Kentucky couple conducts national search for a second opinion

Successful cervical spinal tumor removal at University Hospitals Neurological Institute saves patient’s life, gives family hope

Jeremy Hardy, 48, a loving husband, father and cross-country coach who competes in Iron Man triathlons, was on a run in the summer of 2022 when he started to feel shock waves in his triceps. He did not think much of it until he noticed a physical difference in his arms while cross training. His left arm looked atrophied compared to his right during weightlifting. Other symptoms included radiating pain in his back.

Jeremy, who lives right outside of Louisville in Prospect, Kentucky, went to a chiropractor thinking it might be a disc profusion. The chiropractor recommended he get an MRI right away.

The local physician he saw noticed something on his scans and completed a second MRI using contrast dye within the same appointment. Jeremy, who worked in orthopedic sales for years and has a wealth of healthcare knowledge, knew it must be serious. Usually a second, follow-up appointment would be made. Jeremy was told it was very important they get the results as quickly as possible.

The results showed a tumor in his spinal cord. Jeremy and his wife Danielle went to work right away doing their research and made an appointment with a local surgeon. During their first interaction, they were told Jeremy had cancer and would probably die within three years. A biopsy to see if the tumor was cancerous would be done once surgery started; however, even if the tumor was benign, removing it would likely paralyze him.

Jeremy and Danielle did not settle for that diagnosis. Instead, they went on a national search for a second opinion. A friend who works with Medtronic put them in touch with Nicholas C. Bambakidis, MD, Chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery, Vice President and Director of University Hospitals (UH) Neurological Institute, and the Harvey Huntington Brown, Jr., Professor Chair in Neurosurgery at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.

Their friend explained Dr. Bambakidis was the best surgeon for the type of delicate surgery Jeremy needed, teaching it nationally through the Congress of Neurological Surgeons – the leading organization dedicated to advancing neurosurgery through education and innovation.

Dr. Bambakidis gave the Hardys something no one else had up until that point: hope.

“When I was looking and researching, there weren’t a lot of good outcomes that I saw,” Jeremy explained. “Most people were paralyzed after getting spinal tumors removed. When I met Dr. Bambakidis, I knew he was the right doctor. He was very confident and matter-of-fact. You have to have that kind of confidence in people that are helping you navigate this journey.”

“Jeremy’s tumor was benign, but was located in the middle of the cervical spinal cord – the most delicate part,” Dr. Bambakidis said. “Cervical spinal cord injuries are typically the most severe, because the top portion of the spinal cord is closer to the brain and affects a larger portion of the body.”

“Jeremy was developing weakness in his arms because of the tumor. A century ago, the eventual outcome would have been permanent quadriplegia then death. Our team was able to remove the tumor during a very delicate surgery. We’re pleased that Jeremy has made a nearly complete recovery, and we believe he is now cured.”

Following surgery, rehabilitation involved Jeremy needing a special chair and bed, walking with a walker, and more than seven months of intensive physical and occupational therapy. One year after surgery, the Hardy family had an anniversary party with their community and celebrated Jeremy’s recovery. Jeremy now has a tattoo of the medical symbol depicting medicine and faith coming together to honor his journey.

“My outcome was so good, and Dr. Bambakidis was so incredible, that I wanted to share my story. This is such a rare diagnosis and a rare outcome,” he said.

The Hardys sang the praises of the UH team that cared for them, especially Dr. Bambakidis’s PA, Tiffany Reichert, who was able to schedule the surgery quickly and took all of their calls throughout the process. They also appreciated the expertise of surgical fellow Dr. Mohit Patel during the difficult surgery.

Danielle, who is an elementary school teacher and counselor, also took on the role of Jeremy’s No. 1 cheerleader and created YouTube videos for him: one for family and friends to wish him well before surgery and one to document his recovery.

“We are so thankful to have an incredible community and support system that has been praying for us constantly,” she said. “We wanted to share our story to be a beacon of hope for others. Not only so we can inspire people, but so we can empower them.”

Jeremy and Danielle met in college at the University of Kentucky (UK). They have four children, two boys who are in school at UK, and two girls in high school who are planning to go there in the future. Thankfully, Jeremy will be there for it all.

“We now will be able to have all of these special moments we didn’t think we could,” Danielle shared. “Jeremy can go on runs, go on drives – he loves cars and loves to drive. Most importantly, he’ll be able to enjoy family time, cheering on UK, and walk our daughters down the aisle at their future weddings.”