Kristen Fister realized she may never play soccer again. She shares, “I had really high dreams for soccer. I started playing when I was about five. I had dreamed of going to UCLA to play soccer and go to nursing school. I could definitely see my dreams of playing in college.”
However, an ankle injury during a tournament tore ligaments and tendons. The extent of the damage required surgery, and it was clear that playing soccer again was basically out of the question.
Even though she couldn’t pursue her dreams of playing soccer in college, Kristen has been blessed by God in other ways—specifically through having her two children. Still, with two ankle surgeries on the same foot she assumed she would always live with ankle pain.
She experienced some ankle pain when walking. She was able to take care of her children and handle her daily responsibilities, though it was very uncomfortable. However, in 2023, she was in so much pain, she couldn’t walk. After a visit to the emergency room, she found out that she had three tears in her ankle ligaments—one complete and two partial—and a six-and-a-half-inch tear in her peroneal tendon.
An ankle injury leads to a call to CHM
At that point, Kristen recalls, “I reached out to Christian Healthcare Ministries after my emergency room visit and was connected with their Advantage Care Solution (ACS) team. They matched me with a doctor the next day who perfectly fit what I was looking for.”
“I was very, very nervous to have a third surgery on the same foot. Having young boys, it’s hard to operate with one foot while taking care of them.”
– KRISTEN
Kristen found that this time was so much different than her first two ankle surgeries. At nine weeks post op, she had no pain. “It almost feels as if I never had a surgery.” Previously, after her first two surgeries, she always had pain.
What made the difference for Kristen was working with CHM to find qualify care. Partnering with the right healthcare provider resulted in a successful surgery with an exceptional outcome. In addition, her provider has been supportive of her recovery by giving her many great resources.
Kristen shares, “It just shows that not all healthcare is equal. The ACS team at CHM works hard at finding quality healthcare providers. I didn’t have to figure out my providers by myself. I didn’t have to look for quality care. They want to walk hand in hand with you to make sure that you are receiving the care that you need.”
Kristen can now pursue her new dream of being a mom to her two boys (pain free).
Kristen Fister
WADSWORTH, OHIO
Total eligible bills: $69,654.87
Provider discounts: -$50,438.30
Total bills shared: $18,342.50
