How Pickleball Saved Ronnie Recchia’s Life: Ronnie Recchia, affectionately known as “Pickleball Ronnie” in West Windsor, NJ, has always been passionate about what he calls “the greatest game ever invented.” His love for pickleball introduced him to countless locals, but none more consequential than Clyde Markowitz, MD—a neurologist who would later save Recchia’s life.
The bond began in 2020 when Recchia corrected a group of college players’ pickleball techniques and offered free pickleball lessons. One of those players, Danny, brought his father, Markowitz, into the fold. Their friendship deepened over time, setting the stage for a remarkable journey.
A Sudden, Puzzling Condition
In September 2021, Recchia woke up to discover his right foot had “dropped,” leaving it limp and unable to flex. Despite visits to multiple specialists, the cause remained elusive. Over time, his condition worsened, spreading pain and immobility throughout his right leg. Recchia, once an active athlete, found himself reliant on a walker and unsure of his future.
Markowitz, concerned for his friend, performed a quick examination during a park visit. Recognizing something was amiss, he insisted Recchia come to Penn Medicine for a comprehensive evaluation.
Diagnosing the Problem
Penn Medicine’s team took a multidisciplinary approach to uncover Recchia’s ailment. Neurosurgeon Zarina Ali, MD, and neurologist Grace Kimbaris, MD, conducted advanced imaging and tests, ruling out common conditions like spinal stenosis. Their persistence paid off when a PET scan revealed a rare cancer, high-grade B-cell lymphoma, infiltrating his sciatic nerve—a condition called neurolymphomatosis.
Despite its rarity, the team formulated an aggressive chemoimmunotherapy regimen under oncologist Stefan Barta, MD. Within days of starting treatment in March 2022, Recchia experienced significant pain relief.
A Return to the Court
After completing six cycles of treatment, Recchia’s cancer went into remission. His focus then shifted to regaining mobility. Through physical therapy tailored to include pickleball, Recchia slowly rebuilt his strength and coordination. By early 2023, he was back on the court, playing with a walker and continuing to improve.
Reflecting on his journey, Recchia credits the expertise of Penn Medicine and the friendship of Markowitz for saving his life. “Clyde, you saved my life,” he often tells his friend, to which Markowitz replies, “Well, you taught me pickleball.”
News in Brief: How Pickleball Saved Ronnie Recchia’s Life
In West Windsor, NJ, pickleball enthusiast Ronnie Recchia discovered that his passion for the game could lead to lifesaving connections. After developing severe leg immobility, a friendship with neurologist Clyde Markowitz, MD, brought Recchia to Penn Medicine, where advanced diagnostics revealed a rare nerve-related cancer. Thanks to aggressive chemoimmunotherapy and dedicated physical therapy, Recchia’s cancer went into remission, and he’s back to playing pickleball. His story underscores the power of community, resilience, and top-tier medical care.
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