for this moment.

It came with no warning. One moment, Elijah Crum was relaxing at his boyfriend’s house – the next, he was doubled over with excruciating head pain. 

“It was the worst pain I have ever experienced,” Elijah, 18, of Lancaster, recalls. “Everything was getting really hot and then I vomited everywhere. That’s the last thing I remember before I passed out.”

From the EMS who wouldn’t leave her side to the clinicians who cared for her and her family, Nikki Griffin has one word to describe her experience: heartfelt.