No Excuses – Ellen’s Story
September 27, 2017
Ellen came to us in June after an unfortunate slip on some steps. She had been training for a Triathlon in hopes to complete it and earn a medal that had her son in law and granddaughter featured on it. She wasn’t going to let a rotator cuff repair stand in her way! Read her words below. Great job Ellen!
“On June 29th Dr. McClung operated on my shoulder to repair a torn rotator cuff. At the time of the surgery I had already registered for a Triathlon in Muncie, Indiana. This Tri was very important to me as my son in law had taken first overall male winner in the past and as he crossed the finish line he held his daughter above his head as a celebration. Unbeknownst to him, a photographer captured that moment and the picture has appeared in magazines and on the web occasionally ever since. This year that picture was even the image used for the medal to be awarded for all distances at this event. Having participated in triathlons in the past, I was determined to earn that medal this year. Unfortunately, in the meantime I slipped on the stairs, injuring my shoulder and requiring the aforementioned surgery. Well, to make a long story short, just eight weeks after the surgery I did in fact get to participate. In case you don’t know. A triathlon in involves three stages – swim, bike, run. Per doctor’s orders I completed the 400 meter open water swim doing a one arm backstroke with my injured arm in a sling. To avoid stress on my arm, a fat tire bike with wide handle bars was used for the thirteen mile bike leg. A gentle 5K run wrapped it all up. Although it took some hard work and determination on my part, I couldn’t have done it without the care and encouragement I received at Beacon from Dr. McClung as well as my therapists.”