A Story of Strength, Recovery, and Hope
In 2015, Ivy couldn’t get out of bed. Walking was painful, and life was shrinking around her. Living with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)—a rare inflammatory condition that attacks the spine—she found herself suddenly dependent on a wheelchair. Depression set in. But Ivy’s will was stronger than her circumstances.
With the help of Dr. Philip Ploska, spine surgeon and CEO of Regenerative Orthopaedics and Spine Institute, and Lisa Sims, NP-C, certified nurse practitioner, Ivy began a journey that would demand everything she had—and give her back far more than she expected.
Today, she’s not just walking—she’s training for a marathon in 2026.
A Long Road with No Shortcuts
Spinal surgery is uncommon for most AS patients, but Ivy’s condition was complex. Over time, she underwent four spinal fusions and seven total surgeries to relieve pain, stabilize her spine, and manage fluid buildup. The first surgery—an L5/S1 fusion—only happened after a nine-month insurance battle in early 2015.
With each procedure, Ivy leaned into her strength and the care of her dedicated team. Despite living 60 miles away, she never missed an appointment. “I knew if I showed up, they would meet me halfway,” Ivy said. “So I kept showing up.”
Move, Even When It Hurts
Ankylosing Spondylitis is cruelly paradoxical: the less you move, the worse it gets. So, Ivy moved—even when every step hurt. With guidance from her doctors and the encouragement of her family, she endured hard physical therapy and small daily wins.
“PT wasn’t fun. But I knew it was my way out,” she says. “My family has been my rock. They carried me through when I couldn’t carry myself.”
A New Chapter, Defined by Hope
From being unable to walk unaided to running laps around her local track, Ivy’s transformation is more than physical—it’s personal. She says orthopedic care didn’t just fix her spine; it gave her life back. Now, with her eyes set on the 2026 marathon finish line, Ivy is living proof that hope is stronger than pain, and a strong will can carry you farther than you ever imagined.
This story is part of our HOPE Series, which highlights extraordinary journeys of resilience, recovery, and the power of perseverance.
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