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When Standley Lake High School senior Liam Graham began experiencing sharp, persistent leg pain during sports, it was Athletic Trainer Mercedes Steidley who became the steady force behind his journey to healing—and ultimately, to answers.
For three years, Graham battled debilitating pain while competing in football and track. Countless doctors dismissed his symptoms as shin splints.
But Steidley saw something others missed.
“As soon as he said the treatment wasn’t helping and that his foot was flopping when he walked, I knew it was a red flag,” said Steidley, who recognized the signs of compartment syndrome—because she had lived it herself.
Her intuition led to a referral to Children’s Hospital Colorado, where the diagnosis was finally confirmed.
Steidley, who has undergone 16 surgeries for her own compartment syndrome, knew firsthand the stakes of missing an early diagnosis.
“If we caught it early enough, like we did, we saved the leg right away,” she said. “That’s what makes the difference.”
Further testing revealed Graham also suffered from popliteal artery entrapment syndrome, a rare vascular condition. With Steidley by his side, he endured four surgeries and months of recovery.
“Mercedes is the reason we got answers,” said Amy Graham, Liam’s mother. “She noticed what no one else did. Her support and presence made all the difference—mentally and physically.”
Now back on the track, Graham continues to work with Steidley daily. His pain is manageable, and his goals for the season include breaking school records—and possibly becoming an Athletic Trainer himself.
“She’s the reason I want to do this now,” Graham said. “She stuck with me through everything.”
For Steidley, it’s all part of the job.
“We get to see kids at their worst, then help them back to their best,” she said. “That’s the most rewarding part.”
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