Massachusetts

My name is Sonya and I come from a large family with three older brothers. In my free time I enjoy various physical activities like running, gymnastics, dancing, volleyball, and swimming. One of my favorite things to do is shop with my friends, and I love fashion. I also enjoy writing and I collect CDs and listen to many genres of music.

As for my scoliosis journey, I was first diagnosed when I was 13 years old, at my annual doctor’s appointment. I was then referred to an orthopedic surgeon where a brace was recommended and I was told that I had two severe curves. Then, I wore a Boston brace for 20 hours a day, for 5-6 months. This was very difficult to manage with all of my sports, and wearing it for 20 hours a day always proved to be a struggle. In addition to wearing the brace, I also participated in physical therapy at home and at a gym. After wearing a brace for a couple of months, my mother heard about the tethering scoliosis surgery. I then saw a different orthopedic surgeon who performed the tether, and I had this surgery a few months ago on October 1st, 2024. My scoliosis journey has been packed with a ton of emotions, and has definitely been a darker time in my life. But I can say that through this journey I have grown tremendously as a person, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally.

My first Curvy Girls’ meeting was a pivotal moment in my scoliosis journey. When I heard other girls talking about all of the struggles about wearing a brace that I was also facing, I felt so heard and seen. I had never spoken to someone who really understood what it was like to be in a brace, and understood all of the other struggles that come along with scoliosis. After I began attending these meetings I began to feel a lot less alone, and since then it has felt so supportive to know that there are so many girls out there facing the same scoliosis related issues that I am.

As the opportunity for me to be a Leader has come up, I have felt that I really want to help other girls with scoliosis. I want other young girls that I will be leading to feel how I felt at my first Curvy Girls’ meetings. I would really like for all of the girls to feel seen, heard, supported, and above all, I want them to know that they are not alone in their struggles. I strive to be a leader who helps young ladies with scoliosis to see that there are other people dealing with the same issue that they are. Lastly, I want to mention that scoliosis has been a dark time in my life. Curvy Girls brought some light to my dark journey, and I really hope to bring some lightness into some girl's scoliosis journey.