Lung Cancer Survivor Utilizes His Talents to Motivate Others
Nearly 10 years after lung cancer surgery, Ted Hood Jr.’s photography skills help inspire those undergoing similar treatment at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).
Patient Stories
Volunteer Lifts Spirits of Caregivers, Patients at Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging
When Susie Whittington stepped into the role of caregiver for an ailing adult son, she initially didn’t realize how challenging and rewarding this new chapter of her life would turn out to be. “When I first started, I didn’t know what to expect,” said Whittington, a patient and volunteer at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Donald W. Reynold Institute on Aging.
Myeloma Patient Thankful for Chance to Participate in Clinical Trial
Gary Robertson thinks his multiple myeloma diagnosis came at good time, if such a thing is possible.
Persistence Leads Myeloma Patient to UAMS
Angelia Hood didn’t let her initial multiple myeloma diagnosis and treatment keep her from looking for other ways to battle this disease. “Get a second opinion and continue to do your research,” she said. That determination to remain in control of her care led Hood to the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute’s Myeloma Center at…
When Words Are Not Enough: 20-Year Myeloma Survivor Gives Back to UAMS
By Shannon Perna “Thank you.” These heartfelt words are often all that’s needed to express sincere gratitude, but after 20 years of life-saving treatment at the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute’s Myeloma Center, Don Wilson, DVM, and his wife, Melissa Wilson, wanted to do more. So more than a decade ago, they began to…
Myeloma Survivor’s Competitive Spirit Remains Strong
Gary Beck hasn’t let his myeloma diagnosis deter him from doing what he loves best. “I’ve been an athlete all of my life,” said the 73-year-old Beck, who resides in Mountain Home and specializes in long-distance cycling. He has competed in 20K and 5K races at the national and state levels. “I’ve been riding bikes…
Bariatric Surgery at UAMS Weight Loss Clinic Transforms Young Mother’s Life
March 27, 2026 | Jazmin Samone Johnson, a married mother of four, was diagnosed in 2016 with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that caused irregular periods, excessive hair growth, acne, and weight gain. As she struggled to manage the symptoms, she became increasingly anxious and depressed and eventually was also diagnosed with chronic…
Former Myeloma Center Patient Returns to UAMS to Mark 20 Years Since Diagnosis
Ulrike White recently returned to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute to mark 20 years of her diagnosis and treatment of granulocytic sarcoma and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a rare form of blood cancer that, at the time of her diagnosis, was not well understood. White, former chair…
Liver Transplant Patient Thriving, Grateful Nearly Four Years Later
Most people would never know from looking at him that Don Rhoads, president and owner of Fleming Electric, is a liver transplant survivor.
Faith in Arkansas: Chris Bingaman’s Battle with Multiple Myeloma
For Chris Bingaman, every day is a special gift. In 1992, the Pennsylvania native was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a prognosis that was initially believed to be terminal for him, maybe only having a few years to live. His story is primarily one of his heroic fight against the disease, which required immense strength and…
UAMS Employee Overcomes Breast Cancer, Highlights Importance of Yearly Mammograms
Treneica McKnight’s breast cancer journey began in February 2024 with a nagging thought about the mammograms she had missed.
Patient Takes Steps to Prevent Breast Cancer
When she was in her 20s, Jennifer Freeman lost her beloved grandmother suddenly and vowed then to double down on her own health care. Unaware of any genetic risk factors, she asked about a mammogram and was told to wait until she was 40.