Advocate Christ Medical Center

11/12/2025

U.S. Army Reserve Maj. Gen. James J. Kokaska Jr. knows there’s strong overlap between military and health care careers.

Based in the Chicago area, Kokaska serves as vice president of planning, design and construction for Advocate Health’s Illinois and Wisconsin operations — overseeing major projects like the new nine-story care tower at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago.

It’s a far different mission from his deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, where he led infrastructure construction for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Those experiences taught him how to manage large-scale projects under resource constraints and high-pressure conditions.

“All major construction projects have a critical pre-construction phase that requires innovation, vision, problem-solving and key decision-making,” Kokaska said. “Those steps set the conditions for success.”

During the 2009–2010 Afghanistan surge, his team managed the design and construction of aviation facilities, runways, medical centers and essential infrastructure. “The urgency and complexity of those projects forced us to innovate,” he said. “I applied many tools I’d learned from Advocate Health — managing complex systems helped me navigate that period and deliver results.”

Today, he continues to bring those lessons full circle — applying military leadership principles to his work in health care.

“The military has blessed me with numerous leadership roles where I’ve learned to lead through challenges, collaborate and solve problems,” Kokaska said. “People are the lifeblood of any organization — and when you’re leading people, it’s important to get it right.”

Thank you to our veteran teammates—for your service, your strength and the stories that continue to inspire us every day.

11/11/2025

After a routine mammogram led to a diagnosis of stage 0 breast cancer, Lynn underwent genetic testing and learned she carried the BRCA2 gene mutation — despite no known family history. The BRCA2 mutation is associated with an increased risk of several cancers, including breast and ovarian. Armed with that information, Lynn made the proactive decision to have a double mastectomy and surgery to remove her ovaries and fallopian tubes.

“I never imagined my genetic test would come back positive for BRCA2,” Lynn said. “But once it did, I chose to see that knowledge as power.”

Dr. Barry Rosen, breast surgeon and co-medical director of the Cancer Prevention Program at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, said Lynn’s decision had a ripple effect.

“By choosing genetic testing, Lynn didn’t just take control of her own health, she likely saved the life of someone in her family. The life saved could be a child or a grandchild,” Dr. Rosen explained.

Lynn’s choice motivated all four of her children to get genetic testing. Her story highlights the importance of understanding your genetic risk and taking proactive steps to protect your health and your family’s future.

Take our health risk assessment to learn more about your own breast cancer risk: https://bit.ly/49cIKlu

11/07/2025

Collaboration that’s shaping the future of epilepsy care.

Our neuroscience teams from Advocate Lutheran General Hospital and Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center recently came together to advance epilepsy care as we prepare to launch our Epilepsy Surgery Program at Lutheran General, bringing advanced treatment options closer to patients in Illinois through collaboration across our network.

Our neurodiagnostic technologists from Illinois joined our team members in Wisconsin to observe a stereoelectroencephalography (sEEG) implantation, a specialized procedure that helps pinpoint the origin of seizures.

By combining expertise across sites and our network, our teams are creating new possibilities for patients with epilepsy, enhancing experiences and outcomes and shaping the next era of neuroscience excellence.

Learn more about our epilepsy care and treatments: https://bit.ly/47p5hdw

11/06/2025

Meet Ken: A journey of strength, support and hope ❤️

When Ken looks back, he can now see the early signs that something wasn’t right. His body began changing in March 2024, and by the end of May, blurred vision led him to an eye doctor — a visit that would change everything. That doctor urged him to go straight to the hospital. The cause? High blood pressure due to kidney failure.

Since then, Ken’s journey has been both challenging and transformative. “It’s been tough, but good for me,” he shares. “I’m more aware of how my body works and what it needs. I follow a renal-friendly diet now — but really, it’s just a healthier way of eating that anyone could benefit from.”

Throughout his care at Advocate Christ Medical Center, Ken has felt deeply supported. “From the ICU to every procedure since, the doctors, nurses, assistants — everyone — has shown how much they truly care,” he says. He remembers two ICU nurses who comforted him during a frightening time, and nurse Nicole, who continued that compassionate care until he was discharged.

Ken’s care team has made a lasting impact. His primary doctor, Dr. Madhulika Saxena, and nephrologist, Dr. Mohammad Mataria, have guided him every step of the way. And with a family full of caregivers — his wife, mother-in-law, cousin and aunt all work at Christ — Ken always knew they cared for their patients. But being on the receiving end of that care gave him a new perspective: “Everyone goes above and beyond.”

Dialysis was intimidating at first, but the staff helped ease his fears. “They explained everything and answered all my questions. That support made all the difference.”

What keeps Ken motivated? Hope. “Staying motivated is a personal choice, but the guidance I receive makes it easier. I know that one day I’ll get a transplant and be off dialysis. That keeps me focused on eating right and taking care of myself — I want to be ready.”

His message to others going through a similar journey?
“Stay positive and patient. Take care of your body and mind. One day, you’ll look back and realize how strong you were — and how much stronger you’ve become.”

11/06/2025

Ragweed, mold spores and dust mites send allergen counts soaring each fall. Learn how working with a virtual primary care provider and making lifestyle modifications can help lessen your seasonal allergies: https://bit.ly/47ibyHW

11/04/2025

Had a scan for one thing and saw something unexpected? That’s called an incidental finding. Learn what it really means and what comes next:

An incidental finding is when test results reveal something in your lungs – something unrelated to the initial reason for the test.

11/01/2025

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. — but early detection through screening can save lives. 🤍

Here are the steps you can take:

✅ Check with your provider to see if a screening is right for you.

📍 Locations across Advocate Health Care are hosting screening events — including National Lung Screening Day on November 8.

Learn more about lung cancer screening options: https://bit.ly/4nX7Kl6

10/31/2025

For Kyle, the finish line of the 2025 Chicago Marathon marked more than just 26.2 miles. It was a monumental celebration of resilience, redemption and heart.

Running with Team Advocate to raise funds for Advocate Condell Medical Center's Heart and Vascular Center, Kyle carried with him a deeply personal mission rooted in second chances and the desire to give back.

Kyle’s journey to the marathon was paved with transformation. In his twenties, he struggled with unhealthy habits and felt lost. But the birth of his daughter, Eloise, sparked his motivation to change. "Years ago, I was reckless — an alcoholic with no direction in life," Kyle shared. "But when Eloise was born, I knew I couldn’t let her down. Nothing mattered more than getting healthy."

Step by step, he rediscovered his love for running, starting with one mile at a time. From 5Ks to half-marathons, Kyle built momentum, eventually completing his first full marathon last year. That victory fueled his determination to take on Chicago.

Now in his fifth year working for Advocate Health, he credits his training with sharpening his focus and deepening his empathy. "Whenever I felt tired while training, I thought of the patients and families I meet each day," he said. "I channeled the same discipline into my job and my miles. Supporting Condell’s Heart and Vascular Center made every step more meaningful."

On race day, Kyle was surrounded by support — his daughter, mom, brother, sister and teammates cheering him on every step of the way. With adrenaline in his veins and purpose in his heart, he crossed the finish line with both gratitude and pride.

"Consistent training and a strong support system helped me stay grounded," Kyle reflected. "I remembered the families I was running for, and when the race started, I knew I’d finish strong."

Kyle’s journey reflects the heart of our mission: transforming lives through health, hope and healing. We’re proud to celebrate his achievement and the difference our teammates make every day. Consider making a gift and join us in supporting programs that help patients and families thrive: https://bit.ly/4qyoqB5 ❤️

10/31/2025

TRICK OR TREAT! 🎃🍬 Baby Bistro, a breastfeeding support group at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, welcomed moms and their babies for a sweet Halloween celebration.

The Baby Bistro group meets weekly and is a free resource to families, offering connection, breastfeeding tips and a community of other new parents.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3QjOIq0

10/31/2025

The emergency department at Advocate Christ Medical Center shows up in style and ready to bring the best care to our patients around the clock. ❤️

10/30/2025

When life took an unexpected turn, Amy chose courage.

A routine checkup in 2024 led to a mammogram and a stage II breast cancer diagnosis that changed everything. But Amy refused to let it define her. With guidance from her Advocate Condell Medical Center care team and the unwavering love of her son, she faced every step of treatment with determination.

After learning she had precancerous cells, Amy decided to undergo a double mastectomy and oophorectomy, followed by 25 radiation treatments. The road wasn’t easy, and she’s had several revision surgeries since, but her spirit never faltered.

“I gave myself permission to be sad, but I didn’t stay there. I got up and fought, because this is beatable.”

Amy leaned on her doctors, especially Dr. Amber Seba, her oncologist for medical expertise and emotional support. “She always takes the time to listen, to care, and to help me feel like myself again,” Amy shared.

Through every challenge, Amy’s son, Jackson, was her anchor. “He made me want to fight. I wanted to show him that no matter what, you never give up.”

Today, Amy is a proud survivor and a voice of hope for others navigating breast cancer. Her message: “You are stronger than you think.” 💕

Click here to learn more about our breast cancer care: https://bit.ly/46tFSyC

10/30/2025

Basketball is back and we partnered with the Chicago Bulls to provide a VIP fan tunnel experience to David, a heart transplant patient celebrating surpassing his first year with a new heart!

Just months into his time as a Chicago student, David, who came from Nigeria to study engineering, started feeling run down, out of breath and even had trouble walking. He was soon diagnosed with heart failure – caused by a genetic defect he had since birth but had been asymptomatic his whole life – and transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn where he was told he needed a heart transplant as soon as possible.

His mother was thousands of miles away.

“I was freaked out,” said David. “One day I’m pursuing my degree and the next I’m sick and wake up in a hospital. All my life I had been healthy. I was shocked.”

The team at Advocate Christ worked to make sure David’s mother and family in Nigeria were informed as they started the process to come be with him. In the meantime, David’s aunt and other family in Canada rushed to Oak Lawn to be by his side. The team also worked with David’s church, who helped find him an apartment to recover after discharge.

“David’s situation not only illustrates the importance of paying attention to symptoms and getting them checked out, but also just how much our team pulled together for this student far from home,” said cardiologist Dr. William Cotts. “David needed a new heart to survive and now is thriving, but he also needed extra support as a young adult far from home.”

In just a matter of weeks from his first symptom, David received life-saving heart transplant surgery and recently celebrated his one-year milestone in September. His mother was able to join him in Chicago just as he was discharged. He’s now recovering well and back to his engineering studies.

“I’m grateful for my new heart and this special experience,” David said.

Learn more about heart transplant at Advocate Christ Medical Center: https://bit.ly/4oqjrBz