Oregon Curvy Girls' Scoliosis Journey

My name is Rebecca. I am 13 years old, an 8th grader, love to swim and play Softball."¨

During last spring's softball season I started having pain in my back, I was throwing differently and had a different swing of the bat. As the season progressed the pain got worse. My Mom (one of my coaches) saw me bend over in June to tie my shoes and saw a large hump on my right shoulder blade. We went to the doctor for a checkup. They did an x-ray on 7/29 and determined that I have adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
I have been treated at Portland Shriner's Hospital. I had my first appointment on 8/28 with Shriner's Dr. Krajbich and found out that I had a 54 degree curve in the thoracic part of my spine and a compensatory curve in my lumbar of 35 degrees. The doctor felt that the curve was too extreme for a brace and surgery was required. My spinal fusion was October 14^th, 2013."¨

While preparing for surgery we found Curvy Girls. Curvy Girls is "a network of peer-led support groups that reduce the emotional impact of scoliosis by empowering girls through mutual support and acceptance to become leaders, make healthy lifestyle choices, and improve self-esteem."

Curvy Girls helped me get through some pretty rough times. I have met other girls from all over the world that are traveling scoliosis journeys similar to my own. I realized that I wasn't alone anymore. I also realized that I could make a difference. Oregon didn't have a Curvy Girls Leader and I wanted to be the advocate for Curvy Girls in Oregon.

My Curvy Girls group currently has about 7 girls and we all support each other in our journeys. Most have had surgery and the rest are still in bracing.

This summer (June 29^th "“ July 1^st ), Curvy Girls Scoliosis Support Group is having their 2nd International Convention in New York. I would love to attend so l can meet other girls like me, learn more about scoliosis, treatment options, build my self esteem and learn how to become a better advocate and leader for my Oregon Curvy Girl group through workshops.

In order to attend, I need to raise just over $2500 for airfare, lodging, etc. If I can raise more, I will be able to hopefully bring along another girl from the Oregon group.

I am hoping to make a difference for other youth in Oregon through Scoliosis advocacy and your assistance in helping me raise the needed funds to attend this conference would be phenomenal.

I am grateful for Shriner's Hospital helping me in my journey to straightness, and appreciate you considering supporting my goal of attending this educational conference.