Hayle Stroupe, 15

Diagnosed with Rickets at age three, Hayle’s body is unable to adequately absorb Vitamin D. The disease has softened the bones in her legs and caused them to bow. At age nine, Hayle had the first of nine surgeries to help straighten her legs.

Doctors at Kosair Children’s Hospital performed each of Hayle’s surgeries; inserting rods into her bones, titanium staples into her ankles and using external fixators to hold her bones in place. In her last surgery, doctors removed a portion of Hayle’s femur, replacing it with a plate and nine screws.

Hayle has made a full recovery and now takes medicine daily to manage her disease. She is quick to tell you, she is “just like any other teen.” Hayle enjoys sports, being with family and friends and has maintained good grades, despite all that she has endured.

“All of my surgeries were at Kosair Children’s Hospital. I love this hospital and its nurses are the best. I had many of them several times. The staff makes you feel right at home.”

Hayle Stroupe