Local. Innovative. Surgical Excellence.

At 72, Pat Sanchez of Loranger had lived with years of painful diverticulitis infections that just wouldn’t quit, despite many rounds of antibiotics and three hospitalizations during flare-ups. That’s why she underwent successful colon resection surgery under the care of Dr. Daniel Linarello at North Oaks Health System.

Within months, the constant pain Pat once endured was gone. While she now follows a stricter diet to manage her condition, she has the freedom to live her life again.

When 60-year-old Denise DiBenedetto from Tickfaw started having painful gallbladder attacks, she turned to a trusted surgeon she had known for years—Dr. Dorothy Lewis at North Oaks Health System.

After tests confirmed her gallbladder needed to come out, Denise had surgery and recovered quickly after spending just one night in the hospital.

Today, Denise is back to her active life, playing with her 16-month-old grandson Luca and preparing to welcome a new granddaughter to the family later this year.

When he discovered a lump under his arm, 65-year-old Tim McNeely of Covington turned to his neighbor—a North Oaks physician—for guidance.

What followed was a cancer journey that included seven weeks of chemotherapy and radiation at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, along with three lymph node surgeries, one port surgery and ongoing follow-up care with Dr. Daniel Linarello at North Oaks Health System.

Despite the seriousness of his diagnosis, he says Dr. Linarello’s skill and straightforward, down-to-earth approach gave him confidence. Today, Tim is feeling stronger, walking daily, and focusing on travel, faith and time with his family.

Artist, author and longtime Ponchatoula resident Kim Zabbia has spent decades inspiring others through creativity and community. But in 2024, her life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with breast cancer despite no family history of the disease.

Thanks to early detection and the calm, confident guidance of Dr. Elizabeth Hayes at North Oaks Health System, Kim moved quickly into treatment. She underwent breast cancer surgery performed by Dr. Hayes and Dr. Aadit Patel, followed by a smooth recovery supported by a team she describes as nurturing, seasoned and deeply compassionate.

Today, Kim is back in her studio teaching, sculpting and living with gratitude for the care that helps her keep creating.

When Ashley Director of Hammond discovered a lump in her breast, it set in motion a multi-year journey through breast cancer treatment. After a whirlwind of diagnostic testing and a formal diagnosis, she turned to Dr. Jennifer Owens at North Oaks Health System for care.

Ashley underwent a mastectomy to treat her breast cancer, followed by port placement and removal to support chemotherapy. She also had a hysterectomy, performed jointly by Dr. Owens and Dr. Jaime Edwards. Throughout her care, Ashley and her husband, Lane, felt informed, supported, and reassured every step of the way.

While treating Ashley, Dr. Owens noticed Lane had a hernia and didn’t hesitate to step in. She later performed the surgery, deepening the Directors’ confidence in her as a skilled surgeon who genuinely cares for the whole family.

For Ashley and Lane, their journey through surgery and recovery was deeply personal. Dr. Owens didn’t just treat Ashley’s breast cancer and Lane’s hernia; she became a trusted part of their family’s story and a go-to resource for surgery care.