Transforming Moments

Ryan’s Story

Former Patient Kicks for a Good Cause

When 15-year-old Ryan began taking Tae Kwon Do four years ago, she had no idea how much it would impact her life. But less than a year after enrolling in Dong’s School of Martial Arts in Chesterfield, Ryan was hit by a car while riding her bicycle and sustained a traumatic brain injury.

Ryan spent nine days at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System then was transferred to Children’s Hospital for two weeks of intensive inpatient rehabilitation, being discharged before the arrival of Hurricane Isabelle. She returned for at least six months of day patient therapy followed by a few years of bi-annual follow-up appointments. In July, she was finally released from Children’s Hospital all together.

“We’re glad she’s been released,” said Ryan’s mom, Tammy, “but in a way we’ll miss going to the hospital.”

Ryan’s connection to Children’s Hospital won’t completely end thanks to her continued involvement with Tae Kwon Do and Dong’s School of Martial Arts. Active with softball, golf, basketball and Tae Kwon Do before her accident, Ryan had to discontinue all activities except martial arts after her injury. Because her doctor believed Tae Kwon Do would help with Ryan’s strength and memory, he encouraged her to participate in all non-contact components of the sport. With support from her instructors, Ryan returned to martial arts, competing in the annual Dong’s Anniversary Tournament and participating on the school’s demonstration team.

For the last 10 years, Dong’s Anniversary Tournament has benefited Children’s Hospital, raising more than $170,000 since the partnership began. Although Ryan had participated in one tournament before her accident, Tammy said, “it’s meant more to participate in the tournament since Ryan got hurt.” Ryan and her mom now promote the annual spring tournament, selling tickets and collecting donations for the hospital.

Ryan, who has resumed her participation in many sports including softball and volleyball, continues to practice with Dong’s, where she is a member of the black belt club. She said Tae Kwon Do helped in her recovery by strengthening her balance and hand-eye coordination. Although she still has challenges with her short-term memory, Ryan believes her active lifestyle played an important role in her recovery. A sophomore at Matoaca High School in Chesterfield County, Ryan is a peer ambassador at school and spent a week in Mississippi with her church youth group this summer helping victims of Hurricane Katrina. She said she hopes to keep sports as a central focus in her life, studying sports training or sports medicine in college.

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