Diagnosed at age 11, I was just finishing up my sixth grade year. Middle school is probably one of the toughest times in anybody’s life, so adding in doctor’s appointments and a spinal fusion only made it much more so.
I was young so I didn’t understand what it meant at first, though the worry on my mom’s face stood out to me. Shortly after the initial diagnosis, the doctor came back with the official x-rays showing my curvature: it was a triple-curve and too far advanced for a spinal brace; spinal fusion would be the only option.
While the realization I was about to undergo something life-changing was stressful, it was also a huge relief; I was always uncomfortable sitting down on the hard chairs at school, but I thought everybody my age had severe spinal pain!
Soon after my diagnosis, we went to Shriners Hospital for Children in Portland, Oregon, and the official procedure date was set: August 23, barely 6 weeks after my 12th birthday. When we took the x-rays before the surgery, the whole team was shocked at how quickly the scoliosis had progressed. It was one of the most aggressive cases they had seen. The morning my spine was fused from T4-T12 and my life changed (for the better).
While I still face back pain, it was nothing compared to what I felt before. My scar is my “zipper”, and when I became a full-time model I made highlighting my scar a key part of who I am and what I stand for. I consider it my superpower, and a reminder of how strong and absolutely unstoppable I am – I’m quite literally part titanium!
Now, being an advocate and role model for people that are also going through scoliosis is something that I consider a key part of my life. Motivating and being the role model I wish I had when I was first diagnosed is something that is so important to me, and I am so excited to be an ambassador for this program!
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