The Cedar Rapids Kernels, during the baseball team’s Homerun for Life event July 14 at Veterans’ Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, recognized a man who received life-saving treatment at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
The honoree was 34-year-old William Pitzen of Cedar Rapids. Pitzen was rushed to a local hospital after he began to see double and speak abnormally on August 22, 2005. His co-workers knew something was wrong and called 911. MRI and CT scans performed there did not detect the cause of his symptoms.
Pitzen was transferred to UI Hospitals and Clinics, the state’s only academic medical center. Andrew Lee, MD, a neuro-ophthalmologist in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, diagnosed Pitzen with a stroke called top of the basilar syndrome. As Pitzen was being admitted, a second stroke occurred.
A repeat scan showed a developing blockage in an artery in the brain. Another member of the UI Neurosciences team, John Chaloupka, MD, an interventional neuro-radiologist in the Department of Radiology, treated Pitzen with a clot-dissolving medication. Following a 33-day hospital stay, Pitzen returned home. He currently is scheduled for eye surgery with Richard Olson, MD, to correct a stroke-related problem with his eyesight.
Kernels’ staff members introduced Pitzen to fans at the July 14 game. He circled the bases to celebrate his new lease on life. He was joined by Harold Adams, MD, neurologist in UI Hospitals and Clinics Department of Neurology who treated Pitzen while he was hospitalized, as well as several other members of his health care team.
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For more information:
UI Neurosciences
Home Run for Life News Video
Andrew Lee, MD
John Chaloupka, MD
Richard Olson, MD
Harold Adams, MD
KCRG Home Run Story
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