Patient Stories

Back in Action
Since the age of 12, Laurence was extremely active, from playing competitive tennis in his youth to running marathons and competing in triathlons - this man has accomplished a lot in his lifetime. Read Laurence's story.

Still Strong Fourteen Years Along
Foster Finell has always been physically active, making his living since the 1980's farming under Saskatchewan's sunny skies in the town of Ponteix. When he was seriously injured in a head-on collision, Foster gained new appreciation for his mobility. Read Foster's story.

Hockey Legend Puts Hip Problems On Ice
Pat Quinn sees the irony.  Then head coach of the Vancouver Canucks, a former NHL player himself, Quinn couldn't even walk with ease, let alone skate. Read Pat Quinn's story. 

Back in the Swing
Sixteen years ago, when he was 44, Bert Firlotte of Fredericton, New Brunswick completed one of the most satisfying rounds of golf of his life.  Did he break his personal best?  Get a hole-in-one?  Firlotte's pride had nothing to do with his score, but with simply getting through the round without discomfort. Read Bert Firlotte's story.

Max and Ollie Marsh
Many couples have his and hers towels, watches or wedding bands.  Max and Ollie Marsh, who live in Little Heart's Ease, Newfoundland, have taken togetherness to a whole new level.  The couple, married 54 years, had knee replacement surgeries on the same day, May 11, 2007. Read the Marsh's story.

John
It sounds like the dreams of many a young boy - growing up to perform in circus and stunt shows, including high-flying aerial acts.  Even more amazing in this case, the performer has osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), a genetic disorder characterized by bones that break easily.  Read John's story.

Karen Moreland
When you're dealing with an orthopaedic condition, what can have the most impact?  Karen Moreland, who lived with scoliosis (a curvature of the spine), thinks she knows.  Surgery, physiotherapy and medication can all make a difference, says Moreland, a Calgary investment researcher.  But for patients, it's just as critical to get educated.  Read Karen's story.

Stelios Chrysochou
In 2006, he completed a half-Marathon (21.1 km), a half-Ironman Triathalon (2 km swim, 90 km cycle, 21.1 km run), and a full distance Ironman Triathlon (3.9 km swim, 180 km bike, 42.2 km run). Read Stelios's story.

Al Pinard, age 78
At 78 years of age, Al Pinard is still a downhill ski instructor. "I'd be better if it was winter," said Al Pinard. "I'd like to be on skis 12 months a year." Read Al's story.

Alan, age 54
Recently, we received a letter from Alan, Crowsnest Pass, Alberta, that described in detail his suffering while waiting for surgery on both his hips. Read Alan's story.

Anne McIntosh
Anne McIntosh knows first-hand how dramatically orthopaedic surgery can affect a person's life. After two years of pain and limited mobility caused by rampant arthritis, she underwent a hip replacement in 2001. Read Anne's story.

Benjamin, age 9
Born with congenital club foot on the right side, Benjamin became an orthopaedic patient at just three days old. Read Benjamin's story.

Claire, age 75
Due to severe juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, Claire has had many orthopaedic surgeries, but she continues to live independently. Read Claire's story.

Claire Chateauneuf, age 6
Claire is Jillian and Paul Chateauneuf's second child, a sister to Luke, now 10. When Claire was born, Jillian had never even heard of club feet. She quickly became an expert, as Claire's left foot was put into a cast at six days old. Read Claire's story.

Dean, age 35
Dean is back on the ice this season after open surgery to repair his unstable shoulder. Read Dean's story.

Ernie Erickson
"When I first asked for my knee replacements, I was told I was too young. It used to be that one had to be "old" before a replacement was considered. Read Ernie's story.

Glenna Ross-Cooper, age 57
Glenna Ross-Cooper can't wait to regain her mobility and "freedom" - understandable, given that she has been physically active virtually her entire life. Read Glenna's story.

Harold Blackwood
After years of physically demanding work on fishing and freight boats, Harold was looking for a solution to the pain in his knees. Read Harold's story.

Hector Pothier
Hector Pothier knows something about tackling big obstacles.  He did it throughout his football career with the Edmonton Eskimos, 1978-1989, when he was among the CFL's top offensive tackles, and was twice named CFL All-Star.  These days, Pothier is tackling threats to bone and joint health as a volunteer with the Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation.  Read Hector's story. 

Judy
Judy put off getting a hip replacement because she was the primary caregiver to her mother. Judy's mother didn't like elevators and lived in a walk-up apartment. Read Judy's story.

John Leroux, age 35
The distance between Fredericton and Saint John, New Brunswick is just over 100 km. But the journey that John Leroux began between the two cities on Feb. 22, 2006 has led to a long road back. Read John's story.

Joseph L. Rotman, age 72
Joseph L. Rotman knows well the benefits of good orthopaedic surgery and stresses the importance of rehabilitation to the healing process. Read Joe's story.

Katharine Barnes
Katharine Barnes enjoys a challenge! Most recently she tested her fitness level by hiking and biking a minimum of three hours a day in Canmore and Banff, Alberta. Read Katharine's story.

Maxine Stewart
Maxine's first surgery was a partial knee replacement in 1989, and a number following: her right hip was replaced in 1994, her left knee in 1996 and a total replacement on her right knee in 2000. Read Maxine's story.