Austin Woman’s Spinal Surgery Helped Her Get Back in the Saddle

 

Austin Woman’s Spinal Surgery Helped Her Get Back in the Saddle 

For Kathy Torrey of Austin, Pa., horseback riding has been a lifelong passion. At 74, she still rides for hours through the scenic trails of north central Pennsylvania with friends. But in early 2024, a troubling numbness in her legs began to interfere with her ability to walk—let alone ride.

“It was constant,” Kathy says. “There was no relief, no matter what I did.” 

Encouraged by friends, Kathy visited her primary care provider and was referred to Weizhen Wang, M.D., a neurologist at UPMC Neurological Institute in Williamsport. Dr. Wang ordered an MRI, which revealed a tumor compressing Kathy’s thoracic spine.

 “Dr. Wang was extremely kind,” Kathy says. “She explained everything and got the ball rolling.”

To reduce travel before surgery, Kathy underwent a full-body MRI closer to home at UPMC Cole in Coudersport. The experience was unexpectedly comforting—she listened to music during the scan, and the final song reminded her of her late mother. “It was like a sign,” she says. “I knew everything was going to be OK.” 

Kathy was quickly referred to the neurosurgery team at UPMC, where Holly Shadle, C.R.N.P., helped fast-track her for surgery. On July 29, 2024, Fadi Sweiss, M.D., neurosurgeon, performed a laminectomy at UPMC Williamsport to remove the tumor and relieve pressure on her spinal cord. “Dr. Sweiss was so kind and gentle,” Kathy says. “It was evident he knew what he was doing.”

After four days in the hospital and a careful recovery at home with help from family and friends, Kathy was back on her feet—and back in the saddle by fall. 

“I have absolutely no tingling in my legs,” she says. “It was just amazing.” 

Today, Kathy rides several times a week and continues to care for her three horses. In May 2025, she joined friends for a multi-day trip to Benezette, riding four hours a day, over multiple days.

“I was sore, but after a hot shower, I felt great,” she says. “It’s just a matter of getting the muscles and my stamina back.”

Grateful for her care team and the support of her friends, Kathy says, “It was meant to be. 

I was exactly where I needed to be.”