Road to Recovery, Again- Meniscus and ACL Surgery

Hey friends and family, my name is Lydia Jones, a 25-year-old artist, dancer, and model in the Twin Cities. Back in 2019, I tore my ACL during a dress rehearsal for a performance and ended up having two knee surgeries to fix it. I went without work for over a month, through multiple physical therapists who gave up on me, and doctors who told me I'd never dance again. It was an experience I never thought and prayed, I would have to experience again. I persevered and grew strength back in my leg and knee and have been back fully dancing since 2021. With news that I never wanted to hear again, last week, I tore that same ACL, alongside my meniscus this time. Because I have already had surgery on this knee, there is a potential that I will need a bone graft before I can get them repaired. This process is a 3-4 month recovery, then I will have a 9-12 month recovery process once the reparative surgery happens. The first time it tore, I used one of my patellar tendons to repair my ACL, so this time around I will be having surgery on both knees, so they can use my other patellar tendon to repair it this time. At the beginning of both recovery times, I will be unable to walk or drive for the first 4-6 weeks.

Through this time of need and year of recovery, I will need extra funding for the Ubers/Lyfts getting to and from work, Dr. appointments, physical therapy appointments, rent for the first few months after the procedures, utility bills during the recovery process, medical bills that are already pilling up, and essential needs. I work very hard with multiple jobs, although it pains me to ask, anything you could do, no matter how small, would be appreciated more than you will ever know.

I am determined to get back to doing what I love and am so, so appreciative of all the love and support! Thank you, thank you thank you.