As a bodily injury claims adjuster for an insurance company, Marlene Furtado knows quite a bit about knee injuries and their treatment. So, when her doctor diagnosed osteoarthritis in both her knees, plus a completely torn lateral meniscus in her right knee, she thought her active days were over — unless she had two total knee replacements.

For most of her life, Marlene pursued a vigorous lifestyle — jogging, downhill and cross country skiing, hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, sailing, kayaking and fishing. But plagued with constant pain and instability, she dreaded her 61st birthday, knowing she couldn't celebrate it fly fishing in a remote area of northern California. That's why the Bledsoe Aligner osteoarthritis brace made a huge difference in her life. With her Aligner on, Marlene drove five hours to the Upper Sacramento river; climbed down a steep river bank; waded into the cold, rushing water; and fished — without pain — for 12 hours a day.

"I'm very grateful the Aligner has given me the opportunity to pursue the sport I love so much," Marlene stated. "My doctor asked if I wanted a disability card for my car. I told her, 'When I'm wearing my Aligner, I don't consider myself disabled'. I thought I would want to hide the brace under my skirt, but now I wear it proudly outside my jeans."

Marlene Furtado