Alison Blanton has always valued her independence.

But after a car accident in her teenage years left her paralyzed, many of the everyday tasks most people take for granted suddenly became impossible.

Simple things like brushing her hair, preparing food, or cooking for herself required help from family members, especially her beloved grandmother.

For years, Alison relied on others for daily care. Then she visited UK HealthCare’s Hand Center, where Dr. Chase Kluemper — one of the area's leading experts in orthopaedic hand, wrist, and elbow surgery — performed a rare procedure designed to restore fine motor function in her hands.

“It completely changed my life,” Alison said.

The surgery gave Alison something she feared she had lost forever: a second chance at independence.

Today, while she still uses a wheelchair, Alison has regained the use of her hands and can once again manage many everyday tasks on her own.

She’s even discovered a new hobby: making bracelets for the people she loves.

To many people, those moments may seem ordinary. But for Alison, they feel nothing short of extraordinary.

Learn more about Alison and other UK HealthCare patients who discovered extraordinary care close to home.