Community support helped Melissa get moving again!
- Jan 1, 2012
- 3 min read
From diagnosis to recovery, community donations ensured Melissa Cerra had access to the care she needed, at every step of her knee replacement journey!
In the early 2000s, when she was in her 20s, Melissa Cerra had an unexpected fall. She came to Sault Area Hospital (at the time, the “General Hospital” on Queen Street!) for emergency surgery on her left knee. She was told then that she would eventually need a full knee replacement.
For over 20 years, Melissa’s mobility was good. But in 2024, she noticed her knee pain was getting worse. She tried to keep moving, believing “a body in motion stays in motion,” but the persistent pain changed how she moved through her days. Dayto-day tasks at work and home became difficult. As an elementary school assistant, it was hard to keep up with the needs of her active students. At home, pain interfered with daily life.
In summer of 2024, Melissa met with her family doctor to explore pain relief options.
After assessing her knee, her doctor ordered an MRI at Sault Area Hospital. The new MRI, installed in 2023, provided a clear, detailed image. That picture that helped determine next steps in her treatment plan. That MRI is here thanks to community support!
In February 2025, Melissa met with her orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Costain. The condition of her knee was more severe than first thought. She was immediately put off work, and added to a cancellation list for an early surgery date. A spot opened up, and Melissa began preparing for her total knee replacement surgery on March 31, 2025. Pre-operative sessions in Ambulatory Care helped her prepare her mind and body for surgery.
“When I walk into the Hospital, I always feel a bit anxious,” shared Melissa. “But the nurses and staff made me feel better about the surgery. They were great with my husband, and made sure he knew all the important steps as my caregiver at home. I went into the procedure feeling prepared.”
Tools and equipment funded by your donations were critical for Melissa’s surgery. Without your support, the OR table, instruments, and even the recovery bed wouldn’t be here. After surgery, Dr. Costain took x-rays of Melissa’s knee using imaging equipment funded by donors!
Melissa’s recovery began just a week after surgery. That’s where the SAH physiotherapy (physio) team were key to her journey. Physio helped Melissa rebuild trust in her body, safely and confidently, to get back to a normal life.
As a result of her earlier injury, Melissa’s knee was full of scar tissue. This made it even harder to push through the physio exercises. “Weeks went by before I felt like I was even inching towards progress, but the physio team always kept me going. They were my biggest cheerleaders,” Melissa shared. “They pushed me when I needed it, supported me, and they even adapted my care plan to make sure I met my goals.”
With full knee replacement before her 50th birthday, Melissa knew recovery was critical. She worked hard to regain her mobility.
"Though I didn't love every exercise in the rotation, I'm so thankful for the donors who made sure this equipment was there. I noticed a huge difference in the new leg press. It was so much easier to get in and out of!" - Melissa Cerra
Melissa is now a year post-surgery. Her story is just one example of what your donations make possible for so many who get joints replaced at SAH. Thanks to community support, she has full range of motion, and is back to the classroom, and moving with ease. Her journey relied on equipment that wouldn’t be here without donors!
Gifts to the foundation help enhance the care of our patients at Sault Area Hospital
