Also known as: Ruptured spleen
Jack, a teenage boy, suffers blunt abdominal trauma from a skating accident resulting in splenic rupture requiring emergency splenectomy. The trauma indirectly leads to the discovery of his underlying pancreatic cancer.
Also known as: Pancreatic tumor
Jack is incidentally diagnosed with early-stage pancreatic cancer during workup for his trauma. Family history of cancer raised suspicion. The tumor bleeds due to the accident, requiring immediate Whipple procedure rather than transfer to MD Anderson.
Also known as: DKA
Abby, a 13-year-old diabetic girl, is found unconscious in the hospital after rationing her insulin due to cost. She develops severe DKA requiring emergency central line placement and intubation. Her case highlights the insulin affordability crisis.
Also known as: Type 1 diabetes
Abby has had diabetes since age 10 and her family cannot afford insulin ($2,000/month), leading her to ration doses and ultimately develop life-threatening DKA. Her case drives the subplot about healthcare costs and the need for an uninsured clinic.
Also known as: Type 1 diabetes
Jack becomes insulin-dependent for life following his Whipple procedure for pancreatic cancer, which removed his entire pancreas. He is offered a $10,000 insulin pump by a device rep.
Also known as: Heart transplant recipient
Micah is 10 days post-heart transplant and struggling with his recovery and dependence on others. He has a conversation with Mina about life expectancy after transplant and later injures himself trying to prove his independence.