Andrew Brudigam 2014
Andrew pictured his senior year of high school like any senior would. It would be his last year to compete in high school sports and he was ready to make the most of it. Andrew had difficulties with his left knee for a while, but it wasn’t until he had it scoped in December 2013 that they discovered he had a hole in the cartilage of his knee. This meant surgery and a lot of discipline for this 18-year-old. Andrew had surgery on January 31, 2014; to repair the cartilage in his knee. Following surgery, he was ordered to be non-weight bearing for 8 weeks and was required to use crutches to get around. As a senior, this was difficult news to hear; he was an active baseball player, golfer, and a great farm hand for his grandpa. “I knew it wasn’t going to be easy and that I had to listen to my therapists.” With a great attitude and perseverance, Andrew recalls his first obstacle that was difficult to overcome, “Not being able to lift my own leg by myself, that was probably the hardest thing.” Following surgery, Andrew returned for outpatient physical therapy to begin regaining the motion and strength of his knee. “Andrew was extremely compassionate and followed all recommendations given which was impressive for a high school senior,” states one of his therapists. Andrew came to therapy at 7 a.m., three days a week for the duration of 9 months. Due to his dedication and hard work, Andrew has returned to doing all the things he loves: farming, golfing, and hanging out with friends.
