Meet Izzy
Izzy has always been a very active, sports-driven child. But in seventh grade, she began experiencing recurring knee pain. One evening while walking upstairs, she suddenly cried out in pain, explaining that her kneecap felt out of place. Concerned by this, her family took action and was referred to an orthopedic specialist.
After months of physical therapy, little improvement and continued dislocation of the patella, Izzy sought a second opinion with a pediatric orthopedic surgeon and underwent her first knee surgery in April 2023. Following healing and rehabilitation, she was able to return to the courts and fields she loves so much.
Exactly one year later, while competing in an AAU basketball tournament, Izzy dislocated the same knee again. She was referred to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, where she underwent her second knee surgery in May 2025. The procedure was a Medial Patellofemoral Ligament (MPFL) reconstruction, which connects the kneecap to the thigh bone and helps prevent the kneecap from shifting outward. Izzy’s family was grateful for the exceptional care she received in Columbus, but the frequent travel back and forth from Toledo for follow‑up visits became increasingly challenging.
Everything changed when Izzy connected with the local Sports Medicine and Orthopedics experts at Nationwide Children’s Hospital - Toledo.
When a shoulder injury disrupted her freshman basketball season in January of 2025, her school athletic trainer recommended she see Dr. John Anderson, a sports medicine physician at Nationwide Children’s - Toledo. Dr. Anderson listened closely, performed thorough imaging and testing and ultimately diagnosed Izzy with scapulothoracic dissociation. With proper treatment and rehabilitation, she was eventually able to return to everyday activities and the sports she loves.
Just months later, in September 2025, Izzy dislocated her left patella again during volleyball practice. Because of the excellent care she had previously received locally, her family returned to Nationwide Children’s - Toledo Sports Medicine and Orthopedics. After thorough evaluation, Dr. Anderson and Dr. Phillip Stokey, Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon at Nationwide Children's - Toledo and ProMedica Russell J. Ebeid Children’s Hospital, determined that Izzy would need a third surgery on her left knee.
That same month, Izzy underwent a rare but necessary Lateral Patellofemoral Ligament (LPFL) reconstruction performed by Dr. Stokey to treat her severe knee instability by reconstructing the damaged lateral ligament with a tendon graft.
Izzy’s family felt incredibly relieved to have such knowledgeable and experienced pediatric experts available much closer to home, eliminating the need to make the long trips down to Columbus.
After many months of hard work in physical therapy and the ongoing support of her Nationwide Children’s - Toledo care team, Izzy has made tremendous progress and was cleared to return to activities in February 2026. She is now fully back to the sports she is so passionate about, including varsity softball, travel softball and volleyball.
Despite the setbacks and challenges she has faced, Izzy has shown incredible resilience and determination. Her love for sports and her positive spirit continues to motivate her through each stage of recovery. The love, care and support she has received from everyone at Nationwide Children's Hospital has been truly remarkable and has meant so much to both Izzy and her family.
