Wall Woman Can Breathe Easy Again After Innovative Therapy
May 07, 2025
On a July afternoon in 2024, Kathy Bierker became increasingly short of breath as she wheezed through a work-related presentation. Her voice growing hoarse, she knew her audience could tell something was wrong, making her anxious and even more breathless.
For the 57-year-old from Wall, New Jersey, the event was the breaking point in a years-long search for answers about her difficulty breathing. A parade of doctors suggested various diagnoses from acid reflux and allergies to heart disease, anxiety and asthma. Yet none made sense, and no treatments made a dent in her symptoms. Eventually, Kathy struggled to do even simple things, like walking her dog, Bailey.
“It was horrible,” recalls Kathy, a mother of two. “I couldn’t enjoy what I love doing, and I had no energy. Just the thought of carrying laundry to the basement or making my bed was exhausting. Something wasn’t right.”
Desperate for answers, Kathy called her primary care doctor and asked for a referral to the best pulmonologist, no matter how far away. Luckily, she didn’t have to go far to find Brian Kerr, M.D., at Ocean University Medical Center, and the answers she’d been searching for.
Uncommon Diagnosis
Dr. Kerr put Kathy through various tests to gauge her lung function. The results suggested she might have a blockage in her airway, but a CT scan of her chest appeared normal. Kathy mentioned she’d had five gynecological surgeries years before—a clue that prompted Dr. Kerr to order imaging on her windpipe, which revealed a blockage.
Kathy’s blockage was composed of scar tissue, which may have developed from repeated intubation—the tube inserted into her airway to keep it open during the past surgeries. A bronchoscopy, which uses a tiny lighted tube to look down the esophagus, confirmed the condition, known as tracheal stenosis.
Kathy was referred to Jersey Shore University Medical Center robotic thoracic surgeon Rachel NeMoyer, M.D., who felt minimally invasive cryoablation would be the safest, most effective way to restore Kathy’s breathing. This new technique opens the trachea with a balloon and freezes scar tissue.
“I was so relieved when I found out it could be treated,” Kathy says.
Jersey Shore is the only medical center in Hackensack Meridian Health’s southern region to offer cryoablation, and Dr. NeMoyer treats approximately 10 to 15 patients each year with tracheal stenosis.
‘Born Again’
Dr. NeMoyer performed the 45-minute outpatient procedure once a week for four weeks to clear Kathy’s airway. While most patients with Kathy’s condition need three cryoablation procedures to relieve their symptoms, Kathy needed more. “She had a severe case,” Dr. NeMoyer says. “We expect this to be a permanent fix.”
Dealing with a cough and scratchy throat for a few days after each session felt like a small price to pay for the amazing results. “By the fourth treatment, my breathing was back to normal,” Kathy says. “It’s like a miracle. I feel I’ve been born again.”
Back to walking her dog and riding her bike with ease, Kathy was also ecstatic to be able to speak to dozens of guests without wheezing at her son’s wedding recently. She plans to start hiking and other activities that stretch her cardiac fitness now that she’s able.
“It’s important to be your own medical advocate,” she says. “If something doesn’t feel right or you’re not seeing results, keep trying to find answers.”
Next Steps & Resources
- Meet our sources: Brian S. Kerr, M.D., and Rachel NeMoyer, M.D.
- To make an appointment with a thoracic surgeon near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.
- Learn more about thoracic surgery at Hackensack Meridian Health.
The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.
