Pickleball, Friendship, and a Lifesaving Journey: Ronnie Recchia’s Story
Ronnie Recchia’s love for pickleball not only brought him joy and camaraderie but also led to a life-saving friendship with Clyde Markowitz, MD. What started as a chance meeting on the pickleball court in 2020 turned into a bond that would prove crucial in Recchia’s battle against a mysterious ailment that left him immobile and in excruciating pain.
Despite initial misdiagnoses and worsening symptoms, Markowitz recognized that there was more to Recchia’s condition than a simple foot drop. With the help of a team of experts at Penn Medicine, including neurologist Grace Kimbaris, MD, Recchia underwent a series of tests that eventually revealed the source of his troubles: cancer in his right sciatic nerve.
Diagnosed with high-grade B-cell lymphoma, Recchia faced an aggressive and inoperable form of cancer that had infiltrated his peripheral nerves. With a treatment plan devised by Stefan Barta, MD, Recchia underwent a grueling regimen of chemoimmunotherapy that ultimately led to his cancer going into remission.
But the journey was far from over. Recchia’s focus shifted to regaining mobility in his right leg, with the help of physical therapy and the unwavering support of his pickleball community. Slowly but surely, Recchia made progress, eventually returning to the pickleball court with a newfound appreciation for life and friendship.
Through it all, Recchia remains grateful for the care he received at Penn Medicine and the friendship that helped him through his darkest days. As he continues to improve and thrive, Recchia’s story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, friendship, and the healing potential of the human spirit.
