It was a beautiful summer day in 2012 and I was at the top of my game of rock climbing. I spent the whole day climbing 5.10 routes in the Seasons area of the world-renown Shawangunks in New Paltz, New York. I wanted to end the day with a moderate lead on Shitcreek rated only 5.6+. Right at the crux of the climb, I was getting ready to complete the move when I found myself airborne with a 20-foot swing. I had taken my first lead fall after 10 years of climbing and had broken my left ankle in the process. That is when I met Dr. Scott Ellis for the first time. He operated flawlessly on my ankle and 8 months later I was climbing again in the gym.
Fast forward to 2014. It was a beautiful spring morning in Red Rock Canyon in Las Vegas, Nevada. My friend and I had planned to kickstart the climbing season with the long multi-pitch classic routes that Red Rock is famous for. We spent the first day playing in the Calico Hills area to get used to the soft sandstone. On the walkout, I experienced a multiple fracture and a torn ligament in my right ankle. It was a freak accident. I was drugged up and almost wheeled into surgery by an unknown doctor in Summerlin, when I came to my senses and called Dr. Ellis for help. Not only did he remember me, but he graciously offered to operate on my second ankle and walked me through the process for my flight back home to NYC. A few days later, he operated on my ankle and monitored my recovery again, for the second time in three years. I feel truly indebted to him. He is the best doctor in the world with the best team to assist him (Thanks Steve!). Today, I am back in the game climbing only because of him. He is my hero. Thank you Dr. Scott Ellis!
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