My Comeback Story: Dara O.

On December 12, my world as I knew it came crashing down. One second I was driving to the basket, and the next I was on the floor, clutching my knee. I let out two screams in that moment—one from shock, and the other from the realization of what this meant for my present and future. The entire gym went silent as tears streamed down my face.
For a while, I felt stuck. It felt like everyone and everything around me was moving, growing, improving, while I was frozen on the gym floor, unable to let go of my knee.
That feeling began to change on December 26, when I walked into Rebound Orthopedics in Lake Oswego. I walked in focused on scheduling surgery, but I walked out with something more: hope. Dr. Ellis reassured me that the procedure would go smoothly and that I was in good hands. For the first time since my injury, I felt a sense of direction. I began counting down the days until surgery, not with fear but with purpose.
On January 6, 2026, I underwent ACL reconstruction and meniscus repair surgery. I woke up in pain, but I also felt something I hadn’t felt in weeks: progress. I was no longer on the gym floor, clutching my knee. I was somewhere new, somewhere unknown. I had been given a new starting point.
Recovery hasn’t been easy, but every step forward reminds me why I started. Through consistent check-ins, physical therapy, and support from the Rebound team, I’ve gained not only physical strength but also confidence in my ability to return better than before.

Rebound has helped me truly “rebound”—not just back to where I was, but forward into a stronger, more resilient version of myself. This experience has taught me patience, discipline, and a deeper appreciation for the game I love.
I’m still on my journey, and with each step and every rep, I am one day closer to being back on the court.