In 2018 we saw stories of triumph, heartache and innovation as doctors found new ways to treat patients. 

News Ten’s Megan Kelly takes a look back at the year’s top medical breakthroughs across Acadiana.

The beginning of 2018 began with a bit of an alarming story.

Texas resident Jeanette Leblanc contracted a deadly infection after eating and shucking raw oysters in Louisiana.

Leblanc died after spending 21 days in the hospital. 

“It we had known that the risk was so high, i think she would’ve stopped eating oysters.”

Staying in the same realm, an Acadiana woman contracts a flesh eating bacteria in her neck.

Doctors performed 10 surgeries on Patti Mallett to get the infection under control.

“I always get asked where did you get it, were you at the beach?” no, none of those things. it can come from bee stings, wasp stings, open wounds, any surgical procedures.”

In 2018 we also met 14 year old Austin Stelly, an Acadiana boy with Duchenne  Muscular Dystrophy.

Through donations, Austin was gifted a $25,000 robotic arm.

His mom says he isn’t able to lift up his arms, so this helps regain his independence. 

“When we’re in the car, when we would stop somewhere he wouldn’t be able to feed himself. now we can get him some french fries and he can feed himself.”

That’s a look at 2018, for KLFY News 10, Im Megan Kelly.

Here’s to a happy and healthy, 2019.