Katie Ladlie was a 2014-15 national patient ambassador for Shriners Hospitals for Children®.

She was born with a vascular malformation in her left leg, which eventually led to the complete deterioration of her knee cartilage. By the time Katie was 12, the knee pain was so severe that she needed a wheelchair to be mobile, as well as pain medication that made her groggy. Katie’s doctors gave her a choice: have her leg amputated or have her knee fused for life. Wanting to be active, and having seen other athletes use prosthetics, Katie bravely chose amputation.

Now she is happier and more active than ever; she practices sled hockey, track and swimming, and has found a new passion in public speaking.

In October 2016, she was named a member of the U.S. Women’s Sled Hockey team. Katie is currently preparing for the 2018 Paralympic Games, which will be held in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

WATCH 2014 PATIENT SUCCESS STORY: KATIE LADLIE

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