“Let’s be real—my fitness journey didn’t start with a New Year’s resolution or a moment of enlightened inspiration. It started with a nasty diagnosis of an osteochondral lesion, which is medical speak for “you’re about to have a very bad time.”
“I had surgery and for 10 agonizing weeks, I was benched, stuck on crutches. My relationship with those crutches was less than cordial; as a plus-size person, they are a cruel joke designed to make you hate stairs and yourself. My new identity? A professional couch potato. I was one with the cushions, a human-sized Jabba the Hutt on a mission to master the art of sedentary living.”
“My surgeon, Dr. Calligaro, and her team were incredible, patient, and kind, but I was convinced I’d be limping for the rest of my life. Then, in a moment of pure genius, Dr. Calligaro, knowing my love for all things Disney, mentioned the RunDisney event.
“A tiny seed was planted, but it felt like a fantasy. It wasn’t until my principal, of all people, called me out for being “stubborn” that the fantasy began to feel real. The words hit me like a ton of bricks. If I was stubborn enough to refuse help, I was stubborn enough to do something with that energy.”
“So, I got off the couch and joined a gym. The first goal was simply to walk. Then it became to walk a 5K. Now, I’m training for the Disney Princess Challenge and signed up for the Fairy Challenge, which will be a 10K on February 28 and a half-marathon on March 1. From hobbling on crutches to running races—who would’ve thought a broken ankle would lead to a happy ending?”
- From Dr. Lindsey Calligaro: “As both a doctor and an athlete, nothing makes me happier than seeing patients return to the sports they love. When my patient, Cindy, told me that I inspired her to begin her own athletic journey, it reminded me why I do what I do—moments like that make all the hard work worthwhile.”
At Wayne Foot & Ankle Center, we are proud of the amazing progress our patients make, and we love to share their inspiring stories that may encourage others. If foot or ankle pain is keeping you on the couch or preventing you from living your best life, contact us today. We’re here to help.
