Hey beautiful friends and strangers,

Many of you have seen me smile on social media, as I have been carving out a place for myself across the world over the years - but I have never really spoken of the chronic pain underneath it all.

When I was 14 years old, I was diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis. I wore braces and attempted managing it with many different techniques throughout my teens and 20s.

Today, my scoliosis is taking a toll on my ability to work, breath or sleep properly each day. And the pain has been exhausting.

Unfortunately, if left untreated this type of scoliosis can increase with age and affect spinal cord and nerves.

On a brighter note, I have been approved for Anterior Scoliosis Correction (ASC) which is a groundbreaking procedure. This new technology is quite remarkable as they use titanium instead of steel and they preserve mobility and muscles, while correcting the curvature like braces would a crooked smile.

It has taken me a lot to write this up and turn to others with full vulnerability, but I am realising that this is hard, and sometimes we can’t do it alone.

I’m here to live a full life, to be a mum someday and to offer my gifts to the world - and I believe I was meant to do all that in a healthy and strong body. :)

The overall cost of the operation is $45.000 AUD;

Your help would mean a lot, no matter how big or small.

Deeply grateful,

Helga