My favorite hobbies are dancing, playing piano, singing, and sewing. I’m also a Patient Ambassador for Shriners Hospitals for Children Chicago.

When I was 11 years old I was diagnosed with scoliosis. At the time my curve was only 38 degrees. Following my diagnosis I started physical therapy, specifically the Schroth Method. I was never braced because I was almost done growing by the time I was diagnosed.

I had to stop physical therapy a few months after I had started due to a leg injury. Once I was able to go back to physical activities, I didn’t go back to physical therapy because my curve was stable. A year and a half later, my curve progressed to 47 degrees. That’s when it was determined that I needed to have spinal fusion surgery. I had my surgery on July 2, 2019 when my curve was 56 degrees. I have 2 titanium rods and 13 screws fusing my spine. Now post-op I’m glad I had the surgery.

I want to help and encourage girls going through scoliosis to find confidence and realize that being different isn’t a bad thing but what makes them special.