Passion: A Guide for the Future
Chloé is a bright, energetic 16-year-old from Canada who is always ready to move forward.
Since she was very young, she has approached life the same way she steps onto a tatami – a Japanese martial arts mat – with confidence, curiosity and quiet determination.
When she was 6, her father enrolled her in judo, convinced martial arts would shape both her body and her mind. He was right. Chloé quickly embraced the discipline, and the dojo – the martial arts training hall – soon became a familiar place, almost a second home.
Only the COVID pandemic managed to interrupt her training. Once that difficult period passed, she returned with even greater determination.
During a routine practice in September 2024, she was sparring with another student when the impact came not from her opponent but from a nearby fall. Another judoka, thrown to the ground, landed heavily on her leg. Chloé collapsed sideways as pain shot through her knee. She managed to stand, though with difficulty. Within days, the pain eased, and she moved on. But a month later, a lingering doubt pushed her to get it checked.
The dojo’s physiotherapist delivered the diagnosis: a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). An MRI confirmed she would need surgery if she wanted to continue judo or any sport.
Placed on a waiting list at another hospital, Chloé learned she would have to wait a year – 12 long months – an eternity for her. Her mother mentioned the situation to her husband’s physiotherapist, who immediately suggested Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada, known for pediatric orthopedic care. Filled with hope, the family contacted the hospital in July 2025. Chloé received a surgery date for January 2026, and the operation took place Feb. 3, 2026.
Orthopedic surgeon Justin Drager, M.D.C.M., MS, FRCSC, reconstructed her ACL. During the procedure, he discovered damage to the meniscus that had not appeared on the MRI and repaired it. He also performed a lateral extra-articular tenodesis, a complementary procedure often used for athletes to reinforce the ACL and help prevent future injuries.
Dr. Drager said, “We care for many young athletes and active youth through our sports medicine program. Our multidisciplinary team supports every stage of recovery after injury, from timely diagnosis to the latest evidence-based surgical and non-operative treatments. Patients also have access to specialized rehabilitation and physical therapy, including motion-capture 3D analysis, along with nutrition, sports psychology, nursing and social support to help them return to the activities they love. We are proud to serve active youth across Montreal.”
I was very well cared for at Shriners throughout my entire journey.
Recovery requires patience, but progress is steady. One month after surgery, Chloé can already put weight on her leg and bend it to 90 degrees. She has returned to the gym because the exercises do not involve any rapid movements or knee rotation.
She misses judo as well as badminton – another passion – and eagerly awaits the moment she can return to both. In September, an evaluation will determine whether she can resume sports. But she is certain of one thing: “Since it was my first surgery, I was nervous and a bit scared, but the nurses and the surgeon were kind and patient, which reassured me a lot. I’m also very grateful to my physiotherapist, Nancy, who is supporting me every step of the way. I’m doing a lot of physio exercises at home – seated squats, knee flexions and extensions, leg raises – to soon be able to walk without crutches. Even though my recovery is long and requires a lot of work, Nancy encourages me tremendously and helps me make progress every week.”
Chloé stands on crutches during her ACL surgery recovery.
Next Steps
Share Your Story
Give to Shriners Children's
