Creating Her Own Path: Angel’s Story of Strength and Creativity

Born with bilateral clubfoot, Angel’s medical journey began at birth.

Now an 11-year-old girl from Seguin, Texas, Angel is currently an orthopedic patient at Shriners Children's Texas in Galveston. From the moment she entered the world, her condition required immediate attention. She was placed in casts right after birth and underwent her first surgery when she was just 9 months old.

Her journey with Shriners Children's began at Shriners Children’s Salt Lake City when she was 3 years old. Doctors closely monitored her growth plate while she wore leg braces known as ankle-foot orthoses. Over time, complications arose. Her left foot’s growth plate was closed, and she was also dealing with a leg length discrepancy and persistent hip pain. As she grew older, Angel faced a critical decision that most children never have to face.

When she was 7, she was given two treatment options: undergo a procedure to fuse all the bones in her foot or have an amputation. Rather than making a rushed decision, Angel took her time.

“I let her ponder on it for a year to do a little research. It’s a big decision,” her mother said.

After thoughtful consideration, Angel made the courageous choice to proceed with the amputation of her left foot.

After her family moved to Texas, Angel continued her care at Shriners Children's Texas, where she received her prosthetic foot at the hospital’s Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS) department. With resilience and optimism, she quickly adapted to life with her prosthesis and embraced new opportunities.

Her doctor, Janay McKie, M.D., chief of staff for orthopedics at Shriners Children’s Texas, said that her family has been very supportive of Angel during her journey.

“She continues to challenge her own limits as well as the limits of her treatment team,” Dr. McKie said. “We learn so much from treating her. She and her family are a joy to work with.”

Despite the medical challenges she has faced, Angel thrives in her personal and academic life. A passionate artist, she won first prize at her school for a painting, showcasing her talent and creativity. She also has a love for science, a subject that excites her curiosity and desire to learn.

Angel’s interests don’t stop there – she has a natural flair for performance and theater. Taking theater classes at school, she is preparing to perform on stage with her classmates. Her ability to memorize lines and confidently take on roles speaks to her determination and love for the arts. Angel also likes to stay active. She wants to play volleyball in school, and she loves to jump on the trampoline. She certainly doesn’t let her condition slow her down.

Having spent so much time at Shriners Children’s, Angel feels right at home when she’s in the POPS department. “It has a special place in my heart. Shriners is a place where they help me with my feet – it’s the best,” Angel said.