In memory of Pawel Przybyla

Known for his strong faith, hard work ethic, and calm demeanor, Pawel Przybyla had been a beloved staff member of the Hammond-Henry Plant Services’ team before his passing on March 24 of this year. Just 60 years old, Pawel succumbed to a rare disease, a neuroendocrinal tumor, that progressed quickly within just three months.



In the cancer world, neuroendocrinal tumors are often portrayed as “the zebras.” Represented by this analogy because of their rarity, neuroendocrinal tumors make up just 2% of nationally treated cancer. Neuroendocrinal tumors can originate anywhere within the body and are difficult to detect, often remaining undiagnosed for quite some time.

“Our grandson, Theo, Facetimed Pawel and asked what his favorite animal was. He said a zebra, which I never knew," said Eva, Pawel's wife of 38 years and also, an HHH employee. "He and I both had no idea that this disease was called the 'zebra cancer.' The story goes that when you hear hoofbeats, you think of horses. In medical school, they suggest you look for the uncommon cause when you think of hoofbeats and think of zebras instead. The uncommon cause should not be overlooked and is an important thing to remind doctors about...That's why I always wear this zebra necklace. It's in memory of him.”

The couple did not suspect any serious health issues until Pawel started drastically losing weight after Thanksgiving, which prompted them to get some diagnostic testing. This testing at another healthcare facility showed two benign masses. "He had three MRIs, rehab, injections for pain, and nothing ever helped. However, he never complained about anything," said Eva. "As time went by, I often thought of the Polish expression of how his 'light' was becoming dimmer and dimmer. He never wanted me to know anything bad was happening. The only thing he did say was there's only One Someone in charge and if He says I have to go, then I have to go."

To this day, even with a pathology report, Eva is still unsure of the origin of her husband's disease, and she is adamant about educating others so they are not as blindsided as she was when her husband passed of this aggressive cancer. For this reason, Hammond-Henry Hospital will host a Rare Disease Seminar in memory of Pawel on August 10. There will be focus on endocrinal tumors and other rare diseases, teaching the audience about risk factors, signs, symptoms, and self-evaluation techniques. Time and venue will be announced at a later date.

“Meila (3-year-old granddaughter) says Grandpa's not sick anymore. He's just fixing the stairs to Heaven," said Eva. "Our hearts are broken, but if our story can benefit someone else in any small way, we want to tell it. You should not ignore even something you think is insignificant, because it could lead to something bigger. In our case, we were too late. Know that you can be your own health advocate and if something doesn't feel right, pursue it. You have the right to ask questions and not be afraid. I don't want this to happen to anyone else."

Kickin' up their heels

A daughter never has a prouder moment than when her own mother is beaming with joy at an accomplishment she never thought was possible.

“My 91-year-old Mom didn’t think I could dance,” said Diane Fortune, Activities Coordinator, Long Term Care Unit, Hammond-Henry Hospital. “But look at me now! All of us Twisted Leather sisters are kickin’ up our heels for our residents here, and Mom is just delighted beyond words.”

Diane and her mother, Bev Fortune, joined two other mother-daughter duos, Bridget Real, HHH Speech Therapist, and her mother, Mary Real, and Jeannie Frohling, HHH retiree, and her mother, Sylvia Baum, during a recent rollicking line dance performance that brought down the LTC house.

The line dancing group, Twisted Leather, which is led by Wendy Pauletti, has been practicing Sundays and Wednesdays after-hours since 2019, with the goal of performing for Hammond-Henry’s annual banquet. Due to the onset of COVID, however, the banquet and the performance were cancelled in 2020 and have not been reinstated.

“We promised (our residents) we would perform, and we’re fulfilling that promise today,” said Fortune as she looked around at the delighted faces and clapping hands. “It doesn’t get any better than this.”

Twisted Leather dances for parties and other events throughout the Quad Cities and has even performed several flash mobs. “We can literally dance to any song now that we know all the dance moves. It’s great exercise, it’s tons of fun, and we’re all like family now.”

Based out of the Robert Young Center in the Quad Cities, Precedence EAP offers locations in Illinois and Iowa, with counseling appointments available for Hammond-Henry Hospital employees

in-person or via telehealth.

Precedence EAP provides confidential counseling services designed to help team members and their eligible family members identify and resolve personal concerns. Precedence EAP (Employee Assistance Program) is a benefit provided to all Hammond-Henry Hospital employees.

“It’s completely normal to feel stressed, anxious, or depressed sometimes. However, when these feelings become persistent or unmanageable, it’s time to seek help through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP),” said Stephanie Burrough, Customer Service Coordinator, EAP/Precedence, Inc. “You do not need a referral to use EAP services, and your employer never even knows that an appointment has been made. All sessions are completely confidential.”

Hammond-Henry Hospital covers the expense of three counseling sessions per year for its employees and an additional three counseling sessions per year for each eligible family member, completely free of charge. Following these first three appointments, your provider will discuss recommendations for additional care with you, if you wish to continue the counseling sessions.

Employees can schedule appointments, and information is available to them through the hospital intranet.