Even if she's legit, isn't it probable that she'll have some trouble getting her first or second class medical? Half a dozen knee and ankle surgeries and a 'serious automobile accident' doesn't sound like a good combo. Obviously we'd need to know more of the specifics to draw a real conclusion, but I have my doubts. I know that my ME was really cautious because of a leg injury that I had about two years ago thanks to a dropped nail gun even though it was purely muscular, no major surgery was required, and my recovery was 100%.
Just food for thought.