Martynka Wawrzyniak, a Brooklyn-based book editor, artist, and avid climber, embarked on an ice climbing trip to the Catskills in February 2022 that would drastically alter the course of her life. While waiting on a narrow ledge in Stony Clove Notch, a seemingly insignificant event – the dropping of a prized Japanese fishing glove – triggered a catastrophic fall. Reaching for the glove, Wawrzyniak lost her footing and plummeted an estimated 200 feet, her body tumbling and impacting the icy cliff face before finally landing in a tree. This dramatic fall resulted in multiple fractures, including a broken talus (ankle bone), fibula (lower leg bone), and calcaneus (heel bone), marking the beginning of a long and arduous journey towards recovery. Clinging precariously to the tree, her hands bloodied from the impact, Wawrzyniak endured the agonizing wait for rescue by her climbing companions. The immediate aftermath of the fall was marked by dizziness and the chilling realization that letting go of the tree could lead to unconsciousness.
Initially, Wawrzyniak underestimated the severity of her injuries, believing she had merely sprained her ankle. Using hiking poles as makeshift crutches, she attempted to persevere through the remainder of the day. However, a subsequent visit to urgent care revealed the true extent of the damage, leading to her transfer to NYU Langone Health, where she underwent a two-hour surgery to reconstruct her shattered left leg. Four screws were inserted into her ankle joint to stabilize the fractured bones and facilitate healing. Despite the trauma and the extensive nature of her injuries, Wawrzyniak displayed an indomitable spirit, refusing to let the accident define her. Her unwavering determination to regain her active lifestyle became the driving force behind her recovery process. She embraced physical therapy with fervor, pushing her limits and constantly seeking ways to rebuild her strength and mobility.
Wawrzyniak’s recovery was a testament to her resilience and unwavering commitment. Even in the early stages, while still reliant on crutches, she incorporated exercises into her daily routine, engaging in floor ab workouts, practicing pull-ups, and undertaking long walks in the park to strengthen her arms and maintain her physical fitness. She approached her rehabilitation with a relentless drive, pushing through pain and setbacks, fueled by her desire to return to the activities she loved. Her progress was gradual but consistent, transitioning from a “zombie-like” gait to slowly traversing the beach with friends by May, and finally returning to bouldering by September, just seven months after the accident.
Despite her remarkable progress, the lingering effects of the fall persisted. A year later, Wawrzyniak still experienced a noticeable limp, a constant reminder of the trauma she had endured. The limp not only impacted her physical abilities but also affected her overall well-being and quality of life. Determined to overcome this final hurdle, Wawrzyniak refused to accept the prognosis that a talus injury might result in a permanent limp. She sought further medical intervention, consulting with Dr. Lauren E. Borowski, a sports medicine specialist at NYU Langone, who recognized the complexity of her injuries and the significant progress she had already made. Dr. Borowski acknowledged the life-threatening nature of Wawrzyniak’s fall and commended her remarkable recovery, emphasizing the dedication and hard work required to regain her level of activity.
The turning point in Wawrzyniak’s recovery came with her collaboration with Sarah Plumer-Holzman, a senior physical therapist at NYU Langone’s Harkness Center for Dance Injuries and a fellow climber. Plumer-Holzman understood the nuances of Wawrzyniak’s injuries and the specific demands of climbing. She focused on restoring proper function in Wawrzyniak’s left ankle, hip, and foot, addressing the tendency of her foot to roll outwards and her toes to scrunch, particularly when squatting or stepping onto the injured leg. Plumer-Holzman prescribed targeted exercises, such as calf raises and balancing disc work, which Wawrzyniak diligently continued at home, reinforcing the progress made during therapy sessions.
Through dedicated physical therapy and unwavering perseverance, Wawrzyniak not only regained her ability to walk without a limp but also achieved a new level of strength and proficiency in climbing. She credits her remarkable recovery to the expertise of Plumer-Holzman and her own unwavering commitment to the rehabilitation process. Reflecting on her journey, Wawrzyniak emphasizes the importance of incremental progress, highlighting the power of small, consistent efforts in overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges. While she may not be ready to return to ice climbing this season, she expresses immense satisfaction with her achievements, grateful for the second chance at an active life, and embracing the strength and resilience she discovered within herself. The harrowing experience transformed her, instilling a deeper appreciation for the fragility of life and the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity.
The story of Martynka Wawrzyniak’s near-fatal fall and subsequent recovery is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for resilience, determination, and the pursuit of healing. From the initial despair of the accident to the arduous journey of rehabilitation, Wawrzyniak faced each challenge with unwavering courage and a positive mindset. Her unwavering belief in her ability to heal, coupled with the support of skilled medical professionals and her own relentless efforts, enabled her not only to regain her physical abilities but also to emerge stronger and more determined than ever before. Her experience serves as an inspiring example of the transformative power of perseverance in the face of adversity.
