Jake Doud's life was never without sport, as one season ended, another began. Soccer became basketball, basketball became track, and he enjoyed the athletic challenge of each sport. However, constant knee pain threatened to put him on the bench. After diagnosing him with osteochondritis dissecans, Jake's doctor used bone and cartilage allografts to replace the damaged tissue in his knee.
Jake understood prior to his surgery that a deceased tissue donor made the bone and cartilage allografts possible. "My immediate reaction was sadness," he revealed. "Today I am very appreciative that the person chose to be a donor and wanted to help someone beyond their own life."

Jake's Story

Jake Doud's life was never without sports - as one season ended, another began. Soccer became basketball, basketball became track, and he enjoyed the athletic challenge of each sport. However, constant knee pain threatened to put Jake on the bench.

Jake's knee pain started three years ago. Doctors suggested he try stretching and physical therapy to remedy the problem, but the pain persisted. When running or playing soccer, his knee would sometimes give out and it became clear that more medical attention was necessary.

"I didn't feel that I was able to compete to my full potential," said Jake. "I had an obvious limp when running, but I didn't know what was causing it."

Jake was diagnosed with osteochondritis dissecans, a joint condition in which cartilage and bone in the knee become loose. Though he was in the midst of a basketball season and looking forward to track, Jake's condition forced him to stop playing.

After weighing his options, Jake decided on surgery. During the procedure, the doctor realigned the weight-bearing line in his leg and used bone and cartilage allografts to replace the damaged tissue.

Jake understood prior to his surgery that a deceased tissue donor made the bone and cartilage allografts possible. "My immediate reaction was sadness. Today I am very appreciative that the person chose to be a donor and wanted to help someone beyond their own life."

Part of Jake's recovery included the use of an external fixator which was removed several months ago. He started his exercise regimen again and now rides his bike 12 miles a day without any pain.

Receiving donated tissue affirmed Jake's belief in donation. Now 18, he registered as a donor when he obtained his driver's license and hopes that others will consider registering, too.

"I have felt the impact of what it really means to receive something from someone you don't know," he said. " I would be interested in knowing about my donor's life because they are a part of me now. He or she made it possible for me to be healthy, so that I can do the things I like to do."