I have now, 10.5 months after my near-death, life-altering crash been able to resume all my favorite activities thanks to my World-Class Surgeon, Dr. William Ricci (who has Appointments at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, and Hospital for Special Surgery), the World-Class Physical Therapy (PT) at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), and the love and support of my Family and Friends.
On November 26, 2024, my world was turned upside down. I was walking from the NYC subway to work. I was one block away when I was struck and run over twice by an SUV. I was brought to NewYork – Presbyterian Hospital – Weill Cornell Medicine, where Dr. William Ricci and the orthopedic surgical trauma team went to work. I had experienced polytrauma and fractured over 10 bones in my body (pelvis, left tibial plateau, left and right scapulas, several ribs, several vertebrae, etc). Two surgeries later by Dr. Ricci on my pelvis and left tibial plateau, I was on the mend. I was in the hospital for one month, and shortly thereafter began physical therapy at HSS.
However, everything felt different. I had to re-learn how to walk (progressing from first a wheelchair, to a walker, and then to a cane) – having had 2 major surgeries and hardware implanted. I also had to re-learn how to walk up and down steps which was quite challenging. My physical therapist, Robert “Bob” Turner, PT DPT OCS MS OM LAc, was there to guide me through these challenges. I practiced everything first in PT, which was a safe place to learn. No matter what question I had, Bob had the appropriate exercise, stretch, or drill I should practice next. Bob gave me the confidence to tackle the small and the large things first in PT, and then in the world outside, and reminded me to be patient with myself.
My wonderful Care Teams, Family, and Friends not only got me “Back in the Game” but back to my favorite activities which I wasn’t sure was possible given the severity of my crash. I joined a gym and began taking yoga classes again. After riding the stationary bike in PT once a week, I found the courage to resume SoulCycle spin classes, now twice a week – my favorite exercise! And finally, after practicing specific drills and exercises in PT, I resumed playing pickleball.
I am so thankful that I was able to reach all of my PT goals, thanks to hard work, HSS, and expert PT!
I can’t thank my Family and Friends enough for their love and support throughout my recovery – they truly carried me on their shoulders! Additionally, my Surgeon, Dr. William Ricci and his Team literally put me back together, saved my life, and gave me a second chance at life! I’d also like to thank my Physical Therapist, Robert “Bob” Turner, for working me hard in PT to go from being in a wheelchair to now returning to all my favorite physical activities! It’s a true miracle!
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