The pain in Kevin Kowalzyk’s hip was getting worse. He turned to RUSH for answers. Tests showed he had Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare bone cancer.

First the Marine Corps veteran underwent chemotherapy to shrink the tumor in his pelvis. Next, surgery at RUSH — using advanced, 3D-printing technology. 

“It can be challenging to treat cancer in the hip,” RUSH orthopedic oncologist Alan Blank, MD, explains. “But here at RUSH, we've been performing 3D-printed pelvic reconstructions — where we can 3D print a perfect match of a new pelvis made out of metal and implant it in the same location.” 

The surgery was a success, and with the help of RUSH’s physical therapy program, Kevin’s regained his ability to walk. 

“It was the best treatment. I always recommend people to RUSH.” 

“It was amazing to see Kevin transfer from a wheelchair to a walker to crutches to a cane to walking on his own,” fiancée Nicole Quinn says. “He makes me so proud.” 

A year later, Kevin is in remission and working as a diesel mechanic. He credits RUSH for his excellent care.  

“It was the best treatment,” he says. “I always recommend people to RUSH.” 

Kevin’s care illustrates how RUSH is convenient to patients across the Chicago area — whether in Aurora at RUSH Copley, in Oak Brook or in Chicago.  

RUSH Orthopedic Oncology’s move to the Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building will offer state-of-the-art care for patients like Kevin, wherever they are across the Chicago area and Northwest Indiana. 

“Orthopedic oncology here at RUSH is leaps and bounds ahead of the rest of the nation,” Dr. Blank says. “We do a large number of 3D-printed procedures. And the more of these you do, the better outcomes for our patients.”