Less than a year ago, Lylah Curry experienced numerous severe injuries in an accident and was unsure if she’d ever be back on a softball field.
“Now, as I step into the [batter’s] box, all I can think is, ‘Thank God I’m able to play,’” Lylah said.
A devastating accident
Lylah’s life changed in an instant when she was involved in a golf cart crash last August in Campbellsville, Kentucky, her hometown about 90 miles south of Louisville.
“I don’t remember the actual accident, but what happened was we started going down a hill,” Lylah said. “The velocity picked up, and the golf cart started doing a death wobble, and my best friend lost control of the wheel — and we ran into a tree.”
The crash left her with a broken femur, lacerated left elbow and right ear, multiple facial fractures including her jaw and temple, a brain bleed and a concussion.
Road to recovery
Upon arriving at Norton Children’s Hospital in Louisville, Lylah required immediate medical attention from multiple specialists.
“Her injuries definitely could have been worse,” said Joshua W. Meier, M.D., pediatric orthopedic surgeon with Norton Children’s Orthopedics of Louisville. “We have seen a number of very bad outcomes with golf cart accidents, but she did have a variety of injuries that required treatment.”
Over the course of her care, Lylah underwent three different surgeries involving both orthopedic and plastic surgery. In all, the healing process has taken months and has been a journey filled with ups and downs.
“There were times I thought recovery was never-ending, but then I’d see progress,” Lylah said.
Her progress was helped along by her determination.
“Kids and younger patients generally bounce back from injuries quite easily. Their tissues and bones often heal faster than in the adult world,” Dr. Meier said. “But a positive and resilient attitude also plays an important role in recovery, and Lylah certainly had that.”
Triumphant return to softball
Just three weeks after her most recent surgery, Lylah is back on the diamond — catching, hitting and running for her high school’s varsity softball team.
“It feels like such a surreal moment every time I step into the batter’s box,” Lylah said. “All I can think about is how grateful I am to be playing again.”
Her mother, Patty Curry, shared the emotional impact of witnessing her daughter’s struggles and triumphs.
“It was hard for all of us. She is a very independent person, so having to rely on others was a challenge for her,” Patty said. “We didn’t know if she’d play this season, so seeing her back on the field is just incredible.”
Lylah’s experience of healing from her injuries has inspired her to think about a future helping others recover.
“I had some interest in it before, but after everything I’ve been through, I definitely want to do something in the medical field,” she said. “I’m really interested in physical therapy now.”
For Dr. Meier, Lylah’s story is a great example of what expert care and patient perseverance can accomplish.
“It is very satisfying to see her going back to her sport. As a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, we get a great deal of satisfaction from being able to fix things and get kids back to doing what they enjoy,” Dr. Meier said. “Lylah is a great role model for kids who have sustained serious injuries.”
Thanks to the dedicated team at Norton Children’s and her own strength of will, Lylah is where she belongs — back behind the plate, stronger than ever, with a bright future ahead.