On April 25, Skyler Siljeg of Bothell, WA went to Skate Barn West in Renton, WA. Then 14-year-old Sky, a sponsored skateboarder since he was 5, was training for World Cup Skateboarding Pro Bowl event, the Pro-tec Pool Party, to take place the following month in California.
Pam Miller, Sky’s mother, said he was training hard. While she watched, Sky bailed on a ramp.
“I told him ‘you’re tired, let’s go,'” Pam said. “He casually replied ‘and I broke my arm’.”
At the ER at Valley Medical Center, Dr. William Barrett examined Sky’s arm and took x-rays.
“Sky needed surgery to repair the break. We did it that evening,” Dr. Barrett said.
“They got Sky right in and reassured him,” Pam said. “Dr. Barrett explained the risk factors and why surgery was necessary.”
Sky’s arm had to be set in a full cast with his skating competition just 3 weeks away.
At the time of the injury, Sky was ranked sixth in the World Cup Skateboarding Pro Bowl. Skating in the Pro-tec Pool Party could elevate his rank.
Sky takes risks to do what he loves, even if it means skating with a cast.
“We talked about the risks and I gave recommendations on home therapy. He had all of the information he needed to make a decision for himself,” Dr. Barrett explained.
Sky skated in the event, in an arm cast. He moved from sixth to fifth in the Pro Bowl rankings by participating.
“I know Sky is not a huge risk taker but with the care and understanding he got from VOA, he had the drive to rise to the top,” Pam said. “I would encourage anyone, if they have a sports-related injury, to drive to VOA.”
Sky concurred that Dr. Barrett and the VOA staff respected what he does as an athlete.
“All I can say is thank you,” the now 15-year-old skateboarder said.
In Aug 2009, Sky was ranked third in the World Cup Skateboarding Pro Bowl.
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Photos courtesy Pam Miller and Skyler Siljeg.
08/18/2009