California

One of my favorite hobbies is playing piano because it relaxes me. I have been taking lessons for the last five years. I enjoy sports. I’m currently on my school’s swim team. Last year, I was on my school’s softball team. I love animals especially my dog Simba. I love listening to music on my free time, hanging out with friends and my family. I also enjoy painting and watch movies or shows.

I started wearing my back brace when I was 10 years old. I had an S shaped curve. I started with a 32 degrees thoracic rotation and 18 degrees lumbar rotation. There were times that I felt pain in my back but I had no idea why was the reason for it. During my physical exam, my primary doctor observed that my right shoulder was popping out. My doctor sent me to get an X-ray. I was diagnosed with Scoliosis when I was ten years old. I have a total of 5 back braces. It has been 5 years of wearing my braces. I wore the brace for 22 hours for about a year and a half. At that time, I was playing softball and swimming. I had to stopped my sports and I slowly became depressed. I suffered physically and mentally. At school, it was difficult to explain to my friends the reason why I had to wear my brace. It was embarrassing especially when I could not bend at all. When my pencil fell down from my desk, I had to ask a classmate to help me pick it up because I could not bend. I had to accept that I had limitations while wearing my back brace. I wanted to feel normal again but I had no choice. Sleeping with my brace on was very difficult. There were long nights I could not sleep because I felt compressed and no matter what position I tried, it did not feel comfortable. I cried alone in my room many nights. The brace made my skin irritated and I had rushes and marks on my body. This process was extremely difficult for me and my family, but I was blessed to have the support of my parents and my friends. My father was able to get me in a program with a chiropractor that helped me with Schroth exercises. My orthotist was extraordinary throughout my journey because he was always available to make changes to my brace when I needed it. I also accessed therapy to help me navigate my symptoms of anxiety and depression. Having a support system providing me with all the medical needs, love, patience, and support from my family, has made a huge difference in my life and in my scoliosis journey.

In September, I received the greatest news from my orthotist. He told me that my curves were no longer consider Scoliosis and that I have finished growing. I no longer have to wear the brace and I feel tremendously blessed. I am very grateful to my younger self for committing to this diagnosis. I have been to many x-rays and chiropractor appointments. Going to the chiropractor once a month has helped my back get better and has stretched it. What helped me keep on wearing the brace is always thinking of the positive and never trying to see the negative. I kept on reminding myself that my future self will be very grateful if I keep on wearing my back brace for the full hours. My younger self was right and I am very grateful for not quitting the difficult routine.

Now I want to help girls going through their own journey feel understood and not alone or lost. I want to create a safe environment for the girls so they can hear my personal journey and give hope. I would like to facilitate communication, share kindness, and support towards others.