Paying It Forward: Anna’s Dedication to Giving Back

From cheerleading to pageantry, Anna has never let scoliosis stand in the way of her dreams.

Diagnosed when she was 10, she began her treatment the following year at Shriners Children’s Shreveport. Instead of allowing scoliosis to define her, she chose to use it as fuel for her ambitions. Alongside her love for dancing and the stage, Anna is especially committed to giving back to the organization that transformed her life.

In 2019, when she was 14, Anna underwent spinal fusion surgery. The procedure left her with two rods and 20 screws in her back to correct a 50-degree curve. Her care was led by Anthony Sin, M.D., a neurosurgeon who specializes in spine surgery at Shriners Children’s Shreveport. Dr. Sin will be operating on Anna, now 20, again in 2025. This upcoming surgery will address spondylolisthesis, a spinal disorder where a disc has slipped out of alignment with the rest of the spine.

Anna speaks highly of her care provider, highlighting his remarkable communication. She also appreciates that each staff member at Shriners Children’s Shreveport helped her feel welcome and encouraged. “I feel passionate about giving back to Shriners because of the way they treated me when I was there. They made me feel seen, like I wasn’t just another patient,” Anna said. She vividly remembers the moment she took her first steps after spinal fusion surgery. The memory of the medical team erupting in cheers is something she will carry with her. Four months after her surgery, Anna also achieved a personal milestone when she returned to cheerleading.

Anna was a competitive cheerleader and dancer for several years. Her love for these activities kept her motivated throughout her recovery. She slowly regained her strength, building her confidence until she was ready to perform stunts again. “I was a flyer. We were just extra cautious with it,” Anna said.