She is a competitive gymnast, a young artist and an enthusiastic student of science and math. She also happens to be an aunt to three nieces and a patient with scoliosis being treated at Shriners Children’s Texas.
Braelee first began experiencing back pain two years ago during a family trip to the beach in Florida. Her mom, Jamie, noticed something unusual. When Jamie looked closely, she saw a visible curve in Braelee’s spine. Just months earlier, Braelee had passed her school physical and had a regular checkup with her doctor. Her family was surprised by how quickly the curve had developed.
When they returned home, her parents took her to the doctor, who ordered X-rays and officially diagnosed her with scoliosis. From there, she was referred to an orthopedic specialist. Around that same time, her father lost his job and the family’s insurance coverage ended, which made treatment more difficult. That’s when their doctor recommended Shriners Children’s Texas. The family connected with the care team, and Braelee had her first appointment soon after.
“This is our second time here, and we love it,” Jamie said. “Everyone is so kind. They explain things clearly. It is efficient and organized, and you feel taken care of right away.”
At Shriners Children’s Texas, Braelee sees William A. Phillips, M.D. He is one of the hospital’s pediatric orthopedic surgeons and has been treating children with scoliosis for decades. Braelee also visits the Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS) team. At her most recent appointment, Braelee was fitted for a new custom back brace made by the team at Shriners Children’s Texas. She currently wears a brace for 18 hours each day, and it has helped stop the progression of her spinal curve. This new brace is designed to provide the same support, and Braelee will return every four months for follow-up care.
Everyone is so kind. They explain things clearly. It is efficient and organized and you feel taken care of right away.
“When she started out, her curves were 20 and 23 degrees,” Jamie said. “Within a year, they went up to 33 and 34. Then we braced, and they came back down to 19 and 23.”
Braelee wears her brace for most of the day, aside from gymnastics practice. However, she is careful to get back into it once she is home. “I would wear it all day and then go to gymnastics and take it off. I get back home, take a shower, eat and then put it right back on,” she said.
Braelee earned a spot on her competitive gymnastics team earlier this month, and she can even do a roundoff. But outside the gym, Braelee also enjoys learning about science and math. She recently took part in a lab that involved dissecting owl pellets.
The talented 10-year-old is also artistic. “I like to draw. I draw things like bears and animals,” she said. For the past three years, her work has been selected for a school art showcase, hanging proudly in her elementary school. When Braelee is not drawing or reading books, she is preparing to start middle school in August.
Braelee has a strong support system at home and at Shriners Children’s Texas. Her care team is helping her stay on track with her treatment. Her brace is working, and her scoliosis is under control. She continues to grow, stay active and focus on the things she loves.
“The staff here are just great,” Jamie said. “And they’re on it. Like, in and out.”
Braelee practices playing the piano.
Braelee soaks up the sun at the pool.
Braelee talks with Elise, one of the prosthetist/orthotists in the POPS department.
Braelee's artwork hangs at a display with an outstanding fine arts award.
