Kansas City, KS - A passion for flying nearly turned tragic for 29-year-old Michael Ribordy after a plane crash in southeast Kansas left him with devastating injuries. Michael was rushed to The University of Kansas Health System, the state’s only Level 1 trauma center, where a multidisciplinary team of surgeons worked to rebuild his arm, repair complex facial fractures and guide him through a long recovery. Now, months later, Michael is sharing his remarkable survival story alongside the doctors who helped save his life.
Morning Rounds: Researchers at The University of Kansas Cancer Center are anticipating FDA approval that could dramatically expand access to CAR T cell therapy. Dr. Joseph McGuirk, director of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapeutics, explains how that could reshape the future of cancer treatment delivery, why many eligible patients still don’t know CAR T therapy exists, and how innovative therapies, including CRISPR-enhanced CAR T treatments could give hope to people battling cancer.
Dr. Joseph McGuirk, Director of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapeutics, The University of Kansas Cancer Center
- Dr. McGuirk explains how the trial could reshape the future of cancer treatment delivery.
- He says there are only 10-20% of patients don’t have access, due to logistical or financial issues.
- He says there is a strategy to make CAR T cells from healthy donors and being able to take them safely out into community hospitals where patients are rather than require them to travel to The University of Kansas Cancer Center.
He explains with this new process, one healthy person who donates their blood can make CAR T cells to help 500 patients in 24 hours.
Michael Ribordy, Patient
Michael tells his story of wrecking his plane after clipping powerlines.
He stresses how important a good support system of family and friends is key especially after 12 surgeries.
He tells the story of a simple task of passing something to his son in the backseat was one of the first celebrations of knowing he was on track to healing.
He says he attributes to healing to nutrition and physical therapy.
Dr. Michael Lypka, Plastic and Craniomaxillofacial Surgeon, The University of Kansas Health System
Dr. Lypka explains Michael’s injuries and what could happen if these are not corrected.
He explains how complicated the procedures were for fixing the fracture in his eye socket as well as in his mouth.
He says double vision, that does get better in time, is something to expect.
Dr. Matt Drake, Orthopedic Hand Surgeon, The University of Kansas Health System
Dr. Drake explains how a full team worked on Michael attributing to the success of the procedures.
He says healing is difficult, ranging from 4-8 weeks.
He explains all that needs to happen before Michael can be cleared to fly solo again.