Aly Taylor has spent much of her life in motion as a competitive gymnast. But on October 11, 2024, she suffered a spinal cord injury while practicing a new vault skill. The accident would require emergency surgery to repair damaged vertebrae, followed by nine days in the trauma ICU. 

Her recovery journey continued at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital, where she spent seven weeks in inpatient rehabilitation. It was there, on October 29, that Aly stood up for the first time, a hopeful milestone on her long road to healing. She credits her care team, including Dr. Dukjin Im, occupational therapist Leah McAleer, and physical therapist Sadie Turner, for helping her reach that moment. 

During her stay, Aly experienced not just expert medical care but also programs that helped her feel like a kid again. “I never really felt like it was a hospital because I got to do so many activities like painting and watching the Halloween dog show,” Aly said. “It made my days fun instead of just medical.” 

Programs like Child Life, Arts for Life, and the hospital’s beloved facility dogs are cornerstones of the patient experience at Levine Children’s, bringing comfort, creativity, and connection to kids every day. Each of these special programs is made possible through the generosity of philanthropy.

From special visits with therapy dogs and the Carolina Panthers to winning the 2025 Charlotte Knights jersey design competition, Aly found many bright moments during her time at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital.

Aly completed inpatient rehab and returned home just in time for the holidays. She continued months of outpatient physical and occupational therapy. Today, she is officially done with appointments and back in the gym, this time coaching younger gymnasts and inspiring them to stay strong, no matter what challenges come their way. She also has her sights set on the future as she explores colleges and hopes to become a physical therapist one day. 

Just one year after her injury, Aly is looking forward to participating in the 30th Annual Hopebuilders 5K, presented by Morris-Jenkins, alongside her family and several members of her care team. “My grandma found out about Hopebuilders last year when I was in the hospital,” Aly shares. “Now we’re excited to come back and be part of it.” 

To learn more about the Hopebuilders 5K and its impact on patients like Aly, visit Hopebuilders5K.org.