Elliana’s Journey: Growing strong with Ridgeview Pediatric Rehab

Elliana Kopesky, Belle Plaine, was born with spina bifida, a birth defect where the spinal cord does not close completely during pregnancy. At just four months old, Elliana had surgery to detether her spinal cord, and by six months, she began physical therapy with Ridgeview’s Pediatric Rehab team. Now, at six years old, Elliana’s progress is a testament to the care, expertise and compassion provided by the Ridgeview team.

Compassionate care to aid in strength and development

“Elliana has received the most amazing treatment with every physical therapist she’s worked with throughout the years. They are all very knowledgeable and do a fantastic job explaining what they are doing and why they are doing it. They also provide great activities for us to try at home to promote Elliana’s physical strength and development,” Elliana’s mom, Elizabeth Koonst, shared.

Although Elliana has seen many physical therapists at Ridgeview over the years, Meghan List, PT, DPT, has been by Elliana’s side almost the entire time. “Meghan cares so deeply for Elliana and works so hard to make sure she has the right tools and systems in place to help her reach her potential,” Elizabeth said. Meghan also worked with Elliana’s older brother, Jayden, when he was just three years old. Now at age 15, Jayden is thriving.

A journey not without complications

Elliana’s condition affects the motor and sensory pathways in her left leg, making walking a challenge. She wears an ankle foot orthosis (AFO) on her left foot to help stabilize her ankle. Her therapists work closely with Elliana’s orthotics provider to ensure her brace is perfectly fitted and adjusted as she grows.

One of the biggest hurdles Elliana faces is muscle tightness in her left leg, which causes her foot to turn inward. Thanks to the guidance of her physical therapy team, Elliana began receiving Botox® injections to help loosen those muscles. Combined with twice-weekly physical therapy, these treatments have led to significant improvements in her foot position, allowing her to walk more comfortably and participate in activities just like other children her age.

Elliana’s condition also places her at risk for wounds and infections. Over the past few years, she has received specialized treatments at Ridgeview’s Wound & Hyperbaric Healing department to ensure her skin heals properly. “The wound care team has always been so helpful in showing us how to care for Elliana’s wounds. They don’t see many patients Elliana’s age, so they always remember her and make her feel like an important part of her care team,” Elizabeth shared.

A care team that has become a second family

The Koonst-Kopesky family has had three children receive services at Ridgeview over the years — Jayden, Elliana, and now 4-year-old Connor, who also sees the team for physical therapy. “We have watched the Pediatric Rehab department grow physically in size and staff, but one thing that has always stuck with me is that there is little to no staff turnover. Many of the therapists we saw with Jayden 12 years ago are still working there,” Elizabeth said.

“The team at Ridgeview has truly become our second family.” Elizabeth shared. “Thanks to their dedication, Elliana isn’t just growing — she’s thriving.”

The Koonst-Kopesky family