My name is Wade Simmons, and I’m proud to say I’m a patient at Andrews Sports Medicine under the care of Dr. Andrew Cordover.
Three months ago, Dr. Cordover performed neck surgery on me — a C5, C6, and C7 fusion — and I can’t say enough great things about him and his team. They’ve taken incredible care of me every step of the way.
I’ve been a firefighter and paramedic for 21 years, and I currently serve the community with the City of Pelham Fire Department. I truly love what I do.
But long before I was fighting fires, I was competing in martial arts. Like a lot of kids in the ’80s and ’90s, I started at age four wanting to be a Ninja Turtle — and I never looked back.
By age six, I was competing in karate tournaments in the Shōtōkan Yoshukai style. As a kid, I became a three-time Alabama state champion, won multiple titles and grand championships, and continued competing all through my teenage and adult years.
At 17, I earned my fourth-degree black belt, and at 21, I became the youngest Shihan fifth-degree master instructor in my style. In 2023, I was humbled and honored to be inducted into the U.S. Martial Arts Hall of Fame, joining a group of world-class athletes I’ve looked up to my entire life.
Over the years — between martial arts, football, wrestling, track, and firefighting — I’ve had my fair share of injuries.
However, the most serious one came recently, when I developed degenerative vertebrae and discs in my neck that caused major pain and limited my movement. It reached the point where I couldn’t ignore it anymore.
That’s when I turned to Dr. Andrew Cordover and the Andrews Sports Medicine team. Dr. Cordover performed a C5–C7 fusion, using screws and plates to stabilize my spine.
Three months later, I’m thrilled to say I’m back to full strength and full health. I’m training again, back in the gym, and I've returned to the fire service — helping others and doing what I love.
I'm grateful to Dr. Cordover and everyone at Andrews Sports Medicine for helping me achieve Victory Over Injury and get back to living life to the fullest.
Most importantly, I want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for giving me the strength to heal and the perseverance to keep pushing forward.
I’m Wade Simmons — firefighter, martial artist, and proud Andrews Sports Medicine patient — and this is my comeback story
