patient story

patient name: Jayden Clark

age: 18

seen in: orthopedics and sports medicine

providers: Sarah Steward, MD

Jayden Clark is getting ready to step onto the field at the University of Kentucky, a Division I SEC school — something he once feared might not happen. A torn ACL could have ended his football career before it truly began. But thanks to a familiar face and expert care at Dayton Children’s Hospital, Jayden’s future is back on track.

a devastating injury  

Jayden has a deep love for football and was gaining momentum as a standout high school athlete. He had offers from multiple colleges and was invited to an elite football camp. During the camp, a mistake caused him to tear his ACL and changed everything. 

ACL injuries like Jayden’s are common — especially in young athletes. Each year, about 250,000 ACL injuries occur in the U.S. Sports that involve quick pivots, sharp cuts, and sudden stops — like football, basketball, and soccer — put young players at higher risk. 

Fortunately, Dayton Children’s Hospital specializes in pediatric orthopedic care, including ACL injury prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Our sports medicine team understands the unique needs of growing athletes and uses the latest techniques to get them safely back in the game.

With his future football career in limbo, Jayden faced a flood of advice. Coaches, family members, and friends all recommended top surgeons from across the country. But for Jayden and his mom, Lauren Inman, the decision was clear: return to the place that already felt like home.

a trusted connection

Jayden’s relationship with Dayton Children’s began years earlier, when he was just 10 years old. A growth spurt had caused a knee condition that required surgical correction. Pediatric orthopedic surgeon Sarah Steward, MD guided them through the process, from placing surgical plates to correct alignment, and finally removing the plates after growth stabilized. 

“Dr. Steward’s care, her kindness and her compassion built our trust in Dayton Children’s,” Lauren said. “She felt like home. She felt familiar."

That early experience left a deep impression. “She really cared about him. And this was before the scholarships, before the scholarships, before college talks. She got to know him when he was just a little kid,” Lauren recalled.

care that feels like family 

When Jayden needed his ACL surgery, returning to Dayton Children’s felt like the most natural and best decision for this exceptional athlete and his family. Jayden remembered how supported he had felt during his first visit to Dayton Children’s, and this time was no different.

“From check-in to recovery, it felt like everyone was on our team,” Jayden said.

Lauren added, “Sitting in the waiting room was like sitting in my own living room. It was just comfortable. Then, the calls and check-ins from the staff showed that they really went above and beyond.” She trusted the team so much that she even felt comfortable stepping back and letting Jayden handle much of his care on his own. “I didn’t even feel like I had to monitor anything. I could just wait in the lobby and know he was in good hands.”

support beyond surgery 

After a successful ACL reconstruction with Dr. Steward, Jayden’s recovery took off. He put in the work, stayed focused and made it clear — he wasn’t going to let this injury slow him down.

But the care didn’t stop at surgery. Jayden remembers that the rehab team was there every step of the way, showing up for him not just physically, but emotionally, too. The team checked in after his games, adjusted his recovery plan as needed, and helped him push through the mental weight of being sidelined.

“They helped him feel supported through every high and low,” Lauren said. “That kind of emotional support is just as important, and they never missed a beat.”

Today, Jayden feels stronger than ever. “I feel stronger, faster and more athletic,” he said. “I’d tell any of my friends to go to Dayton Children’s because they’re like family.”

focused on the future

As a graduating senior from Northmont High School, Jayden was ranked the 23rd overall football player in Ohio, and he’s just getting started. This fall, he’ll head to the University of Kentucky to play offensive line while pursuing a degree in business marketing.

Jayden's dreams, and his faith, never wavered. With the right care, the right surgeon and a team that believed in him, Jayden was able to come back stronger.

“What mattered most,” Lauren said, “was having a team that truly cared. Dayton Children’s never treated Jayden like just another patient — they treated him like family.”

If you suspect your child has an ACL injury, you can schedule an appointment online with one of Dayton Children’s U.S. News & World Report-ranked orthopedic surgeons/ sports medicine physicians.