From the Goal Box to Great Health: Elijah’s Story

Since age 5, Elijah has been playing soccer, and goalie has always been his position. With his quick reflexes, courage, and determination, he’s a natural. He looks up to soccer legends Lionel Messi (Inter Miami CF) and Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid). But for now, his focus is on sharpening his skills, helping his team succeed, and enjoying every save.

"Moving from travel ball to ECNL has been awesome. The games are faster and tougher, but being on such a strong team makes it even better. We all push each other to play harder, and I can feel myself getting better as a goalie," said Elijah. 
 

Like many young athletes, Elijah has faced his share of injuries and “growing pains” throughout the course of his soccer career and through being on different leagues. Each has been a hurdle—and a lesson in resilience. Fortunately, Connecticut Children’s has been there at every step:

• Thumb and Hand Injury: After a tough save, Elijah injured his thumb and hand, which kept him out for a week. He was treated by pediatric emergency physician Noah Jablow, MD, at Connecticut Children’s Urgent Care in Farmington.
• Heel Pain (Sever’s Disease): Following a growth spurt and the demands of soccer and basketball, Elijah developed calcaneal apophysitis, commonly called Sever’s disease. David Wang, MD, sports medicine expert, prescribed physical therapy. After six weeks of rehab, Elijah was running, jumping, and playing goalie pain-free.
• Knee Pain(Osgood-Schlatter’s Disease): On September 6 of this year, Elijah was seen at Urgent Care by Jonah Mandell, DO, who diagnosed him with Osgood-Schlatter’s disease—a common knee condition that affects growing kids and teens, especially those who play sports. It happens when the area where the kneecap tendon attaches to the shinbone becomes irritated from growth and activity. Because Elijah is growing quickly, the discomfort has been significant. While there’s no quick fix, his care team recommended rest, ice, stretching, and strengthening exercises to help manage the pain and prevent flare-ups. Elijah is learning to listen to his body and keep moving forward, even on tough days.
• Back Strain: At the end of summer, after basketball camp and the start of FSA practice, Elijah developed severe back pain radiating down his legs. Concerned, his mom took him straight from practice to Connecticut Children’s Urgent Care, where Jesse Sturm, MD, and his team ruled out more serious causes, such as kidney issues. It was determined to be a significant back strain. With a week of rest, Elijah missed his first FSA game, but stretching and recovery routines have helped him return to the field pain-free.

With a week of rest, Elijah missed his first FSA game, but stretching and recovery routines have helped him return to the field pain-free.

>>Related:  A pediatric orthopedic expert answers 12 burning questions from parents about sports injuries.
 

Elijah’s care goes beyond sports-related injuries. At his annual pediatric well visit in fall 2024, his doctor heard something unexpected: the return of a heart murmur. He was referred to Connecticut Children’s cardiology, where Alicia Wang, MD, evaluated and treated him. She recommended a Holter monitor, a portable device for cardiac monitoring, to check his heart rhythm during daily activities, including soccer.

For Rachel, Elijah’s mom, it was a nerve-wracking time. But thanks to Dr. Wang’s clear explanations and thorough testing, she and her family felt at ease. Thankfully, the results were benign, and Elijah remains a healthy, active young man.

Nothing But Gratitude

“Elijah has seen a number of specialists, but one of the things I love about Connecticut Children’s is how accessible they are,” Rachel shares. “The Urgent Care is open late, and on weekends, and we know he’s in good hands. They’re focused on kids—it’s not like going to an adult urgent care. We always feel safe and secure.”

Elijah isn’t just an athlete. He’s also a trombone player in his school band, a video game enthusiast (Rocket League is a favorite), and the son of a basketball coach, which means sports are woven into his daily life. His parents are proud that he’s developing many interests—even as they nurture his soccer dreams.

For Elijah, soccer is more than a game. It’s a way to challenge himself, be part of a team, and celebrate milestones big and small. And thanks to care 100% dedicated to kids at Connecticut Children’s—from sports medicine to cardiology—his confidence in the goal box is soaring and he’s loving his time on the FSA league.

As Rachel puts it: “We know he has a team behind him at Connecticut Children’s, just like he has a team on the soccer field.”