I have been going to the BWCA ( Boundary Waters Canoe Area ) since 1964 when my father took me on my first trip to this magical, wonderful place. Since then I have made 25-30 trips back to the BWCA, recently with my sons and nephews. To say that it has a special place in my heart is a gross understatement. 2 years ago I came off the last portage in near tears, suffering from arthritic pain. Since then, Dr. Owen O’Neill, Dr. Ed Kelly and their expert staffs have replaced 2 shoulders, 2 hips and 1 knee. The attached photo was taken earlier this year and shows me and my team ( including my youngest son and nephew ) over looking “our unnamed lake” in the BWCA. We traveled over 10 miles to get there, crossing 3 lakes, 4 portages and 3 rivers. My sincere thanks to Dr. Kelly, Dr. O’Neill and their expert staffs for giving me this important piece of my life back! I strongly recommend them both and encourage you to schedule a visit if you are in pain like I was!