“We have much more energy and a better outlook on life. We’re planning to do the Health System’s 2020 Bridge Run and go hiking in the mountains next spring,” Mandi says. At work, she is a role model for others struggling with obesity. “The nurses show patients how I used to look compared to now,” Mandi says. “It’s pretty incredible, and hopefully, inspiring.”

Feeling Whole Again

“I have the strength to turn over in bed, which I didn’t have before,” she says. “Best of all, I was able to stay on St. Simons Island to get the help I needed to start feeling whole again."

Starts With the Letter C

Community, comfort and convenience are three words Fran Baker, 42, of Brunswick, Ga., uses to describe her experience at Southeast Georgia Health System related to another word that begins with “C” — cancer.

A New Perspective

“Dr. Moores always gave me hope,” says Ms. Griffis. “You can talk to him and he’ll really listen to you. It was like talking to a friend. I don’t much like doctors, but I like him. The same with Dr. Meadows. They are two of the nicest people you will ever meet, and they go out of their way to make sure you are comfortable and have what you need.”

“If I had to go through this, I didn’t want to drive to Jacksonville or Savannah. And my research proved that I didn’t need to, because the physicians and technology at Southeast Georgia Health System are exceptional.”

A Prayer Answered

Myra Hanners, a 64-year-old Brunswick native, has lived with pain for most of her life. Born with a right foot that has only three toes and an ankle with missing bone, she underwent many experimental surgeries at a medical center in Augusta when she was a young girl.

A Difficult Decision Made Easy

When Bob Davis was diagnosed with prostate cancer, he faced a difficult decision — either have surgery to remove his prostate or face a long series of radiation treatments with lingering side effects. He began looking for an alternative.

Getting Back to Life

“One week after surgery, the stiches were removed, and I left for a two week vacation to Colorado. I flew there and drove all the way back without a problem. I never would have been able to endure a trip like that before surgery.”

“We can afford to eat at nicer restaurants because we eat less, and we have more clothing options because we don’t have to shop in big and tall stores,” says Mr. Gandy. “There are lots of little things we couldn’t do before that we can now, and we still experience small victories every day. The surgery was truly a life-changing event.”

Finding a Place for Dad

When Mindy Egan needed to find a nursing home for her ailing father, she had little experience in the matter. After researching her options, Mindy chose the Southeast Georgia Health System Senior Care Center–Brunswick because of the warm, professional attitude of the staff; its clean, bright appearance; and the fact that it is owned by the Health System.

Octogenerian Finds Her Happy Place

“When you’re there, you’re reassured,” says Creta. “The staff and my peers are so encouraging. It’s my happy place. I regained confidence in my body and knew rehab was healing my heart.”

“Across the board, the quality of care at Southeast Georgia Health System is exceptional,” Ms. Steiner emphasizes. “I came from the Philadelphia area, where there are so many top-notch major hospitals, and I would rank Southeast Georgia Health System right up there with any of them.”

During my time as a resident, I tried to help friends who couldn’t do for themselves. I would love to come back and visit as a volunteer to give comfort and companionship to the people who can’t leave like I can. Making friends here is both easy and difficult because some of the friends I made passed on from this life. It’s important to me to make them happy and keep their spirits up while they’re still here, so they can find love, peace and joy—that’s what this place is all about.

Taking Charge of Cancer

“It was absolutely a team approach,” says Ms. Strayer. “Everybody worked together from Dr. Arlauskas, Dr. Barr, Dr. Moores to the entire Cancer Care Center team. I was very comfortable and confident with everyone. Now, not only can I share the care experience here in Brunswick as a nurse, but also as a patient.”

A Young Athlete’s Journey from Disability to Hope

“I just returned from the Grand Canyon, I’m walking two to three hours a day pain-free, I’m playing basketball and I have a new career. Dr. Deese gave me back my life and my future.”

“I would certainly recommend having your knee replaced, if necessary,” Dan says. “It will give you a new lease on life. Don’t hesitate — don’t do like me and wait until you fall. Go see about it, and get it taken care of!”

“An overweight person is generally left out of plans because they can’t keep up. Life doesn’t have to be that way. If dieting has failed and your health is getting worse, schedule a consultation with Dr. Tsai. Do it now – have fun and enjoy life!”

Road to Recovery

Paul Christian, a 58-year-old retired marine biologist and avid cyclist, has been active all his life. When his right shoulder began bothering him about three years ago, he thought the pain would go away on its own, but instead it grew worse.

Timing is Everything

Although Gladys’ daughters were concerned during their mother’s health crisis, they knew she was in good hands. “The emergency care team was absolutely wonderful. They kept us informed which put us at ease and they gave mama every comfort she needed."

A Lifesaving Lesson

“Please don’t hesitate to have a colonoscopy. It could very well save your life.”