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.
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...
read more
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...
read more
“I Have Hope. I Have Confidence.” | Don’s Story
December 21, 2022
Don is an active go-getter and lives with the attitude that he can accomplish anything. He enjoys the special lifestyle that Northern Michigan offers — including cross-country skiing, mountain biking, camping and farming on his 40+ acres of land. A retired manager with a 33-year career at the Michigan Technological...
read more
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...
read more
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.
read more
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...
read more
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.
read more
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."
read more
First, Walking. Next, Adventuring | Matt's Story
July 14, 2022
“So many people helped me get to where I am today – the EMTs, the surgery team, the nurses in the ICU, and everyone on the rehab unit. I knew I could count on them during such an uncertain time."
read more
Getting Back to Enjoying Camp | Dave's Story
July 5, 2022
“I want to thank my therapist, Alysse, and the other rehabilitation specialists at UP Health System – Portage for such a positive experience and for motivating me to become stronger and healthier. Without them, I could not have properly healed my leg.”
read more