Our Patient Stories

Every day, patients pass through Parkland’s doors with inspiring stories of struggle, hope and strength. Here are just a few of the lives that have been healed by Parkland.

The strongest 8-year-old you’ve never met

“She’s been so strong. Through it all. Stronger than all of us,” said her mother Donveta Mosley, who found inspiration from the courage her daughter showed. With burns covering 25 to 30% of her body, Aniya’s circumstances were far from ideal. Long hours spent recovering in Parkland’s Burn Center, time away from family and friends; healing didn’t just happen overnight.

“It’s Okay if the Only Thing You Did Today Was Breathe”

Vulnerability is a strength that is sometimes misrepresented by many as a weakness. But Madison McNair is a Parkland behavioral health patient whose superpower comes from her ability and willingness to share her story.

Anything is Possible with a Loving Brother

“I won’t have to depend on a machine anymore to survive. Now, I’m going to live,” said kidney transplant recipient Saul Arvizu. The 35-year-old recently underwent a kidney transplant at Parkland Memorial Hospital, marking not only the end of the suffering he endured since his teens, but also the start of a future free from pain.

Listening to Her Body Saved Her Life

At just 37 years old, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Polk first noticed a sudden breast pain that lasted nearly a week. At first, she didn’t think much of it until the pain became too difficult to ignore. “The first day was a little sore, and then it kept getting more and more painful,” she said. “When putting on my clothes was causing too much pain, that’s when I knew it was not normal.”

How Early Cancer Detection at Parkland Led to 100 Lifesaving Diagnoses

When 43-year-old Monique Jones went to Parkland Memorial Hospital for a broken ankle, cancer was the last thing on her mind. The mother of two had surgery to repair her ankle and was focused on healing. During a follow-up visit, her physician noticed she was due for a mammogram and encouraged her to schedule one. Jones felt fine. She had no symptoms. Still, she followed through. “I wasn’t expecting anything,” she said. “Nothing felt wrong, but I was of the recommended age and figured it couldn’t hurt.”

The Man with Two Birthdays

Recently, he made a return visit to the hospital — this time under happier, more celebratory circumstances — as he was given a tour of the revamped transplant program. And while Hernandez and his family were all smiles during their visit, he still remembers the days when smiling didn’t come as easy. “Something’s going to happen eventually,” the now 70-year-old said – recalling a time during his health struggles when his future wasn’t so certain. “It was something that I always had in the back of my mind.”

Stories That Inspire, Care That Makes a Difference

See how Parkland’s care makes a lasting impact in the lives of the people we serve.