04/15/2026
Before her hip replacement, everyday life had become incredibly difficult for Grace Garcia. Severe hip arthritis left her in constant pain and forced her to rely on a cane to get around. But with her daughter’s wedding just months away, Grace had a powerful goal in mind: to walk down the aisle with her daughter confidently and without pain.
After noticing how much her mobility had declined, Grace reached out to her provider and was referred to Steven Wurzelbacher, PA-C, who quickly identified the severity of her condition. From there, she was connected with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Andrew Kalthoff at Mercy Health — Clermont Hospital, where imaging confirmed that hip replacement surgery would offer the best path forward.
When Dr. Kalthoff first met Grace, her determination stood out immediately.
“Grace had a clear goal from the beginning, to walk without pain and without a cane for her daughter’s wedding later that year,” shared Dr. Kalthoff. “Her hip arthritis was severe, but an anterior hip replacement offered the best chance to restore both her mobility and quality of life.”
Grace was one of the first patients to experience Mercy Health — Clermont Hospital’s new Total Joint Program, and her dedication made a difference. Through the Total Joint Program, Grace worked closely with nurse navigator Bobbi Boling, who helped guide her through pre-surgery education and preparation. Bobbi shared, “I guide our total joint patients through every step of their journey, ensuring a smooth and supportive transition through each phase of care. My goal is to ensure each patient feels informed, confident and supported from start to finish. Grace was extremely motivated and truly demonstrated that you get out of recovery what you put into it. ”
“As one of the first patients in the program, Grace responded beautifully,” Dr. Kalthoff shared. “She got to know our team, including Bobbi, very well and was proactive in preparing for surgery even before it happened — which is such an important and often underappreciated factor for positive outcomes. Her surgery went well and she experienced pain relief very quickly. In less than a month, she was walking without a cane and with excellent strength.”
Just a few months later, Grace achieved the goal she had set from the very beginning. “She was able to perform her ‘beautiful walk’ at her daughter’s wedding pain-free, and there were no canes in sight,” Dr. Kalthoff added. “Taking care of Grace and her family was a privilege, and I’m proud we could help her regain a life free of hip pain.”
Bobbi also shared, "After her surgery and rehabilitation, Grace shared photos and videos from the wedding. She even shared videos of her dancing the night away. Her story is heartwarming, and she continues to be such an inspiration not only to our team, but now to other patients beginning their own journeys."
Grace told us, “I am so happy I made the decision to have surgery. Mercy Health gave me my life back.”
Has the compassionate care you or a loved one received at Mercy Health made a lasting impact on your life? Visit the link in the comments to share your story with us.
