Nathaniel Murphy

About Nathaniel

I grew up outside Portland, Oregon enjoying the outdoors and year-round skiing in the Pacific Northwest. I went to college in Montana and stayed there until moving to Jackson, Wyoming, where I now call home.

Career Background

I worked as an outdoor educator from 2005-2012 for NOLS and Outward Bound, and also taught skiing and snowboarding at Big Sky, Montana during that time. I started guiding in the Tetons for Exum in 2013, where I most enjoy showing clients the amazing places they can get to in the winter. Thanks to guiding I have been a part of filmmaking expeditions to remote ranges in Turkey and Bolivia. I started the AMGA certification track in 2012 and will now be able to focus on finishing this process.

Treatment Procedure and Recovery Plan

A previous ACL graft had worn out and failed and I was guiding w/out an ACL for around 2 years. Local surgeons weren’t confident that the graft site would support a new ACL, and my insurance wouldn’t even cover the MRI. I reached out to The Kees Brenninkmeyer Foundation and they immediately responded.

Dr. Hackett at the Steadman Clinic recommended a 2-staged procedure that involved a bone graft in October 2017 and ACL reconstruction 6 months after. His confidence that I would make a full return to work and sport combined with the expertise of The Steadman Clinic was beyond reassuring. Now 5 months out from the second procedure, I am feeling strong, thankful, and looking forward to this winter more than ever.

Testimonial

"The Kees Brenninkmeyer Foundation allowed me to get the best care for my knee without compromising anything due to financial stress. It is truly amazing that an organization like this exists. The folks at the Kees Brenninkmeyer Foundation were encouraging and timely during the application process, and worked with me through the 2-staged procedure to ensure I missed the least amount of work possible. I am very grateful for being connected with the team at The Steadman Clinic, and Dr. Hackett’s expertise, which allowed for an approach and procedure that my local doctors weren’t considering. Also, the physical therapy in Vail and continued support from the Kees Brenninkmeyer Foundation for physical therapy back home has been critical in getting back to 100%."

- Nathaniel Murphy