Karlie Shaffer

It was Labor Day Weekend 2017 and my soccer team was competing in the final game of the tournament. It was a grueling game that we were battling for the tournament championship. During the final 2 minutes of the game, I was fighting for possession of the ball and I heard a pop in my left knee. I collapsed to the ground and immediately tried to get back up but I couldn’t. I crawled off of the field.

The next day I had an MRI which confirmed that I tore my ACL and medial meniscus. I thought to myself that this wasn’t true as I was only 13. My parents researched a pediatric orthopedic doctor specializing in knee injuries and found Dr. Peter Fabricant. As soon as we met him, we knew he was the right choice for us. He explained all of our options and was patient answering all of our questions. My surgery was October 2017.

After a long 11 months of physical therapy and working with a trainer, I have finally been cleared to play again. I never thought this day would come! Thank you to HSS staff Dr. Peter Fabricant, Theresa, Ashley and Jamie and of course my physical therapist, Jim Costa! I could not have climbed Mt. Everest without you!