My Comeback Story: Heike B.

Dear Dr. Gabisan,

It's been almost seven years since you saved my foot after I slid off a rock underneath Bridalveil Falls at Yosemite and shattered my heel bone.

In my photo, that is me on top of Ben Lomond, one of New Zealand's South Island mountains, back in April this year. I was granted a leave of absence from teaching again and spent nine months on the other side of the globe, traveling all over the two islands in the little camper van that I’d bought. This time, no accidents! But lots and lots of hikes. They probably added up to more than 400 miles. Mountain climbing and multi-day hikes, often with quite a heavy backpack. And my right foot complained a little but never once failed me. It sometimes reminded me of a child trying to get some attention: “This is quite a lot that you’re asking of me. Don´t you remember what I’ve been through?” So I talked to my foot nicely, told it how much I appreciated its cooperation, and when I let it rest after the strenuous five-day hikes, it was fine again within one or two days.

Once again, I'm at a loss for words for what those hiking experiences have meant to me and how grateful I feel when I look back on them. The landscapes I have seen, the views from summits, will stay with me forever. I was in tears more than once for the sheer beauty of the Southern Alps. And part of those tears was knowing how blessed I am that my right foot can still do it. I have met so many great people while traveling and hiking. And probably every single hiker that I had a longer conversation with at one of the huts got to hear my story. “If I hadn't come across Dr. Gabisan's practice, I most likely wouldn't be here. My heel bone was so badly shattered, he performed a medical miracle.”

My long New Zealand journey was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You were part of it because with your expertise and skills, you made it possible. I haven't been back to the United States since 2019. But I sometimes tell my friends and family: “Whenever I make it back to New Jersey, I’ll make it a point to bring a huge bunch of flowers to Dr. Gabisan, Lisa, and the whole wonderful team.”

I hope all of you are healthy and happy and continue saving lives!
God bless you, everyone in your practice, and your much-needed work!

With all my best wishes,
Heike