At 86 years old, lifelong adventurer Klaus Faber thought he would never return to the activities he loved or have the opportunity to try paragliding.
Faber was beginning to lose the use of his legs. Having undergone two hip replacements, he assumed his increasing immobility was the result of the surgeries. Then he discovered he had a tumor. He consulted two surgeons.
“The surgeons refused to operate, mainly because of my advanced age,” says Faber.
The news was devastating. With a lifetime of athletic accomplishments, including being the first person in New Hampshire to get their parasailing license, Faber couldn't imagine himself in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. “But then I said, well, I have to learn to live with this.”
All that changed when Klaus Faber met Linton T. Evans, MD, neurosurgical oncologist at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. “When we first got here, Dr. Evans' words, 'I think I can help you,' I'll never forget,” says Ingrid Faber, who joined her husband on a visit to Dartmouth Hitchcock to share their story .
According to the couple, Evans told them this life-changing news after a thorough evaluation and consultation, while surgeons at other hospitals had made their decision primarily based on Faber's age. Evans listens to the patient's point of view, explains Ingrid Faber. Through this, he transformed their lives.
Klaus Faber agrees. “Dr. Evans' methodical approach, charting a clear path to a positive outcome, convinced us to proceed with the operation. We are so glad we did. As Dr. Evans suspected, the tumor came out clean and I went from almost total immobility to being able to walk again,” he says.
And Klaus Faber doesn't just know how to walk. Since his surgery, he can once again enjoy the outdoor adventures he loves, including mountain climbing, skydiving and cycling. He even went paragliding. “Normally people don't do stupid things like that. Now I'm happy, even at my age, to be able to do this.
When asked how he helped his patient, Evans is humble. “I think the technology we have and what we offer patients only makes a difference if it improves that person's quality of life. It is a pleasure to offer people safe and advanced technology that improves their overall well-being. And it sure is exciting to see people come to you unable to walk and see them walking again. It’s a pleasure to be able to make a difference for them.
Asked about Evans' impact on their family's lives, Ingrid Faber is unapologetic. “We are so grateful to Dr. Evans and the hospital because it has made such a big difference in my life, my husband's life and the children's lives. There was no hope. And then we came here.
