Robert I. Grossman MD Dean and Chief Executive Officer | NYU Langone Hassenfeld Children's Hospital
Robert I. Grossman MD Dean and Chief Executive Officer | NYU Langone Hassenfeld Children's Hospital
Pain from a marathon turned into a challenging ordeal for Tracey White, resulting in a leg amputation and continued pain. After her operation led to complications, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Omri B. Ayalon helped her on the path to recovery. Dr. Ayalon, working with the Center for Amputation Reconstruction at NYU Langone Orthopedics, promised White if she took time to heal before resuming her active lifestyle, he would join her for one of her favorite activities, a polar bear swim.
Once White healed after successful surgery, Dr. Ayalon fulfilled his commitment by joining her in a polar plunge at Rockaway Beach in Queens, New York, on a cold January day. As White put it, "I know Dr. Ayalon is a great doctor, but he’s also a great man for keeping his promise."
White's journey started after participating in the Virtual New York City Marathon in 2020 and running the Brooklyn Half Marathon in 2021. Experiencing intense pain in her foot during the race, she sought treatment from a podiatrist. Initially believed to be a callus, she discovered it was a bone at the skin's surface that led to further complications. An X-ray later revealed a crack in her foot, which eventually broke during Thanksgiving weekend 2021, leading to a bacterial infection that necessitated amputation to avoid sepsis.
Post-amputation issues arose, with a poorly executed cut leading to pain and wounds, prompting White to seek further medical attention. “The way it was cut was on an angle and jagged,” White stated, explaining the discomfort and subsequent need for a revision.
Dr. Ayalon performed a revision of the amputation at the end of 2023 and enrolled her in a clinical trial for a vacuum-suspension prosthetic leg. Reflecting on White's journey, Dr. Ayalon remarked, “At the Center for Amputation Reconstruction at NYU, our goal is to help patients regain their independence.” He added, "Witnessing her determination and resilience made the experience truly unforgettable."
Besides participating in polar plunges, White has resumed activities like surfing and hopes to return to running soon.
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