In August 2011, at 3 years old, I was diagnosed with Perthes Disease, which is a rare childhood disease that stops the blood flow into the hip joint. Without the blood flow, the hip joint bones become weak and are likely to be permanently damaged with normal activity. The blood flow stops and then starts again during Perthes with no apparent reason, and there is no cure for Perthes. Luckily, I was quickly diagnosed at the Rady’s Children's Hospital Orthopedic Department. Immediately, I was no longer allowed to run, jump, or play on trampolines or bounce houses. My activities were limited to biking or swimming. The doctors were hoping that there would be improvement through stretching, etc. But when that didn’t work, I had 5 subsequent surgeries over the next few years and couldn't do any physical activities. The Osteotomies are designed to tuck the hip joint further into the hip to protect the joint from damage. The surgeries required me to be in ½ body casts for 6 weeks each time. Although it was challenging to stay still, I found many activities to keep me busy. The surgeries were all successful, and after several years, the blood flow started again in my hip. I was then able to do all the same activities that other kids could do, except play on trampolines or bounce houses – those are off limits forever! I have gone on to play tennis, water polo, soccer, lacrosse, biking, running, and golf. I’m currently a High School Senior, and on the Academy of Our Lady of Peace varsity golf team. I learned resilience and found strength when I didn’t think I could. I found good in everything when I was down. I invented many new games that I could play while being in ½ body casts & afterwards during recovery. I used my creativity to entertain myself. I continue to use the amazing skills that I picked up, and I’m thankful for them. We were so blessed to be near Rady’s. They have one of the top Pediatric Orthopedic Departments in the country. The doctors, nurses, and all of the staff helped me to endure Perthes Disease without any permanent damage. My family and I are so thankful to Rady’s for my outcome. Michele Ayala Lewis