I was 16 years old when I injured my knee at a high school track meet in May 2024. I dislocated my knee and tore multiple ligaments, including my MCL, PCL, LCL, and meniscus. There was also concern that I might have damaged the popliteal artery, so I was sent to the ER for vascular tests because of the severe bruising and swelling in my lower leg. I was told I would need surgery soon.
As a result, I missed the state track event I had qualified for, couldn't drive, and missed a lot of school. I had to quit my summer lifeguard job and couldn’t swim or play any sports. I had been playing competitive sports my whole life, so this was a huge hit. I also had to give up my summer basketball league and probably wouldn’t be able to play on my high school team in the fall or winter. Instead, I focused on physical therapy to get ready for my surgery.
On June 28, 2024, I had a 7-hour surgery. Dr. Anil Ranawat worked hard to fix the damage and make sure I’d have the best chance at a full recovery. After surgery, I started physical therapy three times a week, wore a full brace, and used crutches until late September. But just before 11th grade started, I had to go in for another surgery to tighten a ligament and remove some hardware - another setback in my recovery.
Through it all, Dr. Ranawat was really honest with me, helping me manage my expectations and stay focused. He wasn’t just a doctor - I trusted him, and he spent a lot of time explaining everything. My physical therapist, along with the entire team at HSS, really had my back. They communicated constantly to make sure I was progressing, and their support meant a lot to me. In November 2024, after months of hard work, I finally got to stop wearing the brace. It was such a big moment for me! Now, a year after my injury, I’m back on my high school track team and even set a personal record by high jumping 6 feet!
My experience at HSS was honestly amazing. Dr. Anil Ranawat was incredible from day one - he was straight-up about the injury, but also really encouraging about my recovery. He made sure I understood everything and never rushed me, which made a huge difference. But it wasn’t just him - Kesley, Chelsea, Paul, and the entire surgical team were all so supportive. They really went the extra mile to make sure I was on track with my recovery. Whether it was helping me with my rehab plan or just checking in to see how I was doing, they always had my back. The care I got at HSS was top-notch, and I’m super grateful for how they helped me get through everything.
During my recovery, I had a renewed passion for building Legos, which helped keep me focused and positive. I also became an ambassador for Pass the Bricks, receiving donations of Lego sets, repurposing them, and giving them to kids at the HSS Lerner Children's Pavilion. It felt good to give back to others who were going through a tough time, just like I was.
Now, as I head into my senior year of high school, I’ve been thinking a lot about my future. This whole experience has actually inspired me to consider becoming an orthopedic surgeon. The way Dr. Ranawat and his team helped me has made me want to do the same for others one day. Looking back, I can say that while the injury and recovery were tough, I’m so fortunate to have had access to such incredible care at HSS. I’ll never take quality medical care for granted again, and I’ll always be thankful for the people who helped me get back on my feet.
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