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as told by Jessica Esser
 It began like any other day in practice. The mats were laid out, my spotter was ready and I was on the high bars. It turned out to be a day that makes me cringe whenever I look back on it.
While performing on the uneven bars, I lost my grip and fell to the floor. Practice does make perfect, but this was not a typical fall. Below me, there was a tiny area of concrete. Ironically, my head hit that tiny, cold, hard patch of concrete. It happened quicker than a wink of an eye.
I was rushed to the emergency room with a skull fracture that required five staples. A four-day hospital stay was not my idea of fun, but it didn’t compare to the chronic headaches and dizziness I suffered. An awful feeling swept over me when I realized gymnastics might be a thing of the past.
Doctors said my inner ear crystals were misplaced and physical therapy would be my best treatment. I had never undergone physical therapy so I was nervous, but the instant I met my physical therapist, Mary Kerrigan, PT, I was inspired. She was more intelligent, kinder and gentler than anyone I had ever met before.
I underwent a treatment called vestibular rehabilitation to move my inner ear crystals back into their correct position. Because Mary explained what was going on, I became quite knowledgeable about the procedure. Not only was the treatment extremely effective, but I loved going to physical therapy.
I enjoyed it so much I continued attending sessions even when I did not have to. Throughout the summer, Mary took time out of her busy schedule so I could observe her in action. Everything about physical therapy excites me—the procedures, the patient interaction and Mary’s astonishing dedication.
Before my accident, I had a passion for helping others, but I had no idea what career to pursue. Now that has changed. Sometimes I wonder if my fall happened for a reason. After all, I would not have found my dream career. I cannot wait until the day I can help others like Mary helped me. Until then, I will be swinging around on the uneven bars...thankful for the remarkable care I received at Gundersen Lutheran.
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