Diagnosed with sacral agenesis and bilateral clubfoot foot deformities, Rosalie’s feet were turned inward so severely she could not walk unassisted or even wear regular shoes. Now, the West Virginia teen who shows remarkable maturity has taken the first steps on a life-changing journey through her care at Shriners Children’s Lexington.
Although the path has been anything but easy, Rosalie is embracing it with her trademark resilience and a contagious smile.
“The way they’ve been helping me has been amazing,” she said. “It’s motivating to have so much support. We’re also always laughing, so that helps a lot.”
Her care team gives Rosalie all the credit for the successes.
She has had such a positive attitude. And I have loved getting to know her and cheer her on!
Rosalie first came to Shriners Children’s Lexington in 2020 after years of care elsewhere. The medical team discussed various treatment options, including reconstruction surgery and serial casting, but ultimately Rosalie and her family decided that amputation was the best course forward.
Her surgery, performed in May 2024 by Janet Walker, M.D., in collaboration with the team at Kentucky Children’s Hospital, was followed by two additional procedures to address issues with her residual limbs.
“Amputation may sound like an extreme choice when other surgery is possible. Reconstruction would have left Rosalie with small, stiff feet that still needed braces,” Walker said. “With her type of amputation, she can walk without a prosthesis if she wants to. Her prostheses allow her to walk and run with less effort than reconstruction and give her many more shoe options.”
In November, Rosalie was fully recovered and learning to walk with her new prostheses designed by our in-house Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services team.
Rosalie spent a couple of weeks in Lexington at Ronald McDonald House, visiting the medical center every day to work with the occupational therapists and physical therapists. She learned to walk and do ordinary things many of us take for granted including doing laundry, making lunch and climbing stairs.
Rosalie’s newfound mobility comes with exciting possibilities. Now that she has achieved the dream of wearing her first pair of “real shoes,” she has her sights set on exploring activities she’s never been able to try before including skateboarding, roller skating, skiing and even playing soccer.
“I’ve never been able to even think about doing those things,” she shared. “And now, they’re achievable.”
Rosalie also offers encouragement to other children who may be facing similar challenges.
“It might seem like it’s not worth it right now, but in the end, it definitely will be,” she said. “It’s hard to keep a smile on your face constantly, but you’ve just got to keep in mind the end goal and how amazing it’ll be!”
For Rosalie, this new chapter isn’t just about regaining mobility – it’s about embracing these possibilities. From the excitement of walking in her first pair of sneakers to imagining a future full of sports and adventure, her determination shines through.
“My goal is just getting back to where I was, and then further,” she said with a confident smile.
Through her care at Shriners Children’s Lexington, Rosalie has not only been learning to walk but also discovering a world of new opportunities, proving that even the most challenging journeys can lead to incredible achievements.
Rosalie shows off her trendy outfit that may exude attitude but she balances it all with a positive outlook.
Rosalie learns to walk up and down the stairs with some help from the therapy team.
Always quick with a smile, Rosalie is determined to not let anything hold her back.
