Spine Patient Stories | UPMC

Allison DeAngelis: Spinal Arteriovenous Malformation

Allison poses at the base of a natural rock archway in Arizona.

Frustrated by the continuous intense ache and cramping pain in her leg, Allison turned to the experts at UPMC for help.

Barbara Fritz: Schwannoma Tumor

A bad fall led to the discovery of a massive nerve tumor pressing on Barbara’s spinal cord and aorta. Learn more about her story.

A bad fall led to the discovery of a massive nerve tumor pressing on Barbara’s spinal cord and aorta. Learn how a team of UPMC surgeons worked together using the latest technology to successfully remove the dangerous growth.

Read Barbara Fritz's story

David Hanna: Spinal Fusion Surgery

Chronic back pain plagued Dave Hanna. Multiple surgeries over the years provided relief and enabled him to continue golfing — his favorite activity. But doctors warned that his lumbar spinal stenosis would ultimately require spinal fusion surgery. When he couldn’t walk or stand for more than a few minutes, Dave finally called UPMC for help.

Chronic back pain plagued Dave Hanna of New Kensington for decades. Multiple surgeries over the years provided relief and enabled him to continue golfing — his favorite activity. But doctors warned that his lumbar spinal stenosis would ultimately require spinal fusion surgery. When he couldn’t walk or stand for more than a few minutes, Dave finally called UPMC for help.

Read Dave Hanna's story

Bob Keeley: Cervical Fracture (Broken Neck)

Bob was riding his mountain bike down a trail at Snowshoe, W.Va., when he flipped head over heels, breaking his neck in the crash. Learn how the Delaware financial advisor found his way to UPMC, where a team of surgeons collaborated to ease his pain and stabilize his spine.

Read Bob Keeley's story

Marsha Songer: Spinal Stenosis, Foraminal Stenosis, and Anterolisthesis

From walker to walking pain-free—Marsha’s spine surgery restored her mobility and independence. Learn more about how Marsha found relief with UPMC.

Marsha, 63, from Clarion County, endured debilitating back pain that left her unable to work or walk without assistance. After being diagnosed with multiple spinal issues, she underwent lumbar fusion surgery performed by Dr. Matt El-Kadi at UPMC Passavant in April 2025. Today, Marsha is pain-free, walking independently, and has returned to her active lifestyle and work.

Read Marsha's story

Michael Kweder: Lumbosacral Pseudarthrosis

A bad fall on icy steps just a year after undergoing spinal fusion surgery left Michael Kweder in severe and debilitating pain. Unfortunately, years of therapy did nothing to help. The 61-year-old was stooped over and using a walker when he turned to the experts at UPMC for relief.

Read Michael Kweder's story

Mike Russo: Spinal Reconstruction Surgery

After nearly 30 spinal fusion surgeries over a 20-year span, Mike underwent spinal reconstruction surgery in 2023 and 2024 at UPMC.

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Marisette V.: Spinal Stenosis, Spondylosthesis, and Kidney Removal

After spine and kidney surgery, Marisette, 65, is healing and hopeful—ready to retire in Holland. Learn more about her story.

Marisette V., 65, a software engineer and rower from Verona, Pa., faced spinal stenosis and a suspected kidney tumor in 2023. After minimally invasive spine surgery and kidney removal at UPMC Presbyterian in 2024, she’s recovering well and grateful to her care team. She now looks forward to retiring in Holland with renewed health.

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Jenna N.: Calcified Thoracic Disc

Jenna received exceptional care at UPMC for her calcified thoracic disc, leading to a successful recovery. Read her story.

Jenna N., 25, experienced sudden leg numbness from a herniated disc and spinal cord injury. At UPMC Mercy, Edward Andrews, MD, performed a complex surgery that restored her mobility. She recovered quickly. Jenna, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis during follow-up care, credits Dr. Andrews for his skill, compassion, and life-changing support.

Read Jenna's story