Finding Hope: Allison Faith Bailey

The first time Allison Faith Bailey tried to stand after her left knee replacement surgery in January 2025, the pain was unbearable. She gritted her teeth, gripping the hospital bed rails, her body frozen in place.  

A nurse steadied her. “You can do this,” she said. But Bailey wasn’t sure.  

For four years, Bailey had endured worsening knee pain, struggling to get through each day as a truck driver for a moving company. She worked through the pain, climbing in and out of her truck, but every night she collapsed in agony. Then, early last year, her son tragically passed away. 

In March 2024, after the loss of her son and with her knee failing, she took a leave of absence from work. By then, she could no longer do simple tasks like carrying groceries or doing laundry without help. “I just felt defeated,” Bailey said. “I was so depressed that I often questioned my purpose.” 

What was left to fight for? 

She finally met Dr. Siren, an orthopedic surgeon at Adventist Health White Memorial, who told her she needed a total knee replacement. But before she could have surgery, she had to lose weight to reduce the strain on her body. It was a long, difficult wait, but on Jan. 30, 2025, she underwent the procedure. The following day, she was moved to the Adventist Health White Memorial Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit, where she faced a new struggle for recovery. 

“I told my sister, ‘I feel like I’m going to lose my leg and end up in a wheelchair for life,’” Bailey recalled. But that’s when something unexpected happened. The people around her, the nurses, the therapists and the staff, refused to let her give up. “Everyone was so encouraging,” Bailey said. “They gave me the will to go forward.” 

Then came a breakthrough. With a walker and the support of her rehabilitation team, Bailey took 14 steps. “I couldn’t believe it,” she says. “I walked 14 steps and it felt amazing.” 

Over the next two weeks in rehabilitation, Bailey regained her independence. Physical therapists taught her how to climb stairs, get into a car and move without fear. Today, she is at home recovering. 

“They saved my life on so many levels,” Bailey said. “I realized that there are good people out there who want me to excel and want me to be better and who care about me. They help people live again.” 

Allison Faith Bailey’s life-saving journey was made possible because of donors like you who believe in the power of compassionate care. Every gift provides expanded access to care, expert rehabilitation and the encouragement that turns pain into progress.

Give today and help more people like Bailey take their first steps toward a new life.