Story

When Tricia Takasugi first discovered a lump in her breast, she knew she had to act quickly. A close friend, a breast cancer survivor who was treated at Hoag, urged her to seek care without delay. “She said, ‘You cannot wait two months or three months to see a doctor.’” Following that advice, Tricia called … Read More

We have a choice about how to react to the heartaches of life. We can wallow in the dark places. Or we can, as Christine Lucas has, place the hummingbird feeder in the sunniest part of the garden, find a comfortable chair and enjoy the gift of being human. After losing two partners to cancer, … Read More

Fall 2023, Jennifer Drinkwater scheduled an appointment with the Hoag Breast Center to get a second opinion on her small, non-invasive breast cancer diagnosis. Upon further screening, board certified fellowship-trained breast surgeon Dr. Elizabeth Kraft, discovered Jennifer had been misdiagnosed. Jennifer was diagnosed with HER2-positive invasive breast cancer, which had spread to her lymph node. … Read More

There have been so many health decisions to make in her life, and though she had the moral support of her family and friends, Jacqueline Ellis felt somewhat alone in making them. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of four, Jacqueline grew up learning to read ingredients labels, plan errands around medication doses, … Read More

James Chao is an athlete, so he knows how to strive for something better. A better time in the bike races in which he’s competed. A better level of fitness in his training. So when his energy started to wane, it is unsurprising that he wanted to address it right away in the best way … Read More

Steven Katz has spent nearly every morning of the last 35 years running on the beach near his home in Oahu. For the 74-year-old, eight-time marathon competitor, running on the beach is more than a hobby. Running is Katz’s form of meditation, his “therapy.” But for the better part of a year, pain had robbed … Read More

If you experience leg pain, your blood vessels may be the last thing on your mind, but the pain may be caused by issues with your circulation. “When and how you experience leg pain is a tell-tale sign of what is causing your pain,” said Antonio Covarrubias, M.D., a vascular and endovascular surgeon at Hoag’s … Read More

When it comes to breast health, knowledge is power. Understanding the benefits of mammograms is crucial, especially if you have dense breast tissue or breast implants. Here’s what you need to know about how these factors influence your screening and what steps the Hoag Breast Center may take to ensure your breast health. Why Mammograms … Read More

Bone health is crucial for overall well-being, yet many people are unaware of the silent process of bone density loss that occurs as we age. Understanding bone density and its impact on your health is vital to preventing conditions like osteoporosis. Here’s what you need to know about protecting your bones and ensuring a healthier … Read More

Teddi Lamons' inspiring journey to motherhood amidst her battle with severe ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease highlights the exceptional, patient-centered care at Hoag’s Digestive Health Institute. Guided by Dr. Hwang and Dr. Raskin, Teddi navigated her complex health challenges to safely welcome her daughter, Florence 'Flossie' Lamons, into the world. This heartfelt story underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing high-risk pregnancies and chronic conditions.