Owen Shinoda

When an athlete is sidelined by injury, it can turn their entire world upside down. And when that athlete is only 13, the sport they love often feels like their whole world. That’s exactly what happened when my son, Owen, injured his throwing arm playing baseball.

Living in Massachusetts, we sought out an expert who could not only understand Owen’s injury but also his goals. We ultimately turned to HSS, where Dr. Dines gave us hope and assurance that Owen could return to the game he loves. From the very first appointment, every member of the HSS team - scheduler, student, nurse, PA, physician, surgical scheduler, and physical therapist - went above and beyond to support us.

As a parent, it’s heartbreaking to watch your child unable to play the sport they love and excel at. Owen’s recovery was both physically and mentally challenging, but he remained resilient, keeping his goals in sight. This past spring, while rehabbing, he even helped coach so he could stay connected to the game.

Fast forward six months, and we’re thrilled to share that Owen is back on the field, stronger than ever. Earlier this summer, he even won the home run derby at camp - a true testament to his hard work and the outstanding care he received.

We are deeply grateful to Dr. Dines and the entire HSS team for giving Owen the opportunity to return to baseball. It means everything to us.