Hi, I’m Claire Perez!

This year, I’m hosting my 8th Annual Scoliosis Fundraiser to help provide Higgy Bears to children diagnosed with scoliosis. Higgy Bears is a nonprofit organization that provides stuffed bears wearing scoliosis braces or surgery scars to help children feel comforted, understood, and less alone during treatment.

Donations will go toward purchasing Higgy Bears, comfort and stress-relieving items, and supporting my speaking events that promote youth philanthropy.

I started this fundraiser in 2018 after being diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Scoliosis and kyphosis at 9 years old. During the beginning of my treatment, I was given a Higgy Bear wearing a scoliosis brace just like mine. That bear made me feel comforted and less alone during an uncertain time, and I immediately knew I wanted other children with scoliosis to have one too.

What started as one small fundraiser has now grown far beyond what I ever imagined. I became the first child to fundraise for Higgy Bears, and today hundreds of kids and families around the world have created their own fundraisers inspired by this mission.

Together, tens of thousands of bears have been donated to children facing scoliosis and spinal surgery worldwide. Over the past 8 years, I’ve personally raised more than $30,000 to support this mission.

Thank you for helping me continue bringing comfort, encouragement, and hope to children with scoliosis.