Sneak preview: Meet the inspirational patients starring in YNHHS’ new “comeback kid” campaign

Amanda never let a childhood spine condition keep her from competing in ultra-endurance events, including the Iron Man competition’s 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile marathon. But by 2015, she could barely walk more than five minutes without severe pain. She went to neurosurgeon Khalid Abbed, MD, who performed minimally invasive procedures to stabilize her spine.Amanda is one of many patients who will be featured in Yale New Haven Health’s “comeback kid” advertising campaign, scheduled to launch for the public Monday, Sept. 24. Health system employees are getting an exclusive, advanced screening of the campaign’s TV commercials and internet videos starting Sept. 20.

Visit ynhhs.org after Sept. 24 and meet patients like Amanda who, with the help of YNHHS’ medical experts, have overcome some of the greatest challenges of their lives. The campaign, which will feature patients from each YNHHS delivery network, will also include radio spots, billboards and print and digital ads. New stories will be posted online periodically throughout the year. Visit ynhhs.org to view them all. As for Amanda, two months after surgery and physical therapy, she was running again. Now, two years later, she feels better than when she was in her twenties.