“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.”

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.

“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!”

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.”

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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."

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 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.”

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.

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.

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.”

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.”