SIU medical students brought new footwear to neighborhood schools during the holidays.

SIU medical students brought new footwear to neighborhood schools during the holidays.

SIU medical students brought new footwear to neighborhood schools during the holidays.

SIU medical students brought new footwear to neighborhood schools during the holidays.

SIU medical students brought new footwear to neighborhood schools during the holidays.

SIU medical students brought new footwear to neighborhood schools during the holidays.

SIU medical students brought new footwear to neighborhood schools during the holidays.

For more than two years, Frank Vala endured excruciating back pain that interrupted his life, making even simple activities feel impossible. After two surgeries and multiple injections that failed to bring him relief, his hope was dwindling. But Vala’s journey took a positive turn when he found SIU Medicine and surgeon Dr. Bruce Frankel, whose advanced techniques offered a new path to recovery.

For more than two years, Frank Vala endured excruciating back pain that interrupted his life, making even simple activities feel impossible. After two surgeries and multiple injections that failed to bring him relief, his hope was dwindling. But Vala’s journey took a positive turn when he found SIU Medicine and surgeon Dr. Bruce Frankel, whose advanced techniques offered a new path to recovery.

For more than two years, Frank Vala endured excruciating back pain that interrupted his life, making even simple activities feel impossible. After two surgeries and multiple injections that failed to bring him relief, his hope was dwindling. But Vala’s journey took a positive turn when he found SIU Medicine and surgeon Dr. Bruce Frankel, whose advanced techniques offered a new path to recovery.