There are many people in this world with scoliosis. We may even pass by people who look perfectly "normal" to us, but have 18 inch rods screwed into their spines, and we don't even realize it.
In fact, I recently found out that a girl who has lived in the room next to me all year long is a fellow spinal fusion survivor. Our schedules are so different that we never even met each other until recently.
There are also many people that I have met and corresponded with online, over the phone, Skype, etc. that I will never meet in person. But we still have a unique relationship. Sometimes it's just good for people to know they're not alone.
These are just a few of the many friends I've gotten to know through our scoliosis journeys.
Almost a year ago, I received an email from Hailey's mom explaining that surgery was needed for her now 13 year old daughter. I have loved receiving updates and pictures of her journey through scoliosis. You can read about and see pictures from her experience here. I heard from Hailey's mom today saying that she is pain-free and doing great!
Angela contacted me a few months ago, facing the decision of whether or not to have surgery. Also living with spina bifida, this decision was particulary difficult for her. But she will be having surgery soon and has already started a blog of her own, which you can find here.
Ruth is another scoliosis friend on the other side of the world who had surgery several months ago. She is now doing very well, and has received an extremely good correction from her fusion. Here is the link to her first-hand account of her surgery.
There are SO many more people that I've had the opportunity to speak with. Some are mothers of scoli kids who are facing a really tough decision. Some are teens my age who want to know what to expect when it comes to their upcoming surgery. Others want advice dealing with back braces, and how to deal with all the emotions involved on this long road with scoliosis. And then there are some who just write to encourage me (usually those who have had the same surgery in the past).
No matter where we are, or what we're like; whether we've met or not; whether adults or kids; one thing draws us together: our twisted spines. And I'm privileged to take part in making their journeys just a little bit easier.
