Patient Stories

My story began in middle school, with my mother who, having a keen eye, noticed my back looked curved. My pediatrician sent me to the specialist, where I was diagnosed with scoliosis. At first, it didn’t seem like a big deal. The doctor said most likely I wouldn’t have to have surgery. All I had to do was wear a special, customized brace 24/7, 365. I wore that uncomfortable brace for 3 years and went to scoliosis specialist pilates to help correct my posture. When I finally took off the brace, I thought I could return to life normally.

However shortly after, during Sophomore year of high school, I was experiencing sore back pains. I was in community theater at the time so I was dancing a lot, which made it worse. Another trip to the doctors revealed that my scoliosis got worse as my spine was now at a 60 degree angle. The reason why it didn’t improve was because I had a tethered cord that prevented my spine from moving into the correct position. Surgery had to come faster than expected but safe to say I was not happy.

I am a very serious performing arts kid. Every audition, competition, and opportunity meant so much to me. Singing solos in choir filled me with joy and gave me amazing friends and taught me teamwork/influence. Playing comedic, heartfelt characters in theater helped build my acting range and expand my portfolio to use for my dreams to be on the big stage. But I had to deal with my parents’ constant no’s for the sake of my health. It was frustrating but looking back on it, it was a blessing in disguise as I could focus more on my AP classes and have more wiggle room for absences during school productions. First in September, I had to remove my tether cord. After that, I was constantly getting out of school early to get x-rays and exams to make sure nothing backfired. For my actual surgery, I had to finish my school year 2 weeks early, meaning I had to take my finals earlier. It was hard, but with the help from my teachers and my parents, I was able to make it work.

Let’s be honest, recovery was hard. I was suffering physically and emtionally from not being able to do the things I could do with ease in the past and having to constantly take medication was exhausting. Through all the ups and downs, my parents stayed by my side through the entire summer and made sure to let me know that the world can give you a difficult problem, but it’s how you approach it that gives you the results you want. That’s why I wanted to be a part of SSSF: to make kids like me know they are not alone and give them the hope and courage they need to make it through and to bring light of their condition as being a part of them but not being ashamed of it. My family has helped me through this hard process and as I’m studying for SATs, writing college applications, and practicing for future musicals, I am forever grateful to have a wonderful family that reminded me that I don’t have to go through it alone and I’m hoping to make a big and inspiring impact on kids going through the same situation.