I am Annabella Vang (13) and I have recently been diagnosed with Scoliosis, which is a sideways curvature of the spine. I did not know about my scoliosis until my annual doctor visit in December of 2025. Like many, my mom and dad also wants the best future for me, so they did a lot of research on scoliosis and treatment options. The only treatments available are non-surgical treatments or scoliosis surgery.

We did a lot of research and found a place called "Scoliosis Care Center By Janzen and Janzen" located in San Jose, California. Within the week, we made the three hour long trip over to San Jose where I got my first MRI. The MRI revealed how severe my scoliosis really is. Doctor M. Janzen at Scoliosis Care Center shared the devastating news that my scoliosis is an S-shape, with a severe curve above 43 degrees at the top, and a moderate curve at the bottom. We had a long conversation about treatment options I could receive there versus at a pediatric hospital. With the severity of my Cobb angle, most doctors would recommend we go with the irreversible route of scoliosis surgery. What's worse is that I am still growing (haven't hit my growth spurt yet) and because of that I might have to get future surgeries to correct any curves that can happen because I am getting taller.

Dr. Janzen gave me and my parents a lot of hope. He has shown us the treatment and results of other kids who have scoliosis. Many of them had severe scoliosis just like me, with angles well above 40 degrees, and they were able to reduce the curvature drastically.

Case Studies at Scoliosis Care Centers -- Before and After Images

The Scoliosis Care Centers will provide tailored physical therapy and exercises for my specific needs, along with a custom brace that will be adjusted as my scoliosis improves, a traction chair to move my spine into place, and MRIs throughout my journey to accurately help me improve. After the Startup Week, we go back 1 full week every 3 months to see if there are improvements, and the doctors will make further adjustments to the care plan as needed. The doctor has already told us that I will need at least 2 to 3 years of treatment (until I finish growing), to see the final results of the treatments, but I will be able to see the biggest improvements within the first year of treatment.

My first two weeks will begin at the end of January 2026 and the first week of February. I will be spending 10 days there because the treatment is an all day, all week event.

Cost Estimates:

Treatment Startup Costs for first two weeks

-In clinic treatment week = $4,925 per week --> Total of $9,850

-Silicon Valley Brace = $7,450

-Scoliosis Flexibility Trainer = $1,250 + $3,600 per year --> Total of $4,850

Cost for the additional follow-up weeks

-Year 1 (2026) --> 3 weeks x $4925 --> Total of $14,775

-Year 2 (2027) --> 4 weeks x $4925 --> Total of $19,700

-Year 3 (2028) --> 4 weeks x $4925 --> Total of $19,700

-Flexibility Trainer --> 2 more years x 3600 --> $7,200

TOTAL for 3 years of Treatment is $83,525

I just want a fighting chance at a normal, healthy life, that is pain free. I am afraid of going through with spine surgery, because it is something that will be irreversible, and I will more than likely have to get it again. I want to treat my scoliosis without getting surgery.

Thank you very much for taking your time to read what I have written, and thank you for your support.

If you can, please share my GoFundMe with everyone you know, to help me raise funds and raise awareness about Scoliosis.