When Grace Chan reflects on her recent past, she recalls a whirlwind of hospital visits, daunting diagnoses, and the anxiety of an uncertain future. In a remarkably short time frame, this resilient woman faced multiple significant health challenges, including a kidney tumor, heart disease, and a life-threatening brain aneurysm. Throughout these turbulent times, one constant source of hope and care remained: Loma Linda University Health (LLUH) and its innovative robotic surgery program, now proudly celebrating two decades of groundbreaking achievements.

Grace’s medical odyssey began unexpectedly during what was originally a routine visit to her primary care physician. Blood detected in her urine led to further scans that revealed a mass on her kidney. Although the mass was thankfully benign, it required surgical intervention. Desiring a minimally invasive procedure, Grace’s husband, Alex, diligently sought a skilled specialist, eventually finding Dr. Herbert Ruckle, chair of urology at LLUH and a nationally renowned authority in robotic kidney surgery.

Dr. Ruckle meticulously analyzed Grace’s medical scans—taking into account not only the tumor's characteristics but also her unique physiological factors. His thorough review, which other institutions had neglected, instilled confidence in Grace and Alex. “From the moment we met Dr. Ruckle, we felt we were in the right hands,” Alex recalled, emphasizing Ruckle's expertise and his clear explanation of the procedure.

The robotic-assisted surgery itself was a resounding success, with Grace experiencing a swift recovery thanks to the smaller incisions and significantly reduced recovery time. Both Grace and Alex were not only impressed by the advanced technology but also touched by the compassionate care provided by the dedicated team at LLUH.

However, just as Grace began to regain her health, her life took a terrifying turn. While at home, she suffered a rupture of a brain aneurysm—a critical medical emergency. Trusting her instincts, she requested to be taken to Loma Linda, where she had received excellent care previously, but due to the severity of her condition, paramedics opted for a closer facility in Los Angeles for immediate treatment.

Despite the challenging situation, Grace underwent emergency surgery at the local hospital and later continued her follow-ups at LLUH, reuniting with the doctors she had come to trust during her earlier treatments. Such positive experiences solidified LLUH as the first choice for her healthcare needs.

Then, an unexpected health crisis struck again. While visiting the dentist, Grace felt a wave of fatigue and unease. After further evaluation, she was diagnosed with endocarditis—an infection of the heart's inner lining that had wreaked havoc on her mitral valve. With surgery being her only viable option, once again, LLUH became her safe haven.

Under the skilled hands of Dr. Joshua Chung, chair of cardiothoracic surgery, Grace underwent robotic mitral valve repair—an advanced procedure designed for precision and minimal invasiveness. This alternative to traditional open-heart surgery not only minimized physical trauma but also resulted in a considerably faster recovery. “The surgery was incredible,” Grace remarked, reflecting on her unexpectedly quick healing process.

From her robotic kidney surgery to the robotic valve repair, each operation brought her a step closer to a healthier life, enabling her to reengage with activities she cherished. “Looking back, I can’t believe I went through all of that. But I did, and I’m still here,” Grace affirmed with renewed gratitude.

As LLUH proudly commemorates 20 years of pioneering robotic surgery, Grace’s remarkable journey serves as a powerful testament to the life-saving impact of expertise, cutting-edge technology, and compassionate care in the face of medical adversity. Her story is not merely about survival; it's a celebration of resilience made possible through the relentless dedication of healthcare professionals and innovative surgical techniques.