UW Health

Padres e Hijos en Acción is transforming the lives of Latinx children with disabilities and their families. Through activities like gardening, biking, cooking, and even trampoline jumping, kids build social, communication and motor skills while also gaining independence and confidence. Families also benefit from unique workshops—like learning about special needs trusts, health care advocacy, and how to set high expectations in education—to prepare children for future success. And because all resources and materials are offered in Spanish (and English), Padres e Hijos en Acción fills a critical gap for Spanish-speaking families who might otherwise be left out of these opportunities. The support offers celebration and empowerment for families to help their children experience joy, dignity and belonging. UW Health is proud to support Padres e Hijos en Acción and shine a light on their impact during Latinx Heritage Month. Together, we celebrate the richness of our Latinx community and the families who inspire inclusion, strength and hope every day. Learn more about their work: https://lnkd.in/g9ismnw9

At UW Health, world-class lung transplant outcomes go hand-in-hand with compassionate, personalized care. Patients consistently tell us they feel fully supported—thanks to a team that is knowledgeable, approachable, and committed to guiding them through every stage of the transplant journey. Key highlights: • Median wait time of 21 days, about half the national average • Leaders in complex care including pediatric, multi-organ and combined cardiac surgery • Nearly 40 years of specialized experience Excellence in results and experience: that’s the UW Health difference.

Over the past decade at UW Health, Dr. Dan O’Connell has been a transformative leader in pediatric gastroenterology. Though not originally from or educated in Wisconsin he has taken to heart the Wisconsin Idea to use the information learned and developed at UW–Madison to solve problems and improve the lives of the people of Wisconsin. When a regional partnership in Green Bay ended abruptly between two other organizations, Dr. O’Connell stepped in to ensure continuity of care, personally expanding access to high-quality services and strengthening relationships with local health care partners. His division is now one of the largest regional providers, reducing travel burdens and improving outcomes for families. “I find incredible satisfaction to being able to care for kids and families around the state, including my practices in Madison, Oshkosh and Green Bay. This allows me to bring the UW Health Kids expertise to many areas around the state and keep kids and families local when we can,” says Dr. Dan O’Connell. Dr. O’Connell received a 2025 Physician Excellence Award, a peer-nominated honor that recognizes his leadership, clinical excellence and unwavering commitment to expanding access to care for children and families throughout the region.

Meet Issis Macias—a self-taught abstract painter and one of the artists whose work helps create a healing environment at UW Health Eastpark Medical Center. Issis first pursued a conventional career path, earning a master’s degree in public administration and working in water conservation. But the transformative and healing power of painting drew her in. She turned to painting while grieving the sudden loss of a dear friend and during a season of profound change—becoming a new mother and navigating a major career shift during the pandemic. “Life is complicated. We each have personal stories that contain pain or maybe even trauma. I found that I’m now able to translate my experiences into color, into beauty,” Issis shares. “I’m hoping that the connection with the viewer is the message that they can, too, in their own way.” The daughter of Mexican immigrants, Issis’ art reflects her heritage and the resilience of generations before her—grandmothers who created and persevered out of necessity. Her vibrant canvases echo the richness of Mexican traditions, from embroidered textiles to Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations. “I have a greater appreciation for my language and my culture now that I live in Madison. I took it for granted in L.A.,” Issis says. She brings Spanish-speaking Latinos together through her art, creating spaces of reflection and connection while inspiring the next generation. She also finds inspiration in her daughter, her muse. “I carry her light and joy when I paint.” We are proud to honor Latinx artists and their voices year-round—and especially during Latinx Heritage Month. Learn more about artist Issis Macias. La Familia (acrylic on canvas, 24” x 36”) was created in collaboration with Rodrigo Carapia and is one of nine paintings by Issis Macias on display at UW Health Eastpark Medical Center. 

Nursing wasn’t something Kallie Norby initially saw herself doing, intimidated by the profession, she chose to pursue business after high school. However, she soon realized she was seeking a more fulfilling path, one that aligned with her passion for helping others and building meaningful connections. During this time, she witnessed the incredible compassion and dedication of the nurses who cared for her mom during her struggles with cancer. She knew then that nursing would provide the fulfillment she was seeking. Kallie saw nursing as a profession that would challenge her to grow personally and professionally while allowing her to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. In 2024, Kallie started working at UW Health as a nursing assistant. Early on, she was floated to the Cardiovascular/Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit (CVCT ICU). Kallie says, at first, she was intimidated by the machines, cords, and fast-paced environment. But within an hour, several staff members checked in to see if she needed help. She assisted with patient repositioning and hallway walks and even witnessed someone walking just a few days after a lung transplant. By the end of the shift, she left feeling energized. A few months later, Kallie applied to transfer to the CVCT ICU permanently. UW Health has given Kallie the chance to work alongside experienced and competent staff who inspired her to grow and develop in the same way. She says, “The environment fosters teamwork, learning, and professional growth, and being around people who embody the role you aspire to have is incredibly motivating.” Kallie continues to grow her nursing career. She recently started the UW Health Nurse Residency Program on the same unit. Even in her first few weeks, she’s already learned so much. Kallie says, “It lit a fire, reminded me that I really do love to learn and what I learn is as important to me as it is to who I care for. I do believe I am in the right field, and I can’t wait to see how much I’ll grow in the next six months and in years to come.”

The team at our Infusion Center at Eastpark Medical Center didn’t need a 𝘞𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘓𝘪𝘴𝘵 to know what would brighten everyone’s day—Taylor Swift’s new album release! 💎 ✨🧡 They celebrated with themed outfits, sweet treats and decorations that brought some extra sparkle and joy to the space today.

Donna Thompson isn’t just a nursing assistant—she’s the kind of teammate who makes every shift better for patients and staff alike. Whether she’s transferring a patient, answering a call light, or mentoring a new team member, Donna leads with empathy and dedication. She creates a culture of respect and teamwork, always lifting others up and modeling what it means to work together in health care. Patients remember her—not just by name but for how she makes them feel seen and cared for. She knows their spouses’ names, their grandkids’ hobbies and how to bring a sense of dignity to every interaction. She is the kind of caregiver who shows up before she’s asked and stays until the work is done. That’s why we’re proud to celebrate her with a Nursing Excellence Award in the category of Clinical Support Staff. Hear from Donna and other Nursing Excellence Award recipients at: https://uw.health/42vWofa

Owen had just started his sophomore year at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse in the fall of 2023 when his health started to go sideways. It began with intense leg pain caused by blood clotting. When he should have been having the time of his life in college, Owen was struggling to walk and feel well enough to attend classes. Physicians at Gundersen Health in La Crosse diagnosed Owen with leukemia. His particular form of the disease is quite rare in young people—chronic myeloid leukemia with a B-cell acute lymphoblastic blast crisis. Conventional treatment, such as chemotherapy, would not be enough for Owen. He also needed a bone marrow transplant, a procedure that wipes out the body’s immune system and creates a new one by infusing the patient with new bone marrow provided by a donor. Tests determined Owen’s younger sister Lydia was a perfect match and the transplant happened in spring of 2025. Bone marrow transplants are only performed at major medical centers, so Owen and his girlfriend Nikki moved from La Crosse to Madison to be closer to the American Family Children’s Hospital and to Nikki’s family who live in the area. Owen learned of his cancer diagnosis just seven months into dating Nikki, but she didn’t hesitate about staying. Nikki was all in with Owen. Owen was admitted to American Family Children’s Hospital in April 2024. He initially thought his stay might be a few weeks but he kept getting sicker, eventually spending 111 days there. For part of his stay, his disease confounded not only his UW Health Kids care team but other childhood cancer experts around the nation who were consulted. Getting past the 100-day mark following a bone marrow transplant without major complications is a major milestone. “It takes time for his new immune system to put down roots.” says Dr. Becky Richards, a UW Health Kids cancer expert who specializes in bone marrow transplantation. “That’s why he spent about six weeks in the hospital after the transplant. We also discourage contact with more than just a few people, especially during those first 100 days. Owen has gotten past that point and that gives us more encouragement for the long term.” Dr. Cathy Lee-Miller, Owen's primary hematologist-oncologist, is among many who are moved by his relentless upbeat outlook. “Owen is a remarkable young man who has been dealt a pretty rough hand,” she says. “You wouldn’t blame him for being angry at the world, but he just sees the positive and doesn’t complain. He’s the kind of kid you want your child to be. He is truly a light.”

✨ Celebrating 50 years of care ✨ When Lou Falligant graduated from the Yale Physician Assistant Program in 1975, he set out to make a difference in people’s lives. Fifty years later, at age 79, he’s still doing just that — providing care, guidance and comfort to patients at the UW Health Cottage Grove Clinic. Lou has cared for families across Wisconsin, from rural counties to busy city clinics, always bringing compassion and curiosity to his work. For the past 16 years, he’s been a trusted presence at the Cottage Grove Clinic, where patients, colleagues and team members alike rely on his expertise and kindness. What keeps him going? “The appreciation patients show, the chance to help people, that’s what makes it all worthwhile,” Lou says. We are deeply grateful for his 50 years of service as a physician assistant and for the thousands of lives he’s touched — a legacy of care that is truly remarkable.

This week, we proudly recognize our Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) during National APP Week, September 22–26. APPs are highly trained nurse practitioners, physician assistants, certified nurse midwives, anesthesiologist assistants and certified registered nurse anesthetists who provide exceptional care across our health system. Their expertise, collaboration and compassion are essential to advancing health for the patients and communities we serve. We invite you to join us in celebrating the remarkable impact of our APPs. If an APP has touched your life, please thank them here: https://uw.health/4nhsd3R