Abby's Scoliosis Story - Journey to Wellness

Abby Cronk was diagnosed with Idiopathic Adolescent Scoliosis in September 2018. It has been a long and challenging journey over the last eleven months. Abby and family have worked relentlessly with exercise and bracing to strengthen her body and keep this nasty curve from progressing. Almost one year later, they have come to the conclusion that the time has come for surgery. They have been told that Abby is an excellent candidate for ASC (Anterior Scoliosis Correction) surgery. Her spine is curving in three dimensions. She has an "s" curve which is also rotating, causing her rib cage to twist and her pulmonary function to be restricted.  ASC is not yet available in Canada. They have consulted with surgeons in NYC , NJ, and Barcelona (Spain). The family has decided that the only achievable solution is Barcelona. Surgery has been scheduled for early October. We hope this surgery will be life changing and will give Abby a straight flexible spine with freedom of movement. Abby's goal is then to get back to living: making music, being active, completing high school and setting her sights on the future.

Message from Carol and Jim - "It has been a long and winding road this year and the light at the end of the  tunnel has seemed distant. We now can see it. We thank everyone for their words of encouragement and support along this journey. "

As a close community we are more like family then neighbours.  Abby is considered one of our own and with everyone's help we will together see her succeed in her journey to wellness.