Jojo's Journey: Overcoming Perthes with Strength and Resilience
Miracle Story
Meet Jojo, a bright and determined young girl from Utah, whose battle with Perthes disease has been a remarkable story of strength, perseverance, and unshakable hope. Though Perthes posed significant challenges, Jojo’s journey is one of courage and triumph over adversity. At just 5 years old, Jojo began walking with a slight limp after leaving kindergarten. Concerned, her mother took her to the doctor, and an X-ray revealed the early signs of Perthes disease. Although Jojo was otherwise a healthy and joyful child, hearing this diagnosis was a heavy blow for the family. But they resolved to face this challenge head-on, together.
As Jojo’s condition rapidly worsened, her hip muscles tightened to the point where she could no longer straighten her leg. Her body was desperately trying to protect her deteriorating hip bone. Local doctors in Utah were stumped, so Jojo’s mother took matters into her own hands. After researching extensively, she found Dr. Harry Kim, a Perthes expert based in Dallas, Texas. Though Dr. Kim had never seen a case as severe as Jojo’s, he was committed to helping her.
In November 2021, the family traveled to Texas for tendon release surgery with Dr. Kim. The surgery was a success, but Jojo remained non-weight bearing, using crutches or a wheelchair. She wore a leg brace 18 hours a day, and her mother began homeschooling her to accommodate her strict therapy schedule and the need for daily physical therapy sessions.
Despite these challenges, Jojo’s commitment to her recovery was unwavering. She dedicated hours each day to physical therapy, and her mother took her swimming three times a week for water therapy. Even though Jojo remained non-weight bearing, her progress was steady. As a result, the time spent in her brace was reduced to 12 hours a day.
In May 2022, a follow-up appointment in Texas brought exciting news—Jojo’s femoral head had started to regrow! The family celebrated the “second birthday” of her new femoral head with a party on May 4th. While Jojo was still non-weight bearing and wearing her brace for 12 hours a day, this news brought hope and optimism to her family.
Then, December 2022 brought a Christmas miracle: Jojo could finally walk again! After more than a year of being non-weight bearing, this was the best gift her family could have hoped for. Though she still wore her brace for eight hours a day, primarily at night, the transformation was undeniable. Jojo’s femoral head continued to regrow at a steady pace.
By April 2023, another visit to Dr. Kim in Texas brought even more good news: Jojo no longer needed her leg brace! She had her first restful night’s sleep in over a year and a half and was cleared to run and play like any other child. Jojo was especially excited to jump rope for the first time ever.
Now, Jojo’s journey is far from over, but her progress has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her tireless work in physical therapy has paid off in unexpected ways—her skills in swimming, developed through countless hours of water therapy, have earned her a place on the swim team. What began as a painful and uncertain road has now transformed into a source of strength. Jojo is thriving, and she is using her new swimming abilities to excel, demonstrating the perseverance and determination that have defined her entire journey.
Jojo’s story is a powerful testament to the incredible strength of the human spirit. From facing a difficult diagnosis to regaining her mobility and achieving her dream of swimming, Jojo’s journey is a shining example of resilience, love, and determination. With the right support and an unwavering commitment to her recovery, Jojo is not just walking—she’s thriving.
