In this episode of the Get Back To It Podcast, we hear the inspiring journey of 14-year-old athlete Maeve Danaher from Chicago, Illinois. A dedicated competitive swimmer, Maeve’s life changed dramatically when she was diagnosed with double scoliosis — one curve measuring 70 degrees and another at 60. Facing a 10-hour spinal fusion surgery, Maeve’s determination and courage were tested in ways she never imagined.

Maeve opens up about the emotional toll of preparing for major surgery, the challenges of losing independence, and the long road to recovery marked by pain, patience, and perseverance. With the unwavering support of her parents, medical team, and friends, she learned to walk again just a day after surgery and gradually rebuilt her strength.

Cleared to return to competitive swimming less than a year later, Maeve’s story is one of resilience, positivity, and youthful optimism. Her journey reminds us that recovery is not only about physical healing, but also about mental strength and hope — showing that even after life-changing surgery, it’s possible to dive back in and keep swimming toward your dreams.

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In this episode of the Get Back To It Podcast, we hear the remarkable story of Dawn Lissy, a biomedical engineer in the spine industry who found herself on the other side of care as a patient. After decades of helping others through spinal implant design and testing, Dawn was faced with her own diagnosis of degenerative spine conditions. She shares her deeply personal journey of navigating pain, undergoing treatments like physical therapy, a discectomy, and injections, and making lifestyle changes to manage symptoms and restore quality of life. Dawn’s experience highlights the emotional and physical challenges of living with ongoing pain, the importance of perseverance, and the power of advocating for yourself on the road to recovery.

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Years of chronic pain led Daniel Ramia to multiple surgeries, countless therapies, and ultimately, a life-changing spinal reconstruction. Diagnosed with multilevel degenerative disc disease, Daniel endured five years of debilitating spasms and setbacks before finding the right team and the right solution. Now, he’s back to gardening, biking, and living fully again. His story shows that with perseverance and self-advocacy, hope is always possible.

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