Amelia's New York Experience

My name is Amelia and I am 16 years old. I live in North East of England. I have been given the most amazing opportunity to visit New York with a group of young people to volunteer in some of the most deprived areas of the city, working with groups of children and supporting their needs.

This is a really special opportunity for me as I have had some bad health over the last few years and this will be a great opportunity for me to show that despite having experienced a disability and going through major surgery, you don't have to hold yourself back.

I found out that I had scoliosis in October 2021 after a couple of years of pain in my legs and back. The diagnosis came as a surprise and I found it very difficult to deal with at first. In fact, I did not want anyone to know about it until very close to my surgery in October 2023.

My journey has not been easy with some bumps in the road, including surgery on my brain to correct a Chiari Malformation prior to my Scoliosis surgery. It was a really scary time waiting for both surgeries and trying to do my GCSEs at the same time so I joined councelling to try and help deal with the stress and anxiety. I knew that I would need Spinal Fusion at the RVI in Newcastle but the waiting was horrible.

My time finally came in October 2023 and I was fused along the majority of my spine. The surgery was a success and I have recovered really well. I am just about to have my 3 month X Ray and check up with my surgeons. I have up and down days and have found some things difficult and slow to recover from. However, I have also become more resilient and am so grateful for having the surgery and it being a success.

I now want to show other young people waiting for surgery and with similar conditions that you can be confident in yourself and make the most of life. I love working with children and young people and can't wait to meet the groups in New York. I don't know anyone else on the trip and the youth group I am travelling with are based in Liverpool. I will have to complete Safeguarding and Mental Health training before I go on the trip and I will be less than 12 months post op when I travel.

I need to raise £1800 to pay for the trip and am asking for your support in meeting my target. I will be working to raise money and completing some walking challenges between now and June, when I go to New York. I will keep you updated on my progress and all the challenges I undertake this year to show my commitment. I will also share photos and information that show my scoliosis journey to reduce the mystery around this.

I would be so grateful if you could donate any amount to my trip.

Thank you

Amelia X