My daughter Kelly was diagnosed with scoliosis when she was eight years old. We just went to the doctor for a normal check-up, like always. But during the exam, he kept telling her to bend forward. He didn’t say much, but I could tell something was wrong. Then he brought out a tool to measure her back, and I started to feel very worried.
Later, we did an X-ray and found out she had an S curve. It was 25 degrees in the upper back, 50 degrees in the lower back. When the doctor said she might need spinal fusion later in life, I was so worried. I thought maybe it was my fault—maybe her backpack was too heavy, maybe someone in the family had it but I didn’t know. I kept thinking about what I could’ve done differently.
After that, we tried everything. I took her to Schroth physical therapy. We saw many prosthetists to make the brace fit right. The brace was so hard for her—very hot, uncomfortable, and tight. She was a dancer and singer. She loved the stage. I knew it made her sad when she couldn’t move as freely anymore.
Even when it was hard, she still performed. I always came to her concerts and shows. I never missed one. Seeing her on stage in the brace made me proud cause I knew she lost flexibility over time but worked diligently to retain it.
Before she was diagnosed, I used to sew all her dresses for performances. After she got the brace, I made her custom shirts that were softer and looser, to help her feel cooler and more comfortable. It was one small thing I could do.
One thing I still feel upset about is that our pediatrician didn’t catch it earlier. We always went to yearly check-ups, so I don’t know why it wasn’t found before.
As a mom, it’s very painful to watch your child go through something like this. I prayed a lot. I asked God to protect her, to give her strength. I still do.
To other parents going through this – please don’t blame yourself. Idiopathic scoliosis is no one’s fault. Just be there for your child, encourage them, and show them they’re still strong and beautiful. Your support means more than you know.
