Sports Medicine Patient Stories

Have your own inspiring patient story to share? If you’d like to share your Nicklaus Children's story to inspire hope, and help other families find answers to questions they’re seeking for their child, please contact us at: info@nicklaushealth.org.

Patient of the Month: Luciana

September 02, 2024 – Despite being born prematurely, Luciana has always been a fighter and was determined to succeed.

Angelina's Success Story

June 13, 2023 – Angelina, an avid soccer player tore her ACL during a club game. Thankfully, the incredible expertise of Dr. Craig Spurdle, Orthopedic Surgeon and Chief of the Nicklaus Children's Orthopedics, Sports Medicine and Spine Institute at Nicklaus Children's Hospital completed a successful ACL repair surgery and on the road to scoring goals again.

Young Soccer Star Overcomes Sport Injury

June 06, 2022 – Stephanie has been playing soccer since the age of four. The star goalkeeper not only plays for her high school, she also is part of a competitive travel team that has won accolades throughout Florida. Her shining soccer career came to a sudden halt when she injured her shoulder.

Ortho Athlete Spotlight: Motocross Racer Colt Golembeski

February 18, 2021 – At only 12 years of age, Colt is already an accomplished motocross racer. In January 2020, Colt went from being at the top of his game to enduring a devastating injury at a moment's notice. During a training event in Georgia, Colt jumped off the side of his motorcycle and felt his knee pop. He had torn his ACL.

Allison's Story: Top Gymnast Bounces Back After Injury

January 22, 2021 – Allison Roca is among the top 100 gymnasts in the nation for her age division. Her rigorous routine came to a halt in the summer of 2020 while performing a stunt known as a front tuck. When she landed with her knee hyperextended her mother almost immediately knew that something was not right. Allison was in a lot of pain.

Lizzie's Story

November 05, 2019 – When Elizabeth “Lizzie” Debowsky was only 7 years old, she began experiencing a sudden pain in her hip. Her parents Shari and Stuart immediately worried when the pain became so severe it was affecting her ability to walk.

Ryan's ACL Surgery Success Story

January 24, 2018 – Our 10 year old son, Ryan, tore his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in his left leg this past summer. I have frequently been asked, isn’t 10 years old very young to tear an ACL? Yes, for children that young, it is rare, but not unheard of.

For the Love of Soccer

May 04, 2015 – For some kids, playing sports is not only fun but it also a passion. For Esteban Leon, 14, soccer is always on his mind; but when he was only 10 years old, his dreams came to a halt while on the soccer field one afternoon.