Approximately two years ago, Makennah had just started cheerleading and was enjoying every moment. If you know Ken, you know she does not stop moving. She is active, energetic, and always on the go. She began coming home from school complaining of knee pain, and at first I assumed it was simply growing pains. That changed the day her knee gave out while stepping off the bus. We went to EmergeOrtho expecting reassurance, but instead we were told she likely had osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) and needed an immediate MRI. I went home and began researching what this meant for my child. Osteochondritis dissecans is a condition where the bone beneath the cartilage loses blood supply, weakens, and begins to crack. In children and adolescents, it most commonly affects the knee. If caught early and stable, it can sometimes heal with rest. If it becomes unstable, the bone fragment can begin separating from the underlying bone and may require surgery. Makennah’s first MRI showed a stable OCD lesion in her right knee. We followed conservative treatment, trusted the process, and eventually her pain improved. We believed it had healed. Almost two years later, in October, Makennah began complaining about her left knee. It did not initially seem alarming, but to be safe we returned to ortho urgent care. An X-ray revealed bilateral lesions—meaning both knees were affected. I asked, “Wait, you can still see the lesion on the right knee? It never healed?” Another MRI was ordered. When the results came back, I was not prepared. The left knee was significantly worse than the right. The lesion was larger, unstable, filled with fluid beneath it, and cysts were forming. The bone was beginning to separate. The right knee had also not fully healed. This is where I say: advocate for your child. After difficult conversations and extensive research, we sought a second opinion at Duke. The specialist carefully reviewed both MRIs and explained that the right knee would likely require surgery and the left possibly as well. We were given multiple options: immediate surgery (with different surgical approaches), surgery on one knee or both, or a strict wheelchair protocol to attempt healing without surgery. Because both knees were involved, using crutches would likely aggravate the opposite knee and create a vicious cycle. A wheelchair would fully offload both knees and potentially allow healing. On November 5th, we chose the wheelchair route. Surgery for my little girl felt overwhelming, and if there was a chance to avoid it, we wanted to try. She remained in a wheelchair through December and January. A repeat MRI was completed on January 26th and showed improvement, which was encouraging. However, at follow-up we were told that while she was healing, she was not healed. The right knee had exceeded the recommended healing window, and the left, although improved, still showed structural compromise. Her body had begun the process, but it needed surgical assistance. After much discussion, the doctor recommended staged surgeries to help Makennah maintain some level of independence during recovery. Her left knee, the more severe one, will be operated on March 5th. Her right knee surgery is scheduled for June 11th, the last day of school. During surgery, they will drill small holes into the bone to stimulate blood flow and repair the foundation. Because imaging cannot show the full extent of the damage, the final surgical approach will depend on what they see once they are inside the joint. If the bone fragment is salvageable, it will be secured with screws. If it is too damaged, she may require a bone graft. There is also the possibility of future surgeries depending on how her body responds. The way I explain OCD is this: Makennah’s knee developed cracks in its foundation. On the left side, the damage progressed beyond the foundation and began lifting the “flooring.” Fluid entered the cracks, cysts formed, and the bone started separating. Without proper treatment, OCD can lead to early arthritis, chronic instability, and long-term joint damage. We are continuing to walk by faith in this season, but it has been heavy. The road feels long. Once Makennah is healed, I will need my own surgery. I was scheduled for a total knee replacement on January 6th, but my daughter will always come first. The Lord has sustained me, but this season includes extensive travel to Duke, physical therapy, recovery time, and significant missed work with no clear full-time return in sight. Makennah has handled months in a wheelchair with strength and resilience beyond her years. As we prepare for surgery, recovery, and the months ahead, support through meals, gas cards, or gift cards helps ease the logistical and financial burden so we can focus fully on her healing. Thank you for walking alongside us during this journey.