Sofia's Spine Surgery

Hi there! My name is Sofia, and I’m 17 years old. At 13, I was diagnosed with scoliosis, and in 2022, I underwent Anterior Scoliosis Correction (ASC) at NYU Langone. Unlike spinal fusion, ASC uses flexible tethers to preserve mobility. While there was a risk of the tethers breaking, we believed the potential benefits outweighed the risks.

This journey has given me a deep appreciation for the field of medicine and the people who dedicate their lives to it. When the nurses wheeled me into the operating room, I counted at least ten professionals working together—helping me onto the bed and preparing for the surgery. I couldn’t believe all those people were there just for me. That moment inspired me to want to help others in the same way and I'm now passionate about studying biomedical engineering. Over the past two years, I’ve dedicated myself to undergraduate research on surgical corrections for scoliosis and organized hospital support baskets for patients undergoing similar procedures.

Unfortunately, in July of 2024 my surgeon discovered that the tethers in my spine had broken, and the curvature had returned. To prevent further progression, I’ll be undergoing spinal fusion surgery on January 27, 2025. While this news was disappointing, I’m incredibly grateful for the resilience and perspective these experiences have given me. I’m looking forward to learning new things during this next chapter, and I know the fusion will allow me to continue doing what I love.

Your generous donation would help cover out-of-pocket expenses such as co-pays, imaging, medications, and travel to and from New York. My family and I truly appreciate your support as we navigate this journey together. Thank you for being a part of my story!