Doctors warned that without intervention, the difference in leg length could be as much as 12 inches. With limited treatment options, the family faced the serious decision to either amputate her leg or search for a specialist willing to pursue treatment.

Grudzinski’s parents, determined to save their daughter’s limb, hunted for a viable solution and discovered Dr. Dror Paley, a renowned Canadian-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in limb lengthening and deformity correction procedures at the Paley Orthopedic & Spine Institute.

Dr. Paley examined Grudzinski and, without hesitation, said he could fix her leg and she’d go on to lead a normal life. That first visit started a long journey of limb lengthening, corrective surgeries and many years of physical therapy.

“I will say it wasn’t always easy on Haley or our family, but she didn’t miss out on her childhood due to this process as people might think,” said Haley’s mother. “She rode a bike, she played sports, she swam and did everything every other child did.”

Grudzinski’s first surgery, at age two, would be the first of more than 20 she would eventually undergo. During the procedures, bolts were anchored into the femur, and an external lengthening device was secured to the bone. That was followed up by three to six months of at-home lengthening. Each day, the Grudzinskis would carefully turn the bolts with a wrench, one millimeter at a time, gradually separating the bone segments, stimulating bone growth and stretching her muscles.

For most of Grudzinski’s life, physical therapy was a steady and essential activity. Naturally, after her undergraduate years of studying biology at Wayne State University, she felt the desire to study physical therapy at the graduate level.

“I applied to several physical therapy programs, but when I visited USD, I knew that it was the place I’d end up,” she said.

Throughout her USD training, the Paley Institute was never far from her mind. In fact, toward the end of her academic career, Grudzinski worked there, completing an eight-week clinical rotation to round out her education.

During her time at the Paley Institute, she treated patients with all kinds of needs, including some with CFD, the same condition she was born with two decades earlier.

“When Haley told me that she might have the opportunity to complete a clinical rotation under the same physician that performed her operations, I told her she had to do it! She didn't need encouragement, though, as she was so excited for the opportunity,” stated Adam Ladwig, DPT, Ph.D., USD associate professor of physical therapy and Grudzinski’s academic advisor. “What a full-circle experience that was for her, and an absolutely amazing way for her to inspire kids going through the same battle that she endured.”

“All those surgeries became such an influential part of my life,” Grudzinski explained. “Ever since my second lengthening surgery at eight years old, I became super interested in what my caretakers were doing. I built such great relationships at the Paley Institute that I wanted to support other people as a physical therapist.

“During my training there, I worked with young patients with the exact same condition I was born with,” she continued. “During PT sessions, I’d get to be a resource for them and their parents. I loved being a resource for kids who were like me.”

Long-term outcomes for patients of CFD can vary greatly, depending on the severity of the condition and how well the child responds to treatment. For many patients, a combination of surgical and orthotic treatment produces positive outcomes, and a normal life is achieved. It was no different for Grudzinski, as her right leg eventually grew to match the length of her left.

At the conclusion of her rotation at the Paley Institute, Grudzinski returned to USD and joined her classmates at the May 2025 graduation ceremony, crossing the stage with her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

Recently settled back into her hometown of Norfolk, Nebraska, Grudzinski’s physical therapy career is flourishing. She works at a nursing home, helping resident patients maintain mobility, strength, balance and overall physical function.

“It’s very different from the work I did at the Paley Institute, but I’m excited to do this part of PT too,” she said.

Her professional journey isn’t the only thing that’s shaped her approach to care— Grudzinski’s personal experience with a lifelong condition also adds a unique layer to her framework.

“Growing up, I didn’t really notice my condition, although it was a huge part of my life,” Grudzinski said. “It gives me a different perspective that I can offer my patients.”

“Haley will always have a way to connect with her patients,” said Ladwig. “Her lived experience, enduring years of painful treatments and yet making it through them in such an impressive fashion is inspiring.”

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