Our great friends, Ben and Mint Sorrell and their family, have recently received news no parent ever wants to hear — their beautiful 11‑year‑old daughter, Marrissa, has been diagnosed with severe spinal scoliosis.

Over the past few months, Marrissa has been experiencing persistent back pain. After pushing for stronger investigations, her parents secured a full spinal X‑ray. The results were devastating:

Upper Cobb angle: 55°

Lower lumbar curve: 50°

At this degree of curvature, bracing and physiotherapy will not stop the progression. Without intervention, her spine may worsen by around 1° every year for the rest of her life, eventually affecting her lungs and heart.

Why this is so urgent?

At 11 years old, Marrissa is in a rapid growth phase, meaning her scoliosis has a high risk of progressing quickly. Time matters — a lot.

Two surgical paths:

After extensive research, the family learned that there are two primary surgical options:

1. Spinal Fusion

A commonly used procedure in Australia, but one that significantly restricts spinal mobility for life.

2. VBT – Vertebral Body Tethering

A motion‑preserving, growth‑modulating surgery that can correct the spine while allowing flexibility.

FDA‑approved in 2019, VBT is used worldwide for suitable candidates who have remaining growth, flexible curves, and angles under 65°.

For a young girl like Marrissa, VBT offers the best chance at a normal, mobile future — something every parent would want for their child.

To make matters worse VBT was removed from Medicare.

In March 2024, the Australian Government removed VBT from the Medicare schedule due to cost considerations and limited long‑term data.

No spinal surgeons were involved in this decision.

Many specialists disagree with the ruling.

Private health insurers will not cover it without Medicare backing.

As a result, only a handful of Australian surgeons can or will perform VBT — and the entire cost would fall on the Sorrell family.

A lifeline in Thailand:

Because Marrissa was born in Thailand and holds Thai citizenship, she can access VBT in Bangkok. Thailand’s surgical approach focuses on preserving motion and mobility, offering techniques that give children like Marrissa the best shot at a full, active life.

The family is preparing to travel to Bangkok to have Marrissa assessed by leading surgeons experienced in VBT. This is the opportunity she desperately needs — but it must be completely self‑funded, including:

How you can help?

This procedure is estimated to cost $80 - $100 000 and is a huge financial burden for any family. We’re rallying together to help Ben and his family by raising the funds needed to give Marrissa the chance to grow, move, and live without the limitations of spinal fusion.

Every contribution — no matter how small — brings her closer to the treatment that could change her life.

If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page would mean the world to the Sorrells.

Let’s help Marrissa get the future she deserves.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support.