Michael Breathes Easier After Care at Shriners Children's Lexington

Michael came to Shriners Children’s Lexington in critical condition. He was 15, and his severe case of scoliosis had been left untreated for about three years.

His adoptive parents, who had just gained custody, were desperate to find him help.

Michael’s mom, Laura, said his extreme spine curvature had reached 115 degrees and was visible externally.

“His torso was beginning to turn and his shoulders were uneven,” she said.

Most critically, though, Michael’s curve was causing life-threatening breathing issues as his lung capacity had been diminished by the curve’s pressure on his lungs.

“He was malnourished because he was using so much energy and burning so many calories just trying to breathe,” his dad, Edward, said.

The family was referred to Shriners Children’s Lexington by a relative who is a Shriners International noble and a driver who transported children to appointments at Shriners Children’s.

“They told me at my first appointment that if I didn’t treat my scoliosis right away, I might not make it to 16,” Michael said.