She was a 12-year-old full of energy, unbridled competitiveness and steely determination.  
 
Anna Moon played basketball and soccer non-stop. She even played tackle football during the COVID scare when sports activities were extremely limited. 

But all that was in jeopardy one January night after Anna, a proud Somerset Eagle, jumped high to block a shot in a basketball game at Central Cambria.  

She came down hard, twisted her right ankle and fell to the gymnasium floor in writhing pain. Though slightly built and only 5-foot-two-inches tall, Anna is a “tough-as-nails athlete,” according to her mother. She had never left a game because of an injury. Until now.  

Her parents – Cassie and Ross Moon – rushed her to the Conemaugh Health System emergency room (ER) in Johnstown. Once the ER doctors saw the extent of her injury, they wasted no time in transferring her to Conemaugh’s Trauma Unit and summoned renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Richard Goodrich.  

“It was long after doctor’s hours – at least 8 p.m. or so – and with awful wintery weather. We were so impressed that Doctor Goodrich came in that night to repair Anna’s ankle.” Cassie said.  

“We found out later that if he hadn’t come in to perform surgery right then and there, her ankle would have swollen so much that it might have taken weeks until the swelling went down enough for her to be operated on.” 

X-rays showed that Anna’s ankle was shattered (a bilateral fracture). Dr. Goodrich operated on both sides of her ankle and inserted two pins. The surgery took more than four hours. The Moon family was “tremendously impressed” with the extent of updates and communication provided throughout Anna’s operation.  

“It was well into late night, but Conemaugh provided us with a little device that updated my husband and me constantly about Anna’s status,” Cassie said.  

Now a 14-year-old incoming freshman at Somerset High School, Anna’s ankle is back to normal. “She has no problems and is just as fast and nimble as ever,” Cassie said. “She’s playing basketball and soccer again and is now also a sprinter in track.” 

The Moon family knew of Dr. Goodrich’s excellent reputation as an extremely skilled surgeon. “And that was apparent when Anna was able to play soccer just six months later,” Cassie said.  
 
“But what struck me was the depth of care and dedication Doctor Goodrich provides. In each follow-up appointment after the surgery, he was very kind, upbeat and positive. He took the time to make sure Anna thoroughly understood what was going on, how she needed to care for the ankle, and the importance of physical therapy.” 

Initially after the accident, Anna feared that her athletic career might be over.  

“I was scared that I’d never get back to the sports that I love. But Doctor Goodrich fixed my ankle and I’m back to normal,” said Anna, usually a quiet person, according to her mother. “I’m incredibly grateful and recommend him to anyone and everyone.” 

Cassie shared her daughter’s initial fears. 

“Trusting someone with your child’s health – and future – is scary. You must have trust in someone who has an extremely high degree of medical knowledge, know-how, skill and professionalism,” she said.  
 
“Doctor Goodrich is that person. Thank goodness we have him in this area. Because of him, Anna is back on the court and smiling again.”