I would have needed a hip replacement at about 20 years old. But, because of Dr. Standard and Dr. Paley at Sinai, they did a new state-of-the-art reconstructive surgery on my hip. I now, for the first time in 7 years have no pain.

I spent my entire summer last year pretty much confined to a wheelchair and unable to walk. This summer i will spend my summer training for my bike ride fundraiser.

It's been a long journey, and I want it to be easier for little kids like me to go through this with as little trouble as possible. I've had perthes since i was 5. I'm 12 now.

When I was 5, Dr. Paley was starting new treatments for perthes that seemed absolutely insane. My parents chose not to go through with the surgery.

6 years later, after surgery was recomended by another doctor, we re-visited Dr. Paley. We now find out, this is the treatment of choice for some cases of perthes along with some other new treatments. My disease was now too advanced so they offered another not-so-traditional surgery. A new treatment. I was the 6th person in the country, and 11th person in the world to recieve this treatment.

I am so happy with my results, I can run, jump, swim, dance, go out on my gramp's boat fishing, or do anything i want to do. This is the first time in 7 years that I am unlimited in my abilities.

Please help me raise money so that Dr. Paley and Dr. Standard can continue helping kids across the WORLD save limbs and joints.

To read more stories like mine or to volunteer visit their site www.savealimbfund.org

Wish me luck on my 30 mile ride set for September 28, 2008! ~ :) Rachael ~:)

to make a tax deductible contribution, pick the amount, and click continue in the box below.

How far past my goal can we go? A few dollars could make the difference in the life of a little kid