Catherine Wilson

In previous generations, severe arthritis was a lifestyle death sentence. No more daily chores, exploring, hobbies, or even getting out of a chair (or off the toilet!) without aid. Not now, thanks to HSS.

My life, pre hip-replacement, was one of pain and limitations. Forget leaving the house without my cell phone, I could never leave the house without my cane and lots of effort and logistics planning (will there be handrails, handicap bathrooms, close parking, hills/stairs to navigate?).

Post hip-replacement, I am now the equivalent of a (bionic!) Marvel avenger - solo hiking the Cascades and exploring ice caves and climbing waterfalls in Iceland in the winter. But most importantly, I am now back to advocating. Pre-surgery, I could not navigate the marble steps and halls of Capitol Hill. Now I can race from building to building to chase down meetings with representatives in support of Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. HSS gave me back my abilities and I pay my new lease on life forward to help others. Thank you, HSS and Dr. McLawhorn!