PRESCOTT, Ariz. (Feb. 13, 2026) – A Prescott man is grateful to be alive after a routine surgery led to the early detection of a life-threatening lung disease by the medical team at Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC). It was almost two years ago that Kirk Richardson, 69, was recovering from shoulder surgery when he woke up in the middle of the night, feeling like he couldn’t breathe. “I didn’t know if it was a panic attack, but I started pacing and trying to steady myself,” shares Richardson. When his symptoms didn’t improve, Richardson’s wife drove him to YRMC’s Emergency Department. The YRMC medical team ran tests and determined Richardson had pulmonary fibrosis, a disease where scar tissue spreads throughout the lungs. The scar tissue hardens, making even simple tasks like breathing very difficult. 

Armed with new knowledge and a lifesaving diagnosis, Richardson was referred to Dignity Health’s Norton Thoracic Institute at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix for treatment. 

“YRMC is a testament to providing patients with high quality care,” says Richardson. “Not only was I treated so well at YRMC, but because it’s in the Dignity Health family, I was quickly transferred to Norton, which is world-renowned for the treatment of lung disease.”

Since his diagnosis, Richardson has received specialized care under Rajat Walia, MD, Division Chief of Pulmonary Disease and Pulmonary Medicine at Dignity Health’s Norton Thoracic Institute. Dr. Walia was concerned that Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) was contributing to his lung disease, and  he discussed these concerns with Ross Bremner, MD, Executive Director of the  Norton Thoracic Institute, and thoracic surgeon.  Dr. Bremner confirmed that Richardson  had GERD and a hiatal hernia  and performed an anti-reflux procedure which stabilized his lung function. 

“When Mr. Richardson first came to see me, he desperately wanted answers,” Dr. Walia said. “Helping patients get those answers and the treatments they need is why we get into this field in the first place. We are motivated to get to the bottom of a patient’s health issues and Mr. Richardson’s case was no exception.”

At present, Richardson periodically undergoes breathing tests and treatment at Norton, to help manage his symptoms and condition. As a result of early intervention medical care, Richardson is able to maintain an excellent quality of life and enjoys spending part of his days as an independent heavy machinery mechanic, doing repairs for local ranchers and well drillers. Although there is no cure for pulmonary fibrosis, Richardson maintains a positive attitude. “I am a very fortunate man and I thank God for that every day,” he says.

Dr. Walia and the team at Norton are honored to be able to help Richardson maintain an excellent quality of life. “To see how Mr. Richardson is doing now compared to when he first arrived at Norton, it is a great privilege,” explains Dr. Walia. “Making a difference in his life, in every patient’s life, is what we set out to do. It is the most fulfilling part of my career.”

Richardson echoes this statement saying, “When it comes to Dignity Health, it is the best care I have ever received in my life. They’re compassionate, they care, and they follow through. It has made all the difference in the world.”

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