UCHealth

"To Nick, Never Stop Fighting!" - Cale Makar Nick Fioretto is a Cancer Warrior battling T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma. A former semi-professional hockey player, he is now a coach for the 10U Jr. Pioneers, specializing in developing goalies. Passionate about mentoring young athletes, he continues to inspire the next generation. Stay strong, Nick—we’re all rooting for you??

For most people, facing one life-threatening illness is enough to define them. But for Rob Masters, illness has never dictated his story. Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at 12, he became an advocate for young patients. Years later, a routine colonoscopy at 34 revealed stage 1 colon cancer, leading to the removal of his entire colon. His challenges didn't stop there—he was later diagnosed with a rare liver disease that progressed to bile duct cancer, requiring a liver resection and chemotherapy. In 2022, cancer struck again. This time, his only chance at survival was a liver transplant. While enduring intense chemotherapy and radiation to qualify, his wife, Heather, was battling breast cancer. As they navigated treatments together, their community rallied around them, providing unwavering support. After two false alarms, Rob finally received the call: a donor liver was available. The complex procedure involved both a liver transplant and a Whipple surgery, removing part of his pancreas, bile ducts and gallbladder to prevent future recurrence. Recovery was grueling, but today, Rob is cancer-free. Now, he's focused on his family, his business and giving back. As a board member for the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, he continues his lifelong mission—helping others fight their battles. "I want others to know how to fight, how important it is to put together a support system, how there's life after cancer," Rob said. "You have to fight like hell. That's all you can do."

Cancer puts up a fight but so does Rob????♂??? With liver cancer survival rates among the best in the nation, we’ve got your back. Learn more: bit.ly/4bnOWpW

Getting to customize your own sneakers with Christian Braun?? Soleful Connections is a night dedicated to the community coming together to creatively blend art and mental health awareness. ??Denver Nuggets

For Karen Boyd, participating in a UCHealth clinical trial wasn’t just about her own health—it was about changing the future for those with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). After reading about the study in a magazine, she immediately picked up the phone and enrolled in a two-year program examining whether calorie restriction could slow kidney cyst growth. With a long family history of ADPKD, including her father, who required a kidney transplant, Karen knew she wanted to take proactive steps to protect her health. Throughout the trial, Karen lost over 50 pounds, improved her overall health and most importantly, saw no kidney cyst growth. She embraced long-term lifestyle changes—swapping baked goods for fruits and vegetables, increasing her daily movement and hiking alongside her husband, John. They even took on new challenges together, including a memorable trek along the Cascade Canyon Trail in Wyoming. What began as a commitment to a clinical trial became a complete shift in how she approached her well-being. Beyond her own success, Karen sees the impact of her journey in a broader light. With more than 20 family members diagnosed with ADPKD, she hopes her experience will inspire others to take control of their health and support research efforts. “If you can set an example… let’s do it,” she said. “We need to take care of it for the next generation and slow down its progression.” Through her determination, Karen is proving that small, consistent changes can lead to a healthier future—not just for herself but for countless others facing ADPKD.

UCHealth is hiring Medical Assistants system-wide! Explore available opportunities across the Colorado Front Range to find the right fit for you: https://bit.ly/4iXXqY9

A special day with incredible women?? Thank you to everyone who joined us at evrē! See you all next year!

Join the UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center in Steamboat Springs as a Respiratory Therapist. Apply today: https://bit.ly/3XN0JZ5

Chronic back pain isn’t always just a strain—it could be an inflammatory disease. A new clinical trial is studying those at risk for spondyloarthritis to detect and treat it earlier. Researchers hope to stop this condition in its tracks before it causes lasting damage.

Strength training isn’t just about lifting weights—it’s about living stronger at any age?? It helps build muscle, protect bone health, boost metabolism and keep you active. And the best part? It’s never too late to start.