Ashlyn’s Unbreakable SPIRIT
Thankfully, Grand View Health has athletic trainers on-site at SAHS and four other area high schools, supporting student athletes on and off the field with injury management, training tips and other guidance. On the day of Ashlyn’s accident, Head Athletic Trainer Gabby Termini was right by her side. “Gabby took off my shoe and put me in a vacuum splint until I could get to the hospital,” Ashlyn recalls.
Fast treatment
Terri met her daughter at school and drove her to Grand View Hospital. There, an X-ray and CT scan showed Ashlyn had a bimalleolar fracture of her left ankle. This is a type of injury that involves the end of both the tibia and fibula at the ankle. Ashlyn was able to get immediate help from a fellowship-trained foot-and-ankle specialist, Steven E. Casey, MD, with Upper Bucks Orthopaedics at Grand View Health.
To fix and stabilize Ashlyn’s left ankle, Dr. Casey would need to insert a plate and five screws into her tibia and realign her tibia and fibula. “I wasn’t really worried going into surgery,” Ashlyn says. “Dr. Casey made me feel like I was in good hands.”
Repair and recovery
Ashlyn’s surgery went perfectly, but cheering again would take some time. She spent two months in a cast, followed by another two months with an orthopaedic boot, along with a physical therapy regimen.
“Ashlyn was a trooper throughout the whole process,” Gabby recalls. “She remained a member of her team throughout her recovery and always had a positive attitude.”
During her recovery, Ashlyn relied on Gabby. “When I wore my boot, Gabby always asked how my ankle was feeling and offered to help in any way. She also taped my ankles for extra support as I returned to competition,” Ashlyn says.
Perfect timing
Ashlyn rejoined the SAHS squad in time to make it to Nationals in February 2024, where the team made it to the semifinals. Now, as a 16-year-old junior, Ashlyn has eyes on making States and Nationals this year. She’s also planning to cheer in college, with five potential schools on her shortlist.
“Ashlyn is finally back to being herself,” Terri says. “I’m so happy Grand View has the relationship they do with the Souderton Area School District. Dr. Casey, Gabby and the entire team did a great job of helping my daughter persevere.”
Ashlyn’s story shows how athletic trainers, sports medicine and orthopaedic surgeons at Grand View Health collaborate to guide every aspect of a patient’s recovery.
“I was so worried about whether I’d ever get back to cheering,” Ashlyn says. “But I knew I had to make it, because I just love being part of the team.”
Learn more about orthopaedic and sports medicine care at Grand View Health. Visit GVH.org/Ortho.