For athletes like Caroline, injuries can be both physically and mentally challenging, but with a supportive team and the right care, recovery is possible. A patient at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, Caroline’s journey with ACL tears in both knees tested her strength and perseverance.
In September 2020, Caroline tore the ACL in her left knee. Then in May 2023, she faced the same injury on her right knee. Both times, the road to recovery was tough, especially when sports had always been such a big part of her life.
Fortunately, Caroline had already been a Nemours Children’s patient for her regular well-visits, so when she got injured the first time, she knew exactly where to turn. “It was an easy decision to go to Nemours,” Caroline explains. When it happened again in the opposite knee, she found comfort in knowing she would receive the highest level of care from familiar faces. “Knowing I had an excellent doctor and physical therapist to turn to was the only thing that gave me hope when I got re-injured.”
From her surgeon and physical therapist to her anesthesiologist, the entire Nemours team played a crucial role in her recovery – both times. Dr. Alfred Atanda and physical therapist Michelle Feairheller were crucial members of Caroline’s care team. “They made me feel comfortable, safe, and in good hands during a scary time,” she says, reflecting on her experiences. It wasn’t just the expertise of the clinicians that stood out to Caroline, but also the reassurance and compassion they offered, and how seamlessly they communicated with each other about her care.
Now fully recovered, Caroline is back to doing what she loves most—playing sports and living her life to the fullest. She feels stronger than ever and is grateful for the care that got her here. “I feel great and I’m back to my full athletic capacity,” shares Caroline.
Looking to the future, Caroline hopes to stay out of the hospital, aside from her regular well-visits, of course. But she knows if she ever needs help again, Nemours will be there for her. “If anything were to happen to me in the future, Nemours will take good care of me,” she says.
Her advice to others facing a similar journey is simple but impactful: “Pick a good healthcare team. I have friends who’ve been through the ACL process, and their healthcare experiences with other providers have not been as positive as mine with Nemours. Healthcare providers either make or break someone’s experience with a diagnosis, and I’m extremely grateful that Nemours provided me with an amazing one.”
Caroline’s story is a testament to the power of having a trusted healthcare team by your side, helping you through the toughest times and guiding you back to doing what you love.
