Patient Stories

A commitment to serve with compassion and excellence

After collapsing unexpectedly while responding to a call, Bolton Fire Department firefighter Steven was brought to the Emergency Department at Saint Francis Hospital, where doctors discovered he had suffered a heart attack. Two of his arteries were found to be 80–90% blocked.

Thanks to the swift action and expert care of Joseph Paul DeSimone, MD, thoracic and cardiac surgeon, along with the dedicated cardiac surgery team and inpatient cardiac unit, Steven received the lifesaving treatment he needed.

“I’m grateful for everything they did and happy to be able to go back and thank them,” Steven shared.

50,000th patient receives a joint replacement at CJRI

Just one week earlier, Diane was living with extreme joint pain. Today, she’s walking forward after receiving a joint replacement at the Connecticut Joint Replacement Institute (CJRI) at Saint Francis Hospital.

Diane is the 50,000th patient to receive a joint replacement at CJRI—a powerful milestone that reflects years of dedication, innovation, and compassionate care.

Her story is a testament to how quickly lives can change with the right team and the right treatment. 

"Get it done - it's much easier to catch before it spreads."

Just nine months after lung cancer surgery, Donald was back to his favorite sport, climbing, even tackling a 13,000-foot peak in Nevada! Aware of his family’s history with lung cancer, Donald took proactive steps by choosing to get screened. When a scan showed a shadow on his left upper lobe, he was promptly referred to Dr. Magge, who saw him the very next day. The biopsy revealed cancer, and Dr. Kachala soon performed surgery to remove the affected upper lobe. “Dr. Kachala is compassionate and personable. I couldn’t be happier with him,” Donald shared.

Now cancer-free, Donald is back to climbing, working out, and living life to the fullest. He encourages others with lung cancer risk factors to get screened: "Get it done—it’s much easier to catch it before it spreads."

Our Mission is to be your trusted health partner for life.

"You’ve saved me many times," said Michele, reflecting on her care at Saint Francis Hospital. What stood out most to her was the hospital’s willingness to truly listen—and to act on patient feedback.

As someone with hearing loss, Michele felt seen and heard. From the Emergency Department to Dr. Buonocore’s office, every member of her care team incorporated her unique communication needs into her treatment plan.

We are deeply grateful to patients like Michele who share their stories and help us grow stronger together.

“I’m alive today because of what he did.”

“I’m alive today because of what he did,” says Robin about her experience with Dr. Kachala. “I wouldn’t trust anyone else for my surgery.” Following her initial lung cancer diagnosis, Robin faced the devastating news that her cancer had returned. With Dr. Kachala’s compassionate care, however, she felt supported every step of the way. “Hearing that I had cancer was crippling, but he talked me down off many ledges. He made things better.” She also credits the entire surgical team for easing her anxieties and fears, helping her through every challenge. “Dr. Kachala never makes you feel rushed,” she adds. “He’ll sit with you, explain everything, and even hold your hand if you need it. You feel like he’s really with you in it.” With heartfelt gratitude, Robin encourages anyone with risk factors to get screened for lung cancer: “It’s so important—it could save your life.”

"That's all it takes, a little compassion and care."

"The valet parking team are the first people you interact with when you arrive at the hospital and Scott, in particular, has been unbelievably kind." said Clare reflecting on her and her husband Larry's experience at the Smilow Cancer Center at Saint Francis Hospital. Scott always went above and beyond to greet them and help Larry from the car.

Being able to go back and hug the people who took such good care of Larry during a difficult time "was such a blessing". Dr. Vredenburgh and the team at the Cancer Center, Gina at Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital, along with the physical and occupational therapy teams, the ICU team, ED team, and many others treated them "like we were human beings who needed help." "That's all it takes, a little compassion and care," she said.

Clare expressed particular gratitude for their experience at Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital, where Larry spent time recovering after receiving a referral from Dr. Gerardi. "We were so impressed with the facility. It could not have been a more positive experience. My husband would not be here in our house if it weren't for the kindness of the therapists," she said.

The Impact of Organ Donation

Meet Priya—a kidney transplant recipient who received the beautiful gift of life from a deceased organ donor. As part of her journey, she received follow-up care at Saint Francis Hospital.

To honor her donor, Priya lovingly made these small hearts and placed them in the chapel for anyone who would like to have one. A simple yet powerful reminder of the impact of organ donation and the generosity that gives others a second chance at life. 

An Award-Winning Wound Care Center

Because Craig, can’t say enough about his “angels” and the care he’s received at Saint Mary’s Wound Healing Center, his sister created a shirt for him!

Our award-winning Wound Healing Center is dedicated to healing chronic wounds and improving the quality of our patients’ lives. 

We believe every birth is a beautiful beginning.

This Mother’s Day, we were honored to celebrate—Taylor—who welcomed baby Oliver into the world. Congratulations, Taylor, on the arrival of your little one and the start of a lifelong bond.

Our thoracic oncology program detects lung cancer early

When Diana noticed a lump in her neck, she thought she had just strained something. But pulmonologist Dr. Daniel Gerardi ordered a CT scan that revealed six nodules in her lungs—one large enough to require follow-up. Using our Ion advanced robotic bronchoscopy technology, Dr. Gerardi performed a minimally invasive biopsy that revealed a carcinoid tumor. He counseled Diana on the diagnosis and referred her to thoracic surgeon Dr. Stefan Kachala for surgery.

Thanks to the coordinated efforts of our multidisciplinary lung cancer team, Diana underwent a successful lobectomy. She was relieved to learn that because her tumor was caught early, and that she wouldn’t need chemotherapy or radiation.

What stood out most, she said, was the compassion and skill of her care team.
“He is so talented, humble, and down to earth,” Diana said of Dr. Kachala. “He treats you like a friend or family member. If you are anywhere in the Northeast, you will not regret seeking his expert care.”

Our thoracic oncology program, with close collaboration between pulmonologists, surgeons, radiologists, and oncologists, helps us to detect lung cancer early and deliver more effective, personalized treatment. We’re proud to guide patients like Diana through their journey with expertise and heart.