A Better Way

Laura and Dr. Bassig

Laura Butler was excited to get pregnant again, but at just 26 weeks, her pregnancy hit a complication and tiny Rylee Kate Butler came into the world at a mere 1 pound, 12 ounces. Rylee Kate was quickly transferred to Phoebe’s NICU where she began treatment under the watchful eye of Dr. Erwinson Bassig. After 99 days, a healthy and thriving Rylee Kate was able to finally go home. Now 4 years old, she dreams of becoming a doctor herself.

Jenaye and Tiara

First-time mother, Jenaye Green, had a lot to learn about becoming a parent. Through Phoebe’s free Nurse-Family Partnership, she was matched with Tiara Noel, a Registered Nurse who provided Jenaye with education, advice, and access to resources. Jenaye called Tiara her “angel on Earth” – always there to ensure she and her daughter had the support they needed.

Bob and Dr. Jani

Albany businessman Bob Mulford used to say he “never met a cigarette he didn’t like”. After years of smoking, he feared his old habit might catch up to him. Luckily, eight years ago, Phoebe became the second health system in the country to launch Lung Watch, an innovative cancer screening program for longtime smokers. Sure enough, in early 2023, Bob’s fears were confirmed when a spot that showed up on a scan turned out to be cancer. But, with the help of Dr. Chirag Jani and the cancer care team at Phoebe, Bob is now living cancer-free.

Greg and Sarah

In 2022, Lee County peanut farmer, Greg Odom suffered a massive stroke while working his fields — just weeks before his daughter Hannah’s wedding. The wedding was postponed, but Greg was determined to dance with his daughter on her special day. Phoebe Physical Therapist Sarah Farris was just as committed to that goal. After a lot of hard work with Sarah and the Phoebe Rehab team, Sarah’s “star student” was able to make that dance – and Sarah was there to see it happen.

Katherine and Dr. Joyner

For more than 20 years, Katherine Raines was in pain. The Andersonville retiree dealt with agonizing heartburn from chronic acid reflux and a hiatal hernia. She tried everything – medications, restrictive diets, even a special set up of her bed – with few results. But Phoebe Sumter General Surgeon Dr. Jeremy Joyner had a solution. He used Phoebe Sumter’s DaVinci surgical robot to fix Katherine’s hernia, and he performed one of the area’s first TIF (transoral incisionless fundoplication) procedures to take care of her reflux, solving Katherine’s digestive issues once and for all. Now, she’s back in the kitchen, exploring new flavors without fear.

Ernie Shiver had never been a patient in a hospital until a terrible workplace accident changed his life. His right foot was severed, and he needed emergency surgery to amputate his leg just above his knee. Ernie credits the quick, quality care he received at Phoebe with saving his life. He is now an advocate for Phoebe’s effort to earn designation as a level II trauma center, convinced that expansion of emergency services will ensure even more people like him in southwest Georgia will get lifesaving trauma care at Phoebe.
A few years after his accident, Ernie was diagnosed with cancer. He had multiple options for cancer treatment but knew he would receive the best possible care at the Phoebe Cancer Center. Ernie is now in remission and getting around well on his prosthetic leg.

Alex Reshetnichenko is the orchestra teacher for the Dougherty County School System. He is also a professional violinist who performs with the Albany Symphony Orchestra and the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra. His career was threatened in 2018, when his left pinky was broken and severely damaged in a freak fall. Alex was willing to travel anywhere in the world to find the right surgeon to repair his finger and allow him to continue playing the violin. Luckily, he found the care he needed, right here in Albany at Phoebe Orthopaedics.