At age 11, I was diagnosed with Scoliosis, a condition that causes the spine to curve. If untreated, Scoliosis can lead to surgery. Immediately, I began going to appointments with different doctors, getting three opinions on what I should do. I chose to wear a brace and take up Schroth therapy (a type of therapy that works on improving back strength which in turn reduces the spinal curve) every day for 15-20 minutes. After three years of therapy and consistently wearing my brace every day, my Scoliosis was reduced significantly and my curve stopped increasing after I stopped growing. 

During my second year of treatment (I had three years total), I participated in a Zoom call that had guest speakers (Scoliosis patients) talk about their Scoliosis journeys and advise new patients. I discussed my difficult journey of finding the perfect brace for me. My mom and I went to three different doctors for their opinions on what would be best for my back. I was recommended the Boston Brace, the Lyon Brace, and the WCR Brace. We eventually selected the WCR brace after much feedback on the Scoliosis Facebook group. Sticking to therapy was one of the most challenging parts of my experience, which I thoroughly explained to the guests on the call. “Thank you, Elizabeth!” one of the doctors told me after the call, which I heard several more times throughout my scoliosis journey. 

During eighth grade, I participated in my first year of the Schroth therapy boot camp run by my Schroth therapist, Cindy. In this camp, physical therapists demonstrated and practiced skills they would use during Schroth therapy. My job was to be the patient they were teaching and help them practice different positions and stretches that improve back strength. For most of the week, I was there from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. volunteering to help certify more physical therapists, acting as their model for practicing different therapy positions. I continued my involvement with the boot camp after my Scoliosis journey, giving over nine hours of my time assisting that week. 

Now, I talk to individuals diagnosed with Scoliosis and aid them in brace choosing and planning their journey. One individual I talked to and met on the very same Facebook group that once helped me with my journey, explained how my advice helped them choose their brace (WCR Brace) and begin Schroth therapy. When we talk now, I check in and ask about how she is feeling and how her curve is. So far, her curve has been decreasing and she has been working diligently to fight her chances of surgery. The impact I’ve left on the Scoliosis community may not be large but I hope that my experience can help reduce surgery outcomes.