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Katherine, a Northeastern University student, was in a "devastating" car accident in 2019, Shriners Hospital said. She suffered third and fourth degree burns, necessitating a month-long hospital stay, nine total surgeries and procedures, and frequent physical and occupational therapy.
Katherine's recovery focused on allowing her to achieve her athletic goals. An avid soccer player since the age of three, Katherine worked with therapists to improve her mobility, endurance, strength, and range of motion. She now plays on Northeastern University's Division 1 soccer team.
The Shriners float is designed to celebrate Katherine's recovery and resolution to stay true to her passions, namely, athletics.
The float is called "Back in the Game," in recognition of Shriners' patients who pursue their dreams, according to the healthcare system. The float marks the twelfth year of Shriners' participation in the Rose Parade.
After recovering with Shriner's help, Katherine became active in her community organizing donation drives and is now a National Patient Ambassador for Shriner's.
"When everything seems to be going wrong, look for the good things that came out of it,” Katherine said. “For me, it was the people I met throughout my journey.”
The Rose Parade and 109th Rose Bowl Game are scheduled for Monday, January 2, 2023.
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