Coronado Turkey Trot presented by Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary

We are honored to introduce Elizabeth Lewis as our 2025 Coronado Turkey Trot Race Ambassador. Her journey with Perthes Disease is one of resilience, creativity, and strength—qualities that truly embody the spirit of our race community and the life-changing impact of Rady Children’s Hospital.

 

Elizabeth's Story

 

In August 2011, at just 3 years old, Elizabeth was diagnosed with Perthes Disease, a rare childhood condition that stops blood flow to the hip joint, leaving the bones weak and at risk of permanent damage. With no cure for Perthes, Elizabeth’s activities were immediately limited—she could no longer run, jump, or play on trampolines and bounce houses. Instead, she focused on biking and swimming, while her doctors at Rady Children’s Hospital’s Orthopedic Department monitored her progress.

When stretching and non-invasive approaches weren’t enough, Elizabeth underwent five major surgeries over several years. These osteotomies helped reposition and protect her hip joint, but required her to spend weeks in half body casts, unable to walk or play. Despite the challenges, Elizabeth leaned on her creativity and resilience—she invented new games, found joy in small victories, and discovered strength she didn’t know she had.

Thanks to Rady’s expert care, the blood flow eventually returned to Elizabeth’s hip, and she was able to return to the activities she loved—except trampolines and bounce houses, which remain off-limits. Today, she’s a thriving high school senior, playing tennis, water polo, soccer, lacrosse, biking, running, and competing on the Academy of Our Lady of Peace varsity golf team.

Elizabeth’s journey is a testament to perseverance and the powerful role Rady Children’s plays in helping kids overcome extraordinary obstacles. She and her family remain deeply grateful to the doctors, nurses, and staff who supported her through Perthes Disease without any lasting damage.

 

Join Us in Supporting Rady Children’s Hospital

As we prepare for the Coronado Turkey Trot, we invite you to walk or run in honor of Elizabeth’s inspiring story and in support of Rady Children’s Hospital, where extraordinary care makes stories like hers possible. By participating, you help fund the programs and research that ensure more children can overcome challenges and thrive.

This Thanksgiving, let’s come together as a community to celebrate strength, creativity, and resilience—and honor Elizabeth’s journey.