Kona 2013: From the OR to the Starting Line
A nonprofit fundraiser supporting
Steadman Philippon Research Institute
Helping athletes to get back to what they love to do as safely and quickly as possible because sport makes us better in all aspects of life.
$241
raised by 3 people
$10,000 goal
As professional Ironman triathlete, I spend hours each day trianing for one thing -- to compete in the Ironman World Championships. In 2013, after more than 300 days of hard training, I crashed hard on a training ride.
The crash left me shattered with a broken clavicle and damaged shoulder joint. In and instant, my dream of competing to win the 2013 Ironman World Championships was over.
Or, that's what I thought.
But, the doctors at the Steadman Clinic thought differently.
Dr. Peter Millett not only fixed my injuries but convinced me that my dream was still alive. With more than 20 years of data to pull from, they quickly started working on a solution that would get me to the start line.
Athletes, be it amatuer or professional, are incomplete without activity. And I quickly discovered the research-driven approach the doctors take at the Steadman Clinic gives injured atheltes the gift of activity -- and prevents future injuries that might take it away again.
Their team was able to get me into surgery almost immediately, fixing the damage to my shoulder joint and mending my broken clavicle with state of the art surgerical techniques. Then, the morning after surgery rehab began with the amazing Howard Head physical therapy team. Immediately after surgery, the team started working on my mobility and getting me back to the sport I love.
Thanks to Dr. Millett and the Head Physical Therapy team -- and much to my amazement -- I was biking and running immediately and swimming in less than a week.
I now have a chance to complete my journey and race in the World Championships. The vital research of the Steadman Philippon Research Institute has allowed both Dr. Millett and the Head Physical Therapy team to fine tune their surgical and therapy techniques. This study has directly benefited me and many other athletes by enabling us to have a fast recovery and quickly get back to competing in the sports we love.
I believe that athletes are at our best in all aspects of our life when we can be doing what we love. By helping the Steadman Philippon Research Institute to continue their studies, you can help athletes like me continue to follow our dreams.