California

Hi!  I'm Lauren, and I am currently a freshman in high school.  I love playing tennis; I have been playing since I was five years old.   I also enjoy reading, traveling, skiing, and spending time with friends and family.

My scoliosis journey began in 2018 when I was diagnosed with a mild curvature.   At the time, I did not need bracing or surgery.  So, for a year, I got x-rays every six-months to track the progression [if there was any].  Sadly, after about a year, my family and I found out that my curvature significantly increased.  Since I was still growing, the doctor told us that my curve would probably worsen unless I got treatment.  Therefore, my doctor recommended bracing to keep the curve in place.  I soon received a Rigo-Cheneau brace, which I wore 17-18 hours a day.  At first, I did not wear it to school because I was embarrassed.  When I realized this is just who I am, I realized it was nothing to be ashamed of. Once I accepted that this is who I am, I no longer felt ashamed. I am currently weaning out of my brace since I have very little growth remaining.

I wanted to become a group leader to help form a community of empowerment and support for girls with scoliosis.  I hope that all girls with scoliosis know that they are not alone.  I did not have a support group like Curvy Girls, so I felt alone during most of my bracing journey.  Now that I went through most of my bracing journey, I hope to make a difference in the scoliosis community!