In September 2024, Megan Dassow experienced a life-changing injury.
While operating a utility terrain vehicle (UTV), a pickup truck struck the Livingston County native head-on. The crash crushed her leg, caused a head injury with concussion-like symptoms, and resulted in significant damage to her foot and arm.
"I've always been extremely active and outdoorsy," Dassow said. "Just like that, I went from a level 10 activity level to a zero."
Dassow, a wildlife biologist and wife of a 6th generation family farmer, suddenly found herself unable to do many of the things she loved. She spent three months at home with limited mobility and struggled with weight-bearing activities and a foot drop caused by peroneal nerve damage.
Although she sought help from multiple providers, progress was slow.
"I was burnt out on physical therapy and tired of explaining my story over and over again," Dassow said. "I felt like people were hearing me but not understanding."
Looking for a fresh start, Dassow turned to Carle McLean County Orthopedics, where she met Carle Health physical therapist Stormie Leathers, PT, DPT.
"Megan had been through the ringer," Leathers said. "During that first visit, we spent time listening to her story, understanding everything she had experienced and creating a plan that made sense for her."
The team at Carle McLean County Orthopedics are experts in interventional pain medicine and management, sports medicine, reconstructive surgery, imaging services and physical/occupational therapy. Leathers and her team took a whole-body approach to Dassow's recovery.
Rather than focusing solely on her foot and ankle, treatment addressed the broader impacts of her injuries through core and glute strengthening, ankle mobility exercises, soft-tissue techniques, aquatic therapy and other targeted interventions.
"We continually assessed what would help her most - whether that was strength, mobility, balance or functional activities that translate to everyday life," Leathers said.
Dassow says having a coordinated team made a significant difference.
"I didn't have to carry the whole burden of managing my care plan anymore," she said. "When I came in, Stormie and her team already knew my story. There was a plan in place, and they involved me in it every step of the way."
Dassow also credits Leathers' creativity and willingness to adapt as key factors in her progress.
"If something isn't working, Stormie is always looking for another option," Dassow said. "Whether it's pool therapy, mobility work or strength training, she doesn't treat it like a cookie-cutter situation."
Today, Dassow continues therapy twice a week while incorporating exercises into activities she enjoys, including yoga, Pilates and other fitness routines. The combination has helped her steadily regain strength and independence.
"Megan is more confident and has a greater sense of ease with her daily activities," Leathers said. "She's back in the gym and doing more independently. Her persistence and determination have been incredible."
"When I started, I thought, 'This is it. It's over,'" she said. "Now I'm learning to trust my body again."
That renewed confidence has allowed her to participate more fully in everyday moments with her family.
This fall, Dassow was able to take her son to a pumpkin patch, something she says would have felt out of reach during the first years after her accident.
"The previous two years, I didn't have the stamina or confidence in my leg to do it," Dassow said. "Now I'm able to participate more in life without worrying so much about whether I'll have a huge setback."
Reflecting on her journey, Dassow says the experience reinforced the importance of self-advocacy and caring for both physical and mental health throughout recovery.
"If something isn't working, don't be afraid to speak up and look for other options," she said. "There's always hope. Sometimes you just have to find the right people and get them in your corner."
She also encourages others to lean on their care team during challenging times.
"It can be hard to ask for help, but your care team is there to support you," Dassow said. "Be open, share your story and trust the process. The work isn't always easy, but the rewards can be worth it."
To learn more about physical, occupational, speech and other therapy services available through Carle Health, visit Carle.org.
While operating a utility terrain vehicle (UTV), a pickup truck struck the Livingston County native head-on. The crash crushed her leg, caused a head injury with concussion-like symptoms, and resulted in significant damage to her foot and arm.
"I've always been extremely active and outdoorsy," Dassow said. "Just like that, I went from a level 10 activity level to a zero."
Dassow, a wildlife biologist and wife of a 6th generation family farmer, suddenly found herself unable to do many of the things she loved. She spent three months at home with limited mobility and struggled with weight-bearing activities and a foot drop caused by peroneal nerve damage.
Although she sought help from multiple providers, progress was slow.
"I was burnt out on physical therapy and tired of explaining my story over and over again," Dassow said. "I felt like people were hearing me but not understanding."
Looking for a fresh start, Dassow turned to Carle McLean County Orthopedics, where she met Carle Health physical therapist Stormie Leathers, PT, DPT.
"Megan had been through the ringer," Leathers said. "During that first visit, we spent time listening to her story, understanding everything she had experienced and creating a plan that made sense for her."
The team at Carle McLean County Orthopedics are experts in interventional pain medicine and management, sports medicine, reconstructive surgery, imaging services and physical/occupational therapy. Leathers and her team took a whole-body approach to Dassow's recovery.
Rather than focusing solely on her foot and ankle, treatment addressed the broader impacts of her injuries through core and glute strengthening, ankle mobility exercises, soft-tissue techniques, aquatic therapy and other targeted interventions.
"We continually assessed what would help her most - whether that was strength, mobility, balance or functional activities that translate to everyday life," Leathers said.
Dassow says having a coordinated team made a significant difference.
"I didn't have to carry the whole burden of managing my care plan anymore," she said. "When I came in, Stormie and her team already knew my story. There was a plan in place, and they involved me in it every step of the way."
Dassow also credits Leathers' creativity and willingness to adapt as key factors in her progress.
"If something isn't working, Stormie is always looking for another option," Dassow said. "Whether it's pool therapy, mobility work or strength training, she doesn't treat it like a cookie-cutter situation."
Today, Dassow continues therapy twice a week while incorporating exercises into activities she enjoys, including yoga, Pilates and other fitness routines. The combination has helped her steadily regain strength and independence.
"Megan is more confident and has a greater sense of ease with her daily activities," Leathers said. "She's back in the gym and doing more independently. Her persistence and determination have been incredible."
"When I started, I thought, 'This is it. It's over,'" she said. "Now I'm learning to trust my body again."
That renewed confidence has allowed her to participate more fully in everyday moments with her family.
This fall, Dassow was able to take her son to a pumpkin patch, something she says would have felt out of reach during the first years after her accident.
"The previous two years, I didn't have the stamina or confidence in my leg to do it," Dassow said. "Now I'm able to participate more in life without worrying so much about whether I'll have a huge setback."Reflecting on her journey, Dassow says the experience reinforced the importance of self-advocacy and caring for both physical and mental health throughout recovery.
"If something isn't working, don't be afraid to speak up and look for other options," she said. "There's always hope. Sometimes you just have to find the right people and get them in your corner."
She also encourages others to lean on their care team during challenging times.
"It can be hard to ask for help, but your care team is there to support you," Dassow said. "Be open, share your story and trust the process. The work isn't always easy, but the rewards can be worth it."
To learn more about physical, occupational, speech and other therapy services available through Carle Health, visit Carle.org.
Categories: Culture of Quality
Tags: carle, county, exercise, injury, mclean, orthopedics, physical, rehab, therapy, treatment