By RASHAD HARDING
While the rest of the senior class of 2010 walks across the stage so they can head off to college, senior Elizabeth Girdley plans to take a year off before attending either Parson’s New School of Design or Florida State University in the fall semester of 2011.
Girdley suffers from osteochondritis dissecans of the condyles, which is when fragments of bone and cartilage come loose from a joint. Her joint disorder resulted in a fractured femur, micro fracture throughout the knee joint, cartilage loss, multiple meniscus tears, poor alignment of the patella and a fractured condyle; she is one of only eight kids in the United States to have this condition. She was examined by 16 doctors to find out what was wrong and finally found a dedicated doctor that traveled to China to do research for her. When she was first told about her injury, she was devastated but fortunate because she could have lost the ability to walk or stand.
Girdley will take a year off before starting college because she will undergo her eighth and final surgery on her right leg on July 14. She will have a metal plate and six screws taken out of her femur. Girdley’s recovery could take up to eight months depending on how the surgery goes.
“Life will constantly push you down, and this is my push down and I’m going to rise back up,” Girdley said.
Girdley first realized her crippling condition when she experienced excruciating pain as a gymnast after a floor exercise at a competition six years ago. When it was nearly impossible for her to walk off the competition floor, she realized something was wrong and sought medical attention. She never thought the pain she experienced and the inability to walk would eventually lead to an end to her dream to be an Olympic contender.
“I think it has made us all feel more fortunate about getting up every morning without pain,” Marcia Girdley, Elizabeth’s mom, said.
Girdley feels fortunate to have the constant support of her family and close friends throughout her ordeal. Her mother has sat by her side and even held her hand over the years.
“I couldn’t ask for a better family,” Girdley said.
Despite seven surgeries she endured on her leg to correct this condition, she has persevered and set a goal to pursue her college career after taking a year off after high school. Her college plans include majoring in fashion and design with a minor in business. She feels this will prepare her for a career in the world of fashion. In the interim, Girdley plans to take sewing classes and other preparatory courses at Valencia Community College so she does not fall into a “post-high school lull”.
“It’s a small price to pay in this big picture of life,” M. Girdley said. “I want her to be able to handle daily routines.”