By Emily Clark
BRIDGEPORT-After twice injuring her ACL playing basketball, Destiny Lawson was grateful for the support of her physical therapists, doctors, and all those who offered inspiration during her rigorous recoveries. In an effort to give back, Lawson, now a professional golfer from Florida, hoped to bring the same message to others in similar situations.
That ambition was realized Monday morning when Lawson and two other members of the LPGA/Epson Tour visited patients at St. Vincent’s Medical Center, just days before they tee off in the first round of the tournament in Milford. With both laughter and moments of reflection, they shared stories of perseverance, insight, and courage in the face of challenge.
As the tour’s title sponsor, Hartford HealthCare, of which St. Vincent’s is an affiliate, was excited to welcome these players, said Lori McCabe, Institute Marketing and Communications Manager for Hartford HealthCare, Connecticut Orthopedic Institute. “The mission of Epson perfectly aligns with our mission and values as well,” she added.
Accompanying Lawson were Camden Morrison of Massachusetts and Hannah Arnold of Texas who all emphasized the importance of support – physical, emotional, and spiritual – during times of recovery.
“Everyone has their own journey, and sometimes you can feel very isolated, but you’re never really alone,” said Lawson. “Like all of us, these patients want to get back to their sport, their job, their life. It really makes a difference having someone there for you.”
For Morrison, that someone was her sister who tore her ACL just before Morrison did. “She was a huge factor in helping me. I was frustrated with my body but was very lucky for the support,” she said. As one who is passionate about promoting mental health awareness, Morrison appreciates “doing talks and visits like this outside of golf.”
Lawson agreed, saying, “Here, we can see that we have an impact beyond golf. Golf is what I do, not who I am. It has enabled me to do things like this.”
Arnold, whose father is a retired OB-GYN, grew up within a hospital setting where she saw how sometimes, patients themselves were not always in control of their own recovery and faced struggles. “God is our beacon of light. With support, we trust that we’re going to get through,” she said.
Though celebrities like these women are often viewed as being inspirational, they all commented that it is the people they meet who inspire them, such as Mehmet Binal who was recovering from spinal surgery. From his bedside, this Southport resident talked and laughed with the women during their visit. Though an artist not a golfer, he understood their message of accepting challenges and moving beyond the temporary pain to pursue his love of drawing just as they pursue their love of golf. Binal said he was honored to meet these athletes, adding, “I never expected anything like that!”
Reflecting on this experience, Lawson commented that as golfers and as patients themselves, “This the perfect opportunity to give back – helping others and supporting women’s golf. We’ve really come full circle.”
