Hello! My name is Erika Rayo and I am currently a senior in high school (rising freshman in college!). Hip dysplasia took over my life in 2019, when I was diagnosed with the condition bilaterally. Forced to drop sports and activities I loved to undergo hospital visits and multiple reconstructive surgeries for my hips, I fell down a rabbit hole of constantly beating myself up over such a repetitive recovery. 

I slowly realized how harmful my behaviors were to my mental and physical health, and since have become an advocate for struggling patients like myself who felt as though their journeys had to be put on hold because of their disability.

I study psychology with the Youth Mental Health Academy and perform presentations on mental/physical health awareness to schools/podcasts referencing my story on a personal, developing awareness project. I love presenting and connecting with my community (which I feel is important, especially being that most of my recovery was during high school)! 

I am excited to include Miles4Hips within this chapter of my recovery journey, and I cannot wait to learn alongside the amazing people on this team. With my current goal of going into Neurology/medicine, Miles4Hips is a tribute to my journey with hip dysplasia and learning from it to feed my future education. 

Don’t be afraid to reach out if you need support, with any aspect of life.