Earlier this month, we honored Teresa (left) with the Saint Luke’s Survivor’s Seat at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Dr. Carlos A. Bagley (right), Teresa's spine surgeon and medical director of Saint Luke's Marion Bloch Neuroscience Institute, joined her, along with Teresa’s family. The Survivor’s Seat is a special recognition reserved for Saint Luke’s patients who have overcome significant health challenges, demonstrating extraordinary strength on their path to recovery. Teresa was diagnosed with a spinal cord tumor in late 2023 that affected her ability to walk. Although the tumor was non-cancerous, it needed to be removed quickly before it permanently damaged her mobility. Dr. Bagley surgically removed it, and Teresa relearned to walk at Saint Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute. As the premier sponsor for the Kauffman Center, Saint Luke’s is proud to spotlight patients who represent resilience and determination. (fb)

Anthony received a heart transplant one day and then a kidney transplant the next day. The 68-year-old from Lee’s Summit was diagnosed with heart and kidney failure last year after surviving three strokes. He was referred to Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute and met with heart failure specialist Dr. Taiyeb Khumri, who said he was a candidate for a transplant. After months of being in and out of the hospital, Anthony received a heart transplant in November 2024, which was performed by cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Russell Davis. The following day, he had a kidney transplant performed by Dr. Kathryn Shaw. “It can still be emotional for me when I stop and think about it,” said Anthony. “Someone had to die in order for me to live. I am grateful and humbled to have received the gift of organ donation.” Anthony is getting stronger every day after his transplants. He and his wife, Peggy, are hopeful and excited about all that lies ahead for them. “I’m looking forward to this summer, but I’m especially looking forward to next summer when I’ll be even stronger.” Watch the KMBC 9 story now: https://heyor.ca/NYMN2b #DonateLifeMonth (fb)