A gymnast's tale: meet Arcadia
GUEST BLOG: Arcadia, SickKids kidWe would like to introduce you to Arcadia, a competitive level gymnast who recently became a SickKids kid. On September 26, Arcadia will participate in The Great Camp Adventure Walk, and is super excited about it! Read below to learn more about Arcadia and how SickKids has made an impact on her life.
Hi! My name is Arcadia and I am a grade seven student at Greenwood College School. I have been a competitive level gymnast since the age of five with the University of Toronto. On May 5, at the end of a routine practice at the gym, I was working on the uneven bars and I slipped off the high bar on my back swing and went hurling head first toward the firm blue mat beneath the bars. I quickly reached out my arms to protect me and landed full force on both straight arms. I dislocated both elbows and my coaches quickly got me into a safe position while we awaited the ambulance. My mom had just arrived to pick me up from practice and was trying to calm me down. I was in a lot of pain but everyone was trying to help make me as comfortable as possible. When the ambulance confirmed I was going to SickKids, my coaches and my mom were relieved as they knew I would be in the best of hands.
When I arrived at SickKids, I was taken right into Emergency and a team of doctors quickly evaluated my injury and sent me for X-rays. The X-rays revealed that I had not only dislocated two elbows but I had also broken my medial epicondyle bone on both sides.
"When the ambulance confirmed I was going to SickKids, my coaches and my mom were relieved as they knew I would be in the best of hands."
I only remember waking up and seeing casts on both arms and wanting to eat! I got a private room with a day bed for my mom and she spent the night with me. The nurses that night were very attentive, checking on me often and once I was able to walk with my slings, I was able to go home.
I am attending the orthopaedic clinic at SickKids now every few weeks and my recovery is going well. I have removable casts now and am working on my range of motion and just trying to do regular everyday tasks. I am looking forward to seeing how my arms are at the end of the summer when I can maybe try them out in the gym!
Are you interested in taking part in The Great Camp Adventure Walk? From August 13 to 27, take advantage of our Summer Sale! Save $15 on all registration types using the promo code ‘summer’. This is your final chance to save, so don’t let this opportunity pass by. Register today!
