From Hospital Bed to 29 Canal Skates: A Comeback Story

Three years ago, avid skater Michelle Schafer was out on a skating track in Gatineau, Quebec, with her children when a fall temporarily changed the way she stayed active. After breaking her femur, she did not immediately realize the severity of the injury and even skated nearly a kilometre back before driving home and seeking medical attention. The next day, she was admitted to Queensway Carleton Hospital, where her recovery journey began.

Michelle received surgery four days later where a titanium plate and multiple screws where placed. After spending nearly a week in the hospital, she described her care as efficient, compassionate and personalized. She called her surgeon, Dr. Mark Charles, a “surgical rock star” for his thorough and reassuring approach. Small gestures from staff, such as a Valentine's Day message on her whiteboard, also made a big impact.

Recovery was not without its challenges. Michelle faced months of physiotherapy, daily tasks on crutches, and adapting her career coaching business to work from her bed or couch. She says, looking back, “Celebrate your wins and honour your struggle. Both are signs of your persistence, resilience and tenacity.” She also reminds others that “Your struggle is not your forever place. Your day will come.”

As a testament to this mindset, Michelle has now fully returned to running, hiking, swimming, biking, snowshoeing, and skating, the activity that led to her injury. This past winter, she skated the Rideau Canal from end to end 29 times and even completed her first triathlon. She credits her progress to physiotherapy, perseverance, and the support of her care team.

In addition to her athletic achievements, Michelle has run a career coaching company for more than 10 years, helping people navigate career transitions. She is also the author of Cultivating Career Growth: Navigate Career Transitions with Purpose, an award-winning book designed to guide professionals through change with confidence and purpose.

Michelle’s story is a powerful reminder that recovery is rarely linear, but with expert care, determination and support, it is possible to come back even stronger.