07/27/2026
Sometimes you don’t realize you’re witnessing the beginning of something until you look back decades later.
In 1999, my baby niece, Makenna Dowell, became my very first pediatric patient.
At the time, I had no idea where that moment would eventually lead.
I didn’t know that caring for kids would become such an important part of my career. I didn’t know that years later, I would build a practice where helping babies, children, pregnant moms, and entire families would become a huge part of what I do every single day.
I just knew that this little girl was my niece, I loved her, and she needed my help.
And her parents trusted this fledgling chiropractor that was still learning his craft. ❤️
Fast forward more than 25 years, and that little girl grew up to become one heck of an athlete.
Makenna went on to play Division I softball at Auburn and the University of Minnesota—and today, she’s continuing her athletic career professionally, playing for the Atlanta Smoke, as well as owning a training facility in the Philadelphia suburbs (Makenna Dowell).
Yeah… Uncle Rick is pretty damn proud. ❤️
Over those same years, I’ve had the privilege of caring for thousands of patients and watching families grow right in front of me. I’ve adjusted babies who eventually became big kids, watched families welcome new siblings, and had the opportunity to be part of some pretty incredible stories.
But before all of them…
There was Makenna.
My niece.
My first pediatric patient.
A Division I athlete.
And now, a professional softball player.
Neither of us could have imagined any of that back in 1999.
For me, that one little adjustment became the beginning of a journey that would eventually become a huge part of my life’s work.
And watching what Makenna has gone on to accomplish makes this particular story even sweeter.
Love you, Kenna. ❤️
You’ll always be Patient #1.
drrick
