Latest news with #Winkelman
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'I know it seems insane.' Cancer survivor riding motorcycle 3,800 miles to Alaska
Not many people appreciate potholes, but Dan Winkelman is not most people. Winkleman, of Stevens Point, initially attributed a pain in his back to a pothole he had just hit on a 2018 motorcycle ride in Myanmar, where he was working as a missionary. A doctor there chalked it up to a sprained muscle. But the pain persisted, so he pushed for a CT scan at a better hospital in Bangkok. The scan showed a tumor. Stage 3 pancreatic cancer. The disease has a 12% five-year survival rate among patients of all stages. Nearly seven years, two chemotherapy treatments and one surgery later, Winkelman is cancer free. Medical College of Wisconsin cancer surgeon Douglas Evans puts the chance of Winkelman's cancer returning at just 2%. "That's why I always say potholes are beautiful," Winkelman, 69, said. "If I hadn't hit that pothole and strained my back, they would have never found that tumor." Winkelman wants to give back to the institution that gave him a second life. He's trying to raise $1.2 million for a Medical College clinical trial in the hope that new pancreatic cancer treatments can be found and more lives can be saved. To raise the massive sum of money, Winkelman will leave Wisconsin on his motorcycle June 13. He's asking people to pledge money as he rides 3,800 miles, all the way to Anchorage, Alaska. He's OK if he hits a few potholes along the way. Winkelman has always had an adventorous spirit. His life is marked by major pivots. Born in Huntington, Indiana, he spent the summer after his junior year of high school in Alaska, then decided to stay there for his senior year on a whim. He enlisted in the Air Force at age 17, and was part of a search and rescue squadron stationed at NKP Royal Thai Air Force Base toward the end of the Vietnam War. Winkelman moved to Wisconsin at 32 as one of the first employees of a new railroad company, the Wisconsin Central Railroad, in northern Wisconsin. Sixteen years later, he quit, giving up a lucrative retirement package to become a pastor. Then at 59, he and his wife, Sandy, moved to Myanmar to serve as missionaries. "I've had these ideas all my life," Winkelman said. "I like doing things way bigger than me." Pancreatic cancer often sounds like a death sentence. It's the third-leading cause of cancer death in adults nationally, and the second in Wisconsin. Evans, who treats patients at the Froedtert and Medical College of Wisconsin Clinical Cancer Center, has dedicated his career to finding treatments for this deadly disease and improving survival rates. Even in his personal life, the pancreas prevails. He enjoys sailing on Lake Michigan and decks his boats with purple ribbons, the color designated for pancreatic cancer awareness. Evans' interest in the pancreas, a small organ deep in the belly that regulates blood sugar and aids in digestion, came through a fluke. In the late 1970s, his heart was set on his state flagship, the University of Massachusetts Amherst, for medical school. It offered the best deal. A rejection put him at the much pricier Boston University, where his financial aid included overseeing two undergraduate dorms filled with lively students that made it difficult for him to study. Seeking refuge, Evans took a part-time job at the famed Lahey Clinic across the street. It gave him access to the building's library, and to some of the most well-known pancreas surgeons in the world at that time. Evans arrived at the Medical College in 2009 and has helped build the institution into one of the premier places in the U.S. for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. The college's LaBahn Pancreatic Cancer Program has led the way in personalized medicine and the application of precision medicine, which is tailoring a patient's treatment based on their genetic makeup and tumor characteristics. The Seena Magowitz Pancreatic Cancer Foundation supports the college, giving more than $1.4 million to support pancreatic cancer research. Winkelman's first chemotherapy treatment made him violently sick. It was also ineffective; his cancer count continued to rise, not fall. Evans switched him to a different type of treatment, followed by radiation. Winkelman responded well. Evans was optimistic about his patient's recovery. Winkelman's tumor was localized to the pancreas. It hadn't spread to other organs, though it had encased some important blood vessels, making his tumor inoperable at most medical centers in this country. In an eight-hour surgery in 2019, Evans removed part of Winkelman's pancreas and took a vein out of his leg to reconstruct an artery the tumor had encased, a procedure developed by Medical College surgeons. Recovery was rough. Weakened, Winkelman battled a number of infections. Motorcycle rides were out of the question. He eventually sold the bike, doubting he would ever be able to handle his 800-pound motorcycle again. Winkelman sometimes struggles with survivor's guilt. So few pancreatic cancer patients reach the five-year anniversary of their diagnosis. "There is a part of me that says, 'OK, why did I get the second chance? Why did I survive?" Winkelman asked. These lingering questions fueled Winkelman's drive to do something. He wants to raise awareness about the disease, highlight the work being done at Froedtert and the Medical College and offer encouragement to cancer patients through videos he will post daily on his donation website. He knows the journey won't be easy. His longest motorcycle ride since his diagnosis was to South Dakota's Black Hills. The Alaskan journey will be about four times as long, on a much smaller bike he bought in 2024. Winkelman has worked with a trainer to build his core muscles, which he will need to fight the wind on the Alaska-Canada Highway. He expects the journey to take 18 days, or about 350 miles per day. His oldest son, Andy, is driving alongside him in an SUV that will pull a camper-trailer. "It's a crazy deal, isn't it? To think about doing this?" he said. "I know it seems insane." To his doctor, though, it's not. Evans commended Winkelman's attitude, saying he's a great example of the mind-body relationship at work. "There was never a doubt he would be here six years later, about to ride his motorcycle to some crazy place," Evans said. For more information about Winkelman's fundraising campaign, visit Kelly Meyerhofer has covered higher education in Wisconsin since 2018 but also enjoys stories off the beaten path of college campuses. She would love to hear your story, or someone's you think she should share. Contact her at kmeyerhofer@ or 414-223-5168. Follow her on X (Twitter) at @KellyMeyerhofer. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Cancer survivor riding to Alaska for Medical College of Wisconsin fundraiser
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Feeling antsy in your legs at bedtime? This condition may be to blame
Sign up for CNN's Sleep, But Better newsletter series. Our seven-part guide has helpful hints to achieve better sleep. Karla Dzienkowski's daughter was 11 when she started coming into her mom's room at night saying she couldn't fall asleep because of a stabbing feeling in her legs. She had to walk to make it stop. The preteen became cranky and tired. Her grades started to slip, and she even fell asleep on a bench during a family trip to an amusement park, Dzienkowski said. It took three years, but Dzienkowski's family finally got an explanation for the girl's condition: restless legs syndrome. One study estimates 4% to 29% of adults in Western industrialized countries have restless legs syndrome. It is a condition that too few people can recognize in themselves, and many doctors don't know how to manage properly, said Dzienkowski, a nurse who is executive director of the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation. Here is what experts want you to know about restless legs syndrome. 'Restless legs syndrome is a neurological disorder that is characterized by a need to move that is oftentimes associated with an uncomfortable feeling,' said Dr. John Winkelman, chief of the sleep disorders clinical research program at Massachusetts General Hospital and professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. The uncomfortable feeling — described as crawling, aching, tingling or throbbing — is often in the legs and sometimes the arms, he added. Restlessness frequently happens when people with the condition are sitting or lying down, and it is relieved with movement, Winkelman said. Symptoms are more likely to occur when a person is at rest, most often at night, and because the syndrome interferes with sleep, it is classified as a sleep disorder, Winkelman said. In moderate to severe cases, people experience restless legs syndrome several times a week, and in the most extreme cases, symptoms can delay sleep for several hours, said Dr. Brian Koo, associate professor of neurology at Yale School of Medicine and director of the Yale Center for Restless Legs Syndrome. Two strong components play a role in who gets restless legs syndrome: genetics and iron levels. Restless legs syndrome often runs in families, and genetic markers make up about 20% of the prediction of who will get it, Winkelman said. Those with an iron deficiency are also more likely to get restless legs syndrome, including people who are pregnant, on dialysis, who are menstruating, who have anemia, or who are vegetarians, Winkelman said. Those on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants may also be vulnerable to restless legs syndrome, he added. The condition is twice as common in women as in men and much more common as people get older, Winkelman said. However, as Dzienkowski learned, children can have restless legs syndrome, too. To treat restless legs syndrome, a good first step is to look at what might be making the condition worse, Winkelman said. Alcohol, other medications and simple sugars may contribute to symptoms, Koo said. If iron is low — or even borderline low — oral iron supplements or intravenous iron infusions may help, Winkelman added. Dzienkowski also recommends having a 'bag of tricks' to manage symptoms, such as hot or cold packs, massages, walks or some mind-stimulating activity. 'For some reason … if you keep your mind engaged, it helps to keep symptoms at bay,' she said. There are medications that help if lifestyle changes and iron supplementation don't work. Many doctors will start with a class of drugs called alpha2-delta ligands, such as gabapentin or pregabalin, Koo said. For a long time, dopamine agonists were the first line of medications. But they are now prescribed infrequently because they can worsen restless legs syndrome over time, Winkelman added. The medications for the most severe cases are low-dose, long-acting opioid medications, Koo said. If you have discomfort that motivates you to move your legs at rest — particularly if doing so disturbs your sleep — talk to a doctor, Dzienkowski said. Not all medical professionals are well versed in restless legs syndrome, so asking for a referral to a sleep specialist may be helpful, she said. You should also get your lab work done, especially an iron panel with ferritin, a blood test that looks at how much iron your body has and how available it is for use, Dzienkowski said. 'The sooner you do it, the better, because you're just delaying diagnosis and treatment, which can be detrimental to your life,' she said. 'You don't realize that that sleepiness that you're feeling at work or the crankiness or you're not wanting to get out and do things could be the RLS bleeding into your daytime. … At least go have that conversation.'
Glasgow Times
03-06-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Russell Martin can transform Rangers as ex-owner loves him
And to this day, the ex-MK Dons owner insists he loves Martin dearly for the work he did at his beloved club. Winkelman gave the Rangers managerial candidate his big break in management in the English lower leagues. The 39-year-old had the Dons playing free-flowing football and quickly attracted the attentions of Swansea. But it wasn't just what he delivered on the pitch. His old boss says he brought the whole club together as his impact went beyond just the training pitch and a game on a Saturday. Winkelman told the Scottish Sun: "I love the man. I wish him every success. Read more: On-loan Rangers star makes Ibrox admission as future remains unclear European side consider Rangers coach as next manager and launch 'enquiry' 'He will bring a hell of a lot to Rangers. It won't just be a little tweak here or there to what happens on the pitch. 'Throughout the club, he'll get everyone together. 'Russ has an understanding of the whole club, and great knowledge of how all the parts come together. 'It's not just about coaching for him, he understands how the club all fits. 'This is probably the kind of talk that impressed the Rangers bosses in his interview. 'You need that understanding if you're competing at the top of the Premiership. It's as tough as it can be. 'I'll be thrilled for him if he gets the job. I'll be excited to see what he can do. 'Rangers will certainly be an attractive team to watch if Russ gets the job. 'I'll be watching for Rangers' results now. You tend to do that with people you really like.' Winkelman once appointed Roberto Di Matteo, who went onto win the Champions League with Chelsea, and former Liverpool and Manchester United star Paul Ince. He holds Martin in similar regard, adding: 'Russ was one of the best appointments I made, and I like to think I made a few. 'I gave Roberto Di Matteo his first job, and he ended up winning the Champions League with Chelsea. 'I gave Paul Ince his second job in management and that went well, too. 'I'm quite pleased with my track record in appointing managers.
The National
03-06-2025
- Business
- The National
Russell Martin can transform Rangers as ex-owner loves him
And to this day, the ex-MK Dons owner insists he loves Martin dearly for the work he did at his beloved club. Winkelman gave the Rangers managerial candidate his big break in management in the English lower leagues. The 39-year-old had the Dons playing free-flowing football and quickly attracted the attentions of Swansea. But it wasn't just what he delivered on the pitch. His old boss says he brought the whole club together as his impact went beyond just the training pitch and a game on a Saturday. Winkelman told the Scottish Sun: "I love the man. I wish him every success. Read more: On-loan Rangers star makes Ibrox admission as future remains unclear European side consider Rangers coach as next manager and launch 'enquiry' 'He will bring a hell of a lot to Rangers. It won't just be a little tweak here or there to what happens on the pitch. 'Throughout the club, he'll get everyone together. 'Russ has an understanding of the whole club, and great knowledge of how all the parts come together. 'It's not just about coaching for him, he understands how the club all fits. 'This is probably the kind of talk that impressed the Rangers bosses in his interview. 'You need that understanding if you're competing at the top of the Premiership. It's as tough as it can be. 'I'll be thrilled for him if he gets the job. I'll be excited to see what he can do. 'Rangers will certainly be an attractive team to watch if Russ gets the job. 'I'll be watching for Rangers' results now. You tend to do that with people you really like.' Winkelman once appointed Roberto Di Matteo, who went onto win the Champions League with Chelsea, and former Liverpool and Manchester United star Paul Ince. He holds Martin in similar regard, adding: 'Russ was one of the best appointments I made, and I like to think I made a few. 'I gave Roberto Di Matteo his first job, and he ended up winning the Champions League with Chelsea. 'I gave Paul Ince his second job in management and that went well, too. 'I'm quite pleased with my track record in appointing managers.
Scottish Sun
03-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
I gave Russell Martin his first manager job and he rebuilt my club – he'll get everyone at Rangers together
PETE WINKELMAN watched one of his dugout rookies leave MK Dons and lift the Champions League. But he holds none of his former gaffers in higher esteem than Russell Martin. 8 Russell Martin looks set to become the new Rangers manager Credit: Getty 8 Pete Winkelman (right) gave Martin his first managerial role Credit: Getty 8 Winkelman was MK Dons supremo for 21 years Credit: Action Images - Reuters 8 Roberto Di Matteo was also given a chance by Winkelman Credit: Getty Images - Getty Winkelman, who ran the club for 21 years, freely admits he LOVES Martin for transforming his Dons. He puts him on a par with Azzurri hero Roberto Di Matteo — a Euro winner with Chelsea — and England great Paul Ince. And as Martin moved to finalise his personal negotiations with Rangers, Winkelman, now 67, insisted his managerial protege Martin can unite everybody at Ibrox. He told SunSport: 'I love the man. I wish him every success. 'He will bring a hell of a lot to Rangers. It won't just be a little tweak here or there to what happens on the pitch. 'Throughout the club, he'll get everyone together. 'Russ has an understanding of the whole club, and great knowledge of how all the parts come together. 'It's not just about coaching for him, he understands how the club all fits. 'This is probably the kind of talk that impressed the Rangers bosses in his interview. 'You need that understanding if you're competing at the top of the Premiership. It's as tough as it can be. Southampton manager bust up 'I'll be thrilled for him if he gets the job. I'll be excited to see what he can do. 'Rangers will certainly be an attractive team to watch if Russ gets the job. 'I'll be watching for Rangers' results now. You tend to do that with people you really like.' Former pop music producer Winkelman appointed ex-Liverpool and Manchester United star Ince as gaffer in 2007. A year later, Chelsea and Italy great Di Matteo took charge before returning to Stamford Bridge to lead them to glory over Bayern Munich. But Winkelman still recalls promoting Martin from dressing room to dugout in November 2019 after sacking Paul Tisdale — who is now Celtic's head of football operations. He added: 'Russ was one of the best appointments I made, and I like to think I made a few. 'I gave Roberto Di Matteo his first job, and he ended up winning the Champions League with Chelsea. 'I gave Paul Ince his second job in management and that went well, too. 'I'm quite pleased with my track record in appointing managers. 'Like everything in football, I didn't always get it right. 'Paul Tisdale had the foresight to bring Russ into the club in the first place. He knew that he had a good football brain. 'When I wanted to make changes, Russ didn't actually put himself in for the job. 'I had to change things with Paul as it was not going in the right direction. 'I had a few chats with Russ as one of our leading players. 'I gave him a try and he immediately grabbed it. He gave up playing instantly to focus on the job. 'I was attracted by Russell's two big traits — his knowledge of football and his very clear understanding of what he wants to see and achieve. 'He has great leadership qualities, too, and he rebuilt my club.' Brighton-born Martin, 39, would later move on to Swansea and Southampton. But Winkelman, who sold MK Dons to a Kuwaiti consortium last year, says the 29-cap Scotland star will never be forgotten in Milton Keynes. He said: 'He left us to go to Swansea City and the fans were absolutely horrified. 'But I always understood his ambition. It's part of what I love about him. I only have fantastic words to say about Russ. He was very important in getting us back on track. 'He also developed our young players and brought through Matt O'Riley — who did so well at Celtic before moving to Brighton — Harry Darling, who is now at Swansea, and other really good players.' Martin impressed with his style of football during his time at MK Dons and Swansea. It earned him a dream move to Southampton, where he led the Saints back into the Premier League, after a Wembley play-off win over Leeds United 13 months ago. But the first negative spell of his dugout career arrived last season as Southampton struggled in the top flight, and he was axed after just one win in 16 games. 8 It led to scrutiny of his playing style and doubts over whether his principles, and his strict play-out-from-the-back philosophy, would be suitable for the top level. But Winkelman has promised anxious Gers fans that former Norwich ace Martin will have learned lessons from that harsh exposure to England's leading league. He added: 'The bottom line is that Russ is a very intelligent man. 'He will have learned a lot from his Southampton experience. 'He will have learned quite a lot from his time in the Premier League. 'It will only have made him a stronger character. 'You only learn what doesn't work when you make mistakes in life. 'Every manager needs to go through that kind of time in their career — it makes them stronger. 'He has great clarity of thinking, and he'll obviously need that if he goes in at Rangers.' SunSport understands Martin remains locked in talks with the Gers hierarchy over personal terms of his deal. He had a brief playing spell at Ibrox after signing on loan for former caretaker boss Graeme Murty in the January transfer window in 2018. He now looks poised for a return as Gers finally close in on a successor to Philippe Clement, who was sacked back in February. 8 Paul Ince was another MK Dons boss success story Credit: PA:Press Association 8 Martin led Southampton to promotion to the Premier League Credit: Getty 8 He had a brief spell as a Rangers player in 2018 Credit: Willie Vass - The Sun Glasgow Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
