VIOLETTA Story – Abbott Benefits

The Power of Prevention

About six years ago, Violetta Mikes’ husband noticed something unusual on his cheek. It looked like a simple pimple, nothing that seemed particularly concerning. But when it lingered longer than expected, he decided it was worth having a dermatologist take a closer look.

The appointment seemed routine. Through Abbott’s medical coverage, he was able to see a specialist who removed the spot and sent it for testing. Then came news the family never expected.

“When they biopsied it, they discovered that it was cancerous,” Violetta recalls.

The diagnosis was startling, but it also brought an important realization. What appeared to be a minor skin concern could have become something much more serious if left unchecked. Because it was caught early, her husband was able to get the care he needed, turning a frightening moment into a powerful reminder about the value of preventive care.

For Violetta and her family, the experience changed the way they think about their health.

Rather than viewing annual screenings as something optional, they began treating them as an essential part of their healthcare routine. Through Abbott’s medical benefits, they learned they had access to annual dermatology wellness exams and full-body skin checks.

Today, those appointments are a standing commitment.

“It turns out we have the opportunity through our benefits to have annual full wellness checkups for dermatology,” Violetta says. “We’re doing those full body scans year over year so we can make sure that we’re in the clear until the next year.”

The experience reinforced something Violetta believes many people overlook: small concerns can sometimes point to larger health issues, and early detection can make all the difference.

Like many employees, Violetta says it can be easy to focus on benefits only when a major medical issue arises. Her family’s experience taught her that some of the most valuable benefits are the preventive services designed to catch issues before they become bigger problems.

“If you have something that you’re concerned about, whether it’s mental health, a dermatology thing or whatever it is, I would definitely go and see what’s available.” – Violetta Mikes

Today, the family continues to prioritize annual screenings and preventive care. What began with a routine dermatology visit has become a lasting reminder not to ignore concerns and to take advantage of the resources available through their benefits.

Looking back, Violetta is grateful not only that the cancer was identified early, but also that the experience prompted her family to become more proactive about their health.

“It’s really great to have opportunities that other people don’t get when you’re at a different company,” she says. “Abbott really, really cares and wants us to be healthy.”