One sunny November 2017 morning, my husband was painting the outside of our home on an extension ladder. To make a long story short, the ladder collapsed and he fell one way and the ladder went the other way and hit me as I was standing on our front porch. In a split second, I was on the ground and quickly realized that I was in big trouble. We were transported to Jersey Shore Medical Center, and the next day, Dr. William Baione was called in to repair my extensive injuries, which consisted of two broken femurs and a broken right hip. Since I had previous hip surgeries, I knew I was in for a long recovery. After Dr. Baione explained my injuries and told me of his plan for the surgeries I required, my angst and trepidation was eased. His bedside manner, calm demeanor and obvious compassion were remarkable. After ten days at Jersey Shore and eight weeks at a rehab facility, I was able to return home, walking with assistance. Every appointment with Dr. Baione was positive and informative. He carefully explained my plan of care, and every milestone of my recovery was recognized and celebrated. I was able to return to work less than three months later. Although I am still recovering, I am back to a “new normal”. I am the Director of Curriculum and Instruction at a small specialized health sciences high school in New Brunswick. The mission of our school is to assist students from underrepresented communities aspire to careers in healthcare. During one of our conversations, Dr. Baione volunteered to come to speak to our students about his career as an orthopedic surgeon and his life story of perseverance, hard work, and success. He was able to relate to our students in a personal way, as he was raised by a single mother in an inner city neighborhood. Our students and staff were completely blown away by his brilliance, honesty, humility and awesomeness!! They say that “every cloud has a silver lining”. The accident was the cloud but meeting this incredible surgeon and human being was the silver lining. I am eternally grateful to Dr. Baione and his staff for the wonderful care I received at University Orthopaedic Associates.