Help Jaci meet her fundraising goal!
Running a world major marathon has always been a dream of mine. In 2023, I underwent a major reconstructive hip surgery after being diagnosed with hip dysplasia—a condition that was prevalent since birth and went undiagnosed until I was 27 years old, just as I was truly forming my bond with distance running and racing, energized by all the members in my running group, Dogtown Running Club. The journey since then has been one of resilience, rediscovery, and gratitude.
Developmental hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint fails to develop properly, often due to genetic factors, breech positioning during birth, or other developmental causes. It affects approximately 1 in every 1,000 newborns and is more common in females (80% of cases). Without proper diagnosis and treatment, DDH can lead to chronic pain, osteoarthritis, and the need for joint replacements. For adults with DDH, symptoms often present later in life as the cartilage wears down and the joint becomes unstable. Many adults, like me, go undiagnosed during childhood, only discovering the condition after experiencing pain or limitations. Treatment often involves complex surgeries, such as the one I underwent, a periacetabular osteotomy (PAO), to correct the hip alignment and preserve the joint.
When I was first diagnosed, I felt lost. Running had always been my outlet, my freedom, and suddenly, I was told that it was one of the worst things I could be doing. The surgery and recovery were brutal—physically and mentally. Losing muscle and fitness was expected, but losing my community, endorphins, and movement hit harder. I had to rebuild my body and mindset, finding strength I didn’t know I had.
Today, after years of chronic pain, I am pain-free —something I will never take for granted. Every mile is a reminder of what I’ve overcome, and every step is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to heal and thrive. This April, I will be running the London Marathon and have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to run on Team TCS. Reflecting on the journey that got me here, I feel immense gratitude for the hip dysplasia community that gave me hope during times of uncertainty. I will proudly wear blue and beige—the colors representing hip dysplasia awareness—during the marathon as a reminder of all it took to get to this point.
While I didn’t get an entry to the marathon via a charity spot, I will be fundraising leading up to the race to raise awareness for hip dysplasia and to support those who face this often misunderstood condition.
Hip dysplasia affects many people, often silently, and early diagnosis and treatment can change lives. By sharing my story, I hope to shed light on this condition and encourage others to seek help when they need it.
I am dedicating my London Marathon to hip dysplasia awareness because I know firsthand how life-changing proper treatment can be. This race is more than just 26.2 miles; it’s a celebration of perseverance, healing, and hope.
If you feel inspired by my journey, please consider supporting my fundraising efforts. Every donation will go towards organizations that provide resources, research, and support for those living with hip dysplasia.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me.
Donate to the IHDI
The International Hip Dysplasia Institute is under the leadership of Dr. Pablo Castaneda, who is a hip surgeon at Texas Children’s Hospital. Texas Children’s Hospital has a specific fund set up for IHDI through its foundation that is separate from general funds for Texas Children’s Hospital use. When making a donation, please make sure to note under the Gift Comments that your donation is “For IHDI in honor of Team Jaci” to make sure the donation is designated for the IHDI. If you would like Jaci to know you are supporting her, please also click “This is an honor or memorial gift” and you will have the option to have the foundation let Jaci know that you donated in honor of her and her effort to support the IHDI.
