I was diagnosed with juvenile scoliosis at 8 years old. Shortly after that I had Tethered Cord Release surgery. The surgery did not improve my scoliosis and about a year later I was put in a back brace. I wore the brace from the ages of 9 years old to 16. My curve got worse and then better then worse again- it was all up and down. In the middle of those years, when I was around 11, I was able to take a break from the brace but unfortunately my curve progressed. I was put back in the brace. When I was 14, I started physical therapy for a few years using a scoliosis specific physical therapy called the Schroth Method. I showed some improvement and ultimately got the brace off when I was 16. I don’t wear the brace now, and while I still have a prominent curve, I am able to live a normal life. In the future, I will be able to have surgery if I choose, to fully correct my curve.

I want to raise money for Higgy Bears because as a kid I would have loved to been able to have a bear like these! These bears are such a great idea to give kids to help them cope with surgery and with the complicated emotions that come along with wearing a brace. I want kids that are like me to have to opportunity to have them. You can make a difference by donating today to Higgy Bears, Inc..

Higgy Bear's mission is to make scoliosis more "bear-able" for scoliosis patients by providing a friend that is going through the same treatment, just in bear form!