08/04/2025
We've all seen it, photos of the triumphant crossing of the finishing line and holding up the medal of achievment after a hard fought race. What we don’t often see are the quiet moments of work and determination that make it possible.
In November 2022, avid runner Kim Lambert was recovering from a partial meniscectomy. Working with Physical Therapist Tricia Patsilevas at NovaCare Rehabilitation in Allison Park, Pennsylvania, she aimed to get back on track. She had big goals for the year ahead, including running the Boston Marathon and the Cherry Blossom Run.
But on Feb. 1, 2023, everything changed. During a night run, Kim tripped and shattered the plateau of her tibia, the top of the shinbone that supports the knee joint. After surgery, she was left unable to walk without crutches for six months and eventually required another surgery to correct the misalignment in her knee later that year. For nearly a year, running was no longer part of her life.
Kim didn’t stop moving forward. She walked with her running club, practiced yoga, paddleboarded and returned to NovaCare to begin the long process of rebuilding her strength and confidence.
“I felt like I reached my first milestone when I completed the Cherry Blossom 5K in April 2024,” Kim said. “It was a slow run-walk, but it gave me hope. From there, every race felt like a milestone, whether it was going farther or gaining a little more speed.”
This past spring, Kim completed the Eugene Half Marathon, the longest distance she had run in three years.
“My goal was to get back to running, and I reached it. Now I’m signed up for a few more half marathons this summer.”
Kim credits Tricia and the NovaCare team for helping her through the setbacks and victories.
“Tricia’s dedication and encouragement kept me going. She helped me rebuild, both physically and mentally. Words can’t express my gratitude.”
Behind every finish line is a story of resilience. This is Kim’s.