Needing Faith and Hope
Just a few hours before their twin girls were born, Dani and Wyatt Stramer agreed the names would be perfect: Faith and Hope. "We knew that given our situation, with our girls being born at only 24 weeks, we would need plenty of faith and hope to get us through," says the Grand Forks mom.
Early in the pregnancy, Dani and Wyatt knew they might have difficulties. On Thanksgiving Day, Dani began having strong contractions, prompting an ambulance trip to Fargo. They knew that if their babies were born this early, they would need the highly specialized care of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). MeritCare Children's Hospital is one of the few hospitals in this region with a NICU capable of caring for such small premature infants. Read more about the Stramers.
Journey of a champion
"Shock" was how Kimi Lee described her reaction to her son Brandon's diagnosis: a rare type of cancerous brain tumor called an "ependymoma." In the last 10 years, there have been only six cases in North Dakota.
The dark side of the sun
When Avis Ohman of Fargo noticed a blister-like growth on her chest last year, she could see it looked different – pearly, with uneven edges, but she didn't figure it was anything serious.
Football player tackles one tough challenge
Michael Nelson remembers being flat on his back on a football field in Barrett, Minn. It was a Friday night game in late September, and he'd just attempted a tackle for his Breckenridge Cowboys.
11 buckled, 11 saved
Jim and Twylah Blotsky, both University of North Dakota graduates, were headed up to Grand Forks for UND hockey, along with their two boys, now 5-year-old Josh and 8-year-old Jake, and an 18-year-old nephew.
Imaging of the future
Like many patients, Star Crease of Fargo was accustomed to this classic scene: a doctor puts an X-ray in a light box, then views it. At a recent appointment with Dr. Timothy Uglem, she had an X-ray experience unlike any other.
Mood disorders – What parents should know
Irritable. Doesn't seem to hear what you say. Forgets to do things. Sleeps many hours on weekends. Sometimes has trouble with friends. If this describes your child or adolescent, you're not alone.
New habits for a healthier life
Ever wonder if your own personal steps toward better health really matter? Donna Sell from Fargo will tell you yes.
Voice therapy improves life
Occasionally losing your voice, from a cold or cheering too loudly at a sporting event, happens to almost everyone. You can still speak, but it's difficult for others to hear you and understand what you're saying.