The Adrean Harris Story - Sleep Wellness Center

Adrean Harris didn't think she had a sleep problem. The 74-year-old La Connor resident wasn't overweight and suffered from few of the underlying health problems usually associated with sleep disorders. But when her husband, George, reminded her that she snored and felt tired most of the time – even to the point of nodding off while driving – Harris asked her primary-care doctor to arrange an evaluation at the Island Hospital Sleep Wellness Center.

The Sharon Maya Story - Cancer Care

At 67, Friday Harbor resident Sharon Maya had never experienced a major illness. Then she was diagnosed with a form of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and was facing her first massive chemotherapy infusion at Island Hospital's Merle Cancer Care Center (MCCC).

The Gail Woodruff Story - Pulmonary Rehabilitation

When new members join the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Exercise Program at Island Hospital, some doubt their ability to participate. That’s when rehab veteran Gail Woodruff would often step up with an encouraging smile and assure beginners, “Don’t worry, if I can do it, so can you.”
 
Gail speaks from experience and a hard-won self-confidence. She had her first heart operation a month shy of her 50th birthday, a second four years later, followed by a lung surgery. Today she suffers from chronic heart and lung disease, but thanks in part to the Pulmonary Rehab Program and the life style changes she’s made, Gail continues to pursue activities that. . .  Read more.

The Reese Perkins Story - Cardiac Rehabilitation

“I didn’t retire to sit home in a rocking chair.”

The sun is barely up, but in the Cardiopulmonary Care Center at Island Hospital workout room 79-year-old Reese Perkins is already working up a sweat on the rowing machine. Around him are others who regularly exercise in an ongoing program for individuals recovering from heart-related illnesses or procedures. 

“On workout days I get up real early,” says Reese. “It’s good to have a place to go and something to do that not only makes me. . . Read more.

The Jean Johansen Story - Diabetes Education

“I stopped feeling guilty and started to rebuild my health.”

People react in different ways when they are diagnosed with a life-changing illness such as diabetes. Many are anxious about how they and their families will cope. They may worry about finances, experience uncertainty about the future, and more. 

For Jean Johansen, who was diagnosed with diabetes nearly a year ago at Island Hospital, the reaction was one tinged with relief. “Finally I could put a name to my lack of energy. . . Read more.