Help Pierce McKie Beat Scheuermann's Kyphosis

Born prematurely, Pierceton “Pierce” McKie has been an overcomer from day one. Prior to July 2021, Pierce was a vibrant, active teenage boy approaching life with 120% drive and performance. Whether he’s modifying his first car (purchased with money he saved from his creative entrepreneurial endeavors), or performing on the varsity soccer field (as a Sophomore), or spending time with Harper (his younger brother and best friend)...Pierce is 120% ALL IN.

Unfortunately, one day after his 16th birthday, Pierce received the unexpected diagnosis of Scheuermann’s Kyphosis (SK). SK is a rare spinal disease that affects approximately 3% of the population. It typically occurs during adolescence when a child’s bones grow and fuse together. At the time of Pierceton’s diagnosis, his spinal curvature was 82%. (A normal curvature is ~30%, and an SK surgery candidate is 70%.) In less than six months, the curvature in Pierce’s spine went from 82% to 90%. This percentage of curvature is the equivalent of Pierce constantly carrying 90 pounds of weight around his neck. In addition, Pierce’s height went from 5’11” to 5’9” within a few short months, which we all know can be depressing for a teenage boy. While a normal spine’s vertebrae are rectangular, the front of Pierce’s spine grew faster than the back. As a result, his vertebrae are smashed and molded to a triangular shape resulting in a lot of compression, discomfort, and pain for Pierceton. Not to mention the mental and emotional challenges he battles daily due to his inability to be the active teenage boy he once was.

If left untreated, Pierce risks developing numerous secondary effects caused by SK. One of the secondary effects associated with SK is cervical stenosis with myelopathy...a severe condition affecting the cervical spine that leads to significant and permanent nerve damage. At this point, the only option remaining is major spinal surgery to help correct the damage that has been done. Unfortunately, because of its rarity, SK disease experts are limited. Therefore, Pierce must undergo corrective surgery at Mayo Clinic in Arizona, where he will need to stay for three weeks post-surgery. Then he will begin an estimated two-year road to recovery.

Pierce’s parents, John and Nichole, are the type of people who give to others. They organize charitable events for others including benefits for friends battling cancer, backpack drives for underprivileged children, etc. Because the McKies are always giving rather than receiving, it is with much apprehension this GoFundMe page is created. However, we all know the significant cost associated with major surgery. All funds raised will help offset the McKies' medical bills, travel expenses (to Mayo Clinic Arizona), and time off work (Nichole will need to be home with Pierce for a while). Any remaining funds will be donated to Scheuermann’s Disease Fund and another charity we can’t yet name as it’s a surprise. (This page will be updated after Pierce's surgery to include the name of the second charity.)

Thank you for reading about Pierceton and his battle with SK; your love and prayers are what matter most during this time. The McKies are incredibly grateful for the support everyone has shown.