For three years I had question marks in my head. It wasn’t until March of 2013, on Good Friday, that Dr. Ellis of The Ohio State University diagnosed the problem I had. A condition called Femeroacetabular Impingement, or FAI. I was told that the chance of playing competitive sports again was very slim. I was told that the life I had been so accustomed to living was about to change. How is a 17 year old supposed to handle that news? I couldn’t take it. Right after I went to that appointment, the first thing I did was go to the gym. I didn’t shoot. I just sat there. I sat there thinking. Remembering all my great memories from sports. I didn’t know what else to do. School was out of the picture right now. I wasn’t going to go back that day. Too much news had been thrown on me. My parents had gone back to work. My friends and siblings were at school. There was no one to talk to. So I lay thinking, then thought some more. I don’t even think I thought about anything in particular, just random stuff. I just looked up and stared at the ceiling. The only advice I got that day was from my dad when he finally got home. He said, “Danny, this doesn’t change a thing. You’ve known something has been wrong with you and this just gives you closure. You can keep dealing with the same things you’ve been dealing with for three years. It’s a question now of where we go from here. That’s all.”
Ohio State Exam Room #3
My Journey Through FAI 
Love your dad’s comment–knowing doesn’t change a thing except how you can move forward. That insight will serve you well again and again when you face challenges!
Getting the FAI diagnosis had to be such a dark day for you, but ultimately one of the brightest. It was a new beginning, it gave you answers as to why you were not playing to your full potential, what was going on with your body, and most of all it set you on a path to recovery. Questions were answered and a plan could be made. The road wasn’t easy but with your courage, strength, determination, and support from family and friends you came out on top and you were able to follow your dreams!
The day we received the news my heart sank. I had to keep telling myself, it could be worse. Every time I caught a glance at Danny, I knew he felt defeated. I made a decision sometime in the middle of the night that this would not be the end. We owe a debt of thanks to many along the way, but Danny had the strength to overcome this setback. I never doubted him.