Three young American athletes, once facing the prospect of
amputation due to Congenital Femoral Deficiency (CFD), are now
preparing to compete at the Summer 2024 Paralympic Games in
Paris. Their success is a
testament to the groundbreaking treatment provided by Dr.
Dror Paley at the Paley Orthopedic
& Spine Institute and their own unwavering determination and
resilience.
WEST
PALM BEACH, Fla., Aug. 15,
2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Against all odds and
despite recommendations for amputation due to their congenital
deficiencies, three extraordinary young American athletes are
gearing up to go for gold at the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games. Their
journey took a transformative turn thanks to the groundbreaking
expertise of Dr. Dror Paley in
treating Congenital Femoral Deficiency (CFD) and the unwavering
trust their families placed in his pioneering care at the Paley
Orthopedic & Spine Institute. This powerful partnership between
Dr. Paley's innovative treatments and the athletes' dedication,
determination, and resilience has enabled them to overcome their
CFD and pursue their Paralympic dreams, refusing to let anything
define their story but their own will to succeed.
"Our mission extends beyond providing
medical solutions; it's about helping our patients realize their
potential and achieve their dreams," stated Dr. Paley.
While Arelle Middleton
(Track/Field), Keegan Knott
(Swimming), and Jordan White
(Archery) were once faced with the daunting prospect of amputation
due to CFD, Dr. Paley's pioneering limb-saving and lengthening
techniques allowed them to retain their limbs and pursue their
Paralympic dreams. Much like training for the games, the treatment
for Congenital Femoral Deficiency involves precise and gradual
procedures that stimulate bone growth and restore limb function,
enabling patients to overcome their physical challenges and achieve
remarkable outcomes.
For over thirty-five years, Dr. Paley and the Paley Advanced
Limb Lengthening team have been the leading group in the United States and globally for treating
children with CFD. Their pioneering treatments and innovative
approach has provided life-changing results for countless
patients.
"Our mission extends beyond providing medical solutions; it's
about helping our patients realize their potential and achieve
their dreams," stated Dr. Paley. "Patients like Arelle, Keegan, and
Jordan inspire us by embodying perseverance and determination.
Witnessing their success and seeing them strive for excellence is
the most gratifying aspect of our work."
While their road to recovery and ultimately to the Paralympics
has not been easy, Arelle, Keegan, and Jordan have demonstrated
that with determination, the right treatment, and rehabilitation,
anything is possible. As these remarkable athletes head to
Paris, they carry with them the
support and admiration of the entire Paley Institute family,
embodying the triumph of the human spirit.
Meet the Athletes Defying the Odds
Arelle Middleton: Shooting Her
Paralympic Shot
At just 16 years old, Paley patient Arelle Middleton from Rancho Cucamonga, CA, has defied the odds to
become one of the youngest members of the 2024 U.S. Paralympic
Track and Field Team. Born with CFD, Arelle faced the possibility
of amputation, yet survived numerous surgeries to correct her
underdeveloped hip and a leg that was 15 cm shorter, thanks to Dr.
Paley. Dr. Paley's unwavering dedication to providing cutting-edge
medical care was matched by Arelle's own determination to succeed
in sports since the age of 5, which earned her a spot on the U.S.
Paralympic Track & Field Team, where she will compete in the
shotput.
Keegan Knott: Swimming to the
Seine
Paley patient Keegan Knott from
Lake Villa, IL, has been a
competitive swimmer since the age of 7 and joined U.S. Paralympics
Swimming at just 9 years old. Born with CFD and fibular hemimelia,
Keegan underwent numerous limb-lengthening procedures to treat her
shorter femur and tibia, absence of a fibula, and a fused right
ankle. Like Arelle, Keegan was advised that amputation was her most
promising option. However, Dr. Paley's groundbreaking surgical
techniques not only saved her limb but also enabled her to pursue
her passion for swimming. Dr. Paley's commitment to innovative
treatment and Keegan's relentless pursuit of excellence have led
her to the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, where she aims to make a splash and
bring home medals for the U.S.
Jordan White: Aiming High and for
the Bullseye
Jordan White from Cedar Park, TX, became the youngest U.S.
archer to qualify for the Paralympics at just 15 years old. Born
with a right leg significantly shorter than his left, Jordan has
undergone 20 operations, including ongoing leg-lengthening
procedures by Dr. Dror Paley. Thanks
to Dr. Paley's innovative treatments, Jordan was able to retain his
leg, opening a world of possibilities for him thanks to his
increased mobility. This newfound mobility led him to discover his
passion for archery during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. He
quickly progressed from local tournaments to setting six national
records and competing internationally. Dr. Paley's dedication to
groundbreaking medical care and Jordan's precision and dedication
to archery have earned him a spot on the U.S. Paralympic Team.
A Testament to the Power of Determination and Medical
Innovation
As these athletes prepare to compete in Paris, their journeys reflect the significant
advancements in medical science and the enduring power of human
determination. Through Dr. Paley's innovative treatments and the
steadfast support from their families and the Paley Institute team,
Arelle, Keegan, and Jordan are ready to leave their mark on the
Paralympic stage. Their transformation from facing possible
amputation to becoming Paralympic contenders showcases the profound
impact of expert medical care and unwavering personal resolve.
About the Paley Institute:
The Paley Orthopedic & Spine Institute at St. Mary's Medical
Center in West Palm Beach,
Florida, was founded by Dr. Dror
Paley in 2009. It has grown to twenty-five physicians in
2024. The Paley Institute's mission is to provide the best, most
advanced care to patients with bone, joint, or nerve conditions,
from minor fractures to the most complicated limb or spine
deformities. They call this "Paley
Care." This "Dream Team" of surgeons are world leaders in
reconstructive orthopedic and neurological surgery. They provide
patients with the most advanced, innovative treatments customized
to each patient's individual condition and needs.
With locations on four continents—North America, South America, Europe, and Asia—the Paley Institutes aim to
raise the standard of orthopedic and neurosurgical care worldwide.
The Institutes are located in Abu
Dhabi, UAE; Warsaw, Poland;
West Palm Beach, FL, USA; and
Medellín, Colombia.
For over 35 years, Dr. Paley has been providing realistic hope
and solutions to patients with seemingly impossible-to-treat
problems from all over the world. Paley Institute is here to
provide you and your family with the care you deserve. Learn more
at paleyinstitute.org.
Media Contact
Christy Saia-Owenby, Paley
Orthopedic & Spine Institute, 1 985-237-2086,
cowenby@paleyinstitute.org, https://paleyinstitute.org/#/
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SOURCE Paley Orthopedic & Spine Institute