Patient Stories
At UP Health System, we put patient care first. We know that every patient is a valuable member of the community that we serve. View our patient stories below, where you can hear firsthand accounts of the quality care you will receive at UP Health System.
The Tom and Terry Show: A Journey through Cardiac Rehab
February 18, 2025
Tom Beccia, left, and Terry Schaaf, right, at the Portage Fitness Center. Tom Beccia and Terry Schaaf met under unusual circumstances. Both residents of the Upper Peninsula crossed paths during cardiac rehabilitation at UP Health System – Portage (UPHS – Portage), which quickly developed into a friendship sustained through regular visits...
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Breast Cancer Never Crossed Her Mind: Kim’s Story
May 3, 2024
Kim, pictured with her husband in the lobby at UPHS – Portage. An active mom, grandmother and owner of Somero Farm in Hancock, Kim doesn’t have much time to worry about what-ifs. Despite her many roles and busy day-to-day life, Kim still makes time to focus on her health. For her,...
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UP Health System – Marquette Lifesaving Heart & Emergency Care | Gregory's Story
September 28, 2023
Gregory Adams was at home when something just didn't feel right—a feeling came over him that he had never felt before. He immediately lost consciousness. After an emergency helicopter flight, Gregory received lifesaving heart care from the heart and vascular team at UP Health System – Marquette.
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Going the Extra Mile — UP Health System – Portage Saved My Life | Joset's Story
June 13, 2023
Dr. Liston and Joset before her first follow-up appointment. Joset loves everything about the Upper Peninsula and the natural beauty it surrounds us with. From camping to riding on her Harley motorcycle or watching her son drag race, Joset considers herself an outdoors person—at least during the warmer months. Married for 34...
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2023 Hope Starts Here Sponsors — the Livermore family, in Honor of Rebecca Livermore
May 23, 2023
Rebecca (Way) Livermore with her husband, Shane, and their daughters, Lennon and Presley Marquette, Michigan | May 23, 2023 — When reflecting on her sister’s legacy, it’s Rebecca’s strength, resiliency, and perseverance that Molly Livermore quickly recalls. Rebecca was a wife, mother of two beautiful daughters, a successful financial advisor, a...
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Type 1 Diabetes | Raegan’s Story
November 29, 2022
Raegan is an energetic and happy four-year-old. As a preschooler, she is artistically inclined and loves to paint and color. She is the bright star of her family, surrounded by her two older sisters and they are very close. Raegan and her mom, Crystal were on their way to their pediatrician’s...
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My First Mammogram Saved my Life | Renee's Story
October 4, 2022
Renee went in for her first routine mammogram and life decided to throw an unexpected storm her way.
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Expect the Unexpected | Allison's Story
September 30, 2022
Allison Dagenais-Watkins and her husband were over-the-moon excited to welcome their baby girl, Lilah, into the world. After struggling with some challenges throughout the pregnancy, they were looking forward to meeting their baby girl and becoming new parents. When the moment arrived, the family was in complete bliss and awe of...
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Cardiac Emergency in the Heart of the UP | John's Story
August 18, 2022
A heart attack can happen anywhere and at any moment — even during a vacation, hundreds of miles from home.
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Unstoppable | Robin's Story
July 20, 2022
“I want to thank the amazing team of women that took care of me because, without them, my life would look a lot different."
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