
Blog
Learning to Live Out Loud with Brain Cancer | Tatiana Sarkisian
by Anthony Effinger
Eight years ago, at age 23, Tatiana Sarkisian was waiting to meet with a professor in her architecture program at the Southern California Institute of Architecture. She remembers her right hand moving across her body on its own, then her body slumping down onto the floor.
All-around Care for Multiple Sclerosis
by Guest Author
When Samantha was first diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) 14 years ago, she knew nothing about the disease. Dr. Giesser's multifaceted approach, which includes individualized treatment plans and encourages patients to be active participants in their care, has helped Brown, now 49, manage her disease.
A Caregiver’s Story: The Fight Against Alzheimer’s
by Guest Author
When Judy received the news that she was predisposed to developing Alzheimer's disease, she went to Dr. David Merrill for help. She had cared for her mother with the same diagnosis and knew that this was not the life she had envisioned for herself. Discover Judy’s memoir "Defying Destiny" as a caregiver and her fight against Alzheimer's.
Joe’s Story: Dr. Langevin Allowed Me To Walk Again
by Amelia Garrison
When Joe was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, he lost his ability to walk. After visiting several clinics with no luck, Joe discovered Dr. Jean-Philippe Langevin, who performed a lumbar microdiscectomy of the spine and restored his ability to walk.
Manuel’s Story: An Angel Cured My Twins’ Hearing
by Guest Author
When Manuel's twins had not spoken at 20 months, he knew they needed a miracle. At Venice Family Clinic, he found an angel. He was referred to Pacific Head & Neck's Dr. Chester Griffiths, who performed a life-altering procedure to cure their hearing, allowing the boys to begin speaking.
Brain Surgery Restores Patient’s Vision
by Amelia Garrison
Two years ago, when a 52-year-old woman from New York began experiencing progressive vision loss in her left eye, she knew she needed medical help. She saw an optometrist and was quickly referred to Pacific Neuroscience Institute (PNI) after an MRI.
Susan’s Story: Confronting Alzheimer’s Disease
by Zara Jethani
Susan had watched the heart-wrenching journey of her mother’s Alzheimer’s disease. After finding out that she was genetically predisposed, she adopted lifestyle changes with the help of Dr. David Merrill at PNI’s Pacific Brain Health Center.
Patient Story: Malia’s Brain AVM Changed the Course of her Life
by Robin Banuelos
MEET MALIA Malia’s life changed in 2017 while on a college tour with her mother in Seattle, Washington. They were preparing for her next chapter in life as a 17-year-old junior in high school. This is a time when parents hope their healthy children can...
Treatment for a Benign Pituitary Tumor Causing Cushing’s Disease Gives Woman Her Life Back
by Guest Author
Diagnosed with a benign pituitary tumor and Cushing's disease, Maple shares the story of her treatment at Pacific Neuroscience Institute.
Paying It Forward for Alzheimer’s Research
by Guest Author
BY NANCY SOKOLER STEINER / PHOTOGRAPHED BY PHILLIP GRAYBILL Thankful for medical research that has benefited them, the McLoughlin family donates to help others. Barbara and John McLoughlin have turned to Providence Saint John’s Health Center for their medical needs for close to six decades....
Last updated: September 16th, 2025