Faces of Research: The Podcast

Real Duke patients share how research is helping solve their complex health challenges

2 columns of 3 photos each from the Faces of Research series, with a graphic of a microphone in the middle

Without research, modern medicine would look very different.

In Duke hospitals, clinicians work closely with scientists to not only provide care but also to try new treatments and conduct research to improve our understanding of diseases.

As an academic medical center, Duke provides cutting-edge care to the most complicated of cases. Government funding is crucial to supporting the research underlying this care.

Real people, like those highlighted in the Faces of Research series, have had their lives saved and improved thanks to research. Through the Faces of Research podcast, these patients share their stories in their own words – emphasizing why government-supported research is so important. Listen to their reflections in the YouTube podcast playlist.

Creed Kolasa

Diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy as an infant, Creed was given few options and even less hope. In this episode of Faces of Research, Creed and his mom Jessica share how a Duke-led clinical trial helped change Creed’s future—giving him independence, strength, and the chance to simply be a kid.

Bianca Harvey

When teacher Bianca collapsed in her classroom from searing pain, she never imagined it would lead to a Stage IV colon cancer diagnosis. This episode of Faces of Research follows how clinical trials at Duke gave Bianca hope and options—and how she chose to turn her journey into a source of strength, joy, and connection for others.

Akenji and Asanti Dingaoyo

Born at just 23 weeks and weighing barely a pound each, twin brothers Akenji and Asanti faced overwhelming odds from their very first moments. This episode of Faces of Research shares how advanced neonatal research and care at Duke Children’s Hospital gave their family something that felt impossible—a life together. The toddlers’ mother Janae shares their story and how what it’s been like watching her toddler boys grow and thrive.

Alfonzo Grafton

When chemotherapy failed and time was running out, Alfonzo turned to a Duke Cancer Institute clinical trial that changed everything. This episode of Faces of Research tells the story of how NIH-funded research helped Alfonzo tackle his stage IV lung cancer in a new way, giving him his life back—and a renewed purpose, advocating for the power of research.

Yvette Crawley

When Yvette’s retirement dreams were threatened by a rare eye disease slowly taking her vision, she feared a future fading into darkness. This episode of Faces of Research shares how a first-of-its-kind, FDA-approved treatment at Duke Eye Center helped restore Yvette’s independence—keeping her world open, active, and full of possibility.

Sabrina Lewandowski

At just 30 years old, Sabrina was diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer that should have ended her life. This episode of Faces of Research tells how innovative, experimental treatment at Duke didn’t just give Sabrina hope—it gave her decades of life, and a deep appreciation for every single day.