Fundraiser organizer:
Hi! My name is Karina, I am 20 years old, and football is my passion, one that has been with me for as long as I can remember. I began my football journey at the age of five, and every training session and every hour spent on the field was a step toward my dreams. Over the years, I constantly worked to become better and achieve increasingly ambitious goals. Little by little, this was working out through numerous distinctions and successes; at my own pace, I achieved the goals I set for myself every day. It was thanks to this hard work that I was able to spread my wings and move to Belgium, where I joined Standard Liège and fulfilled my sporting dreams.
After spending a year in Belgium, I received another opportunity: to travel abroad for trials with another club that would open up further new possibilities for me. Unfortunately, fate decided to put my plans to the test. During training in preparation for the trials, I heard a snap in my knee and felt indescribable pain. The diagnosis was brutal—I had torn the cruciate ligaments in my knee (ACL).
It was a huge blow, but I did not give up.
She adds:
On August 19, after following all medical recommendations, I was able to undergo ACL reconstruction surgery and lateral tenodesis using the iliotibial band reinforced with an implant. This was a key step toward my return to the field. After the procedure, I worked hard every day during rehabilitation. However, not everything went as I had hoped. My knee continued to hurt, swell after even light exertion, and feel hot. I repeated the MRI, which yesterday, after the examination report was issued, confirmed the doctors’ suspicions. Unfortunately, adhesions had developed in my knee (arthrofibrosis, or excessive scar formation), preventing me from fully regaining my range of motion. These adhesions block both flexion and full extension, meaning that I am unable to complete the entire rehabilitation protocol. Together with my physiotherapist and strength and conditioning coach, we attempted to break them down, following the doctor’s recommendations, through intensive physical training and physiotherapy after an analgesic and anti-inflammatory injection. However, apart from improvements in pain, swelling and knee temperature, the joint’s mobility did not change. Therefore, the decision was made that surgical intervention is unfortunately necessary as soon as possible.
Without another procedure—this time to remove the adhesions—I will not be able to return to the field, which puts my plans to return to professional sport on hold.
She continues: – I know that the road to full fitness and returning to the field will not be easy, but I am determined to fight for my goals and dreams. However, the costs of the surgery and intensive rehabilitation afterward are very high and, unfortunately, beyond my financial means.
You can help!
Details at zrzutka.pl.