On September 4, the pair served as keynote speakers, sharing their story with an audience of more than 500 attendees. “It was pretty scary, I was really nervous, but I was so happy when Hannah joined me on stage to help tell my story,” Abagail said.
For the past four years, Clark has treated Abagail's scoliosis, working closely with the Shriners Children's Erie Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services team and Spinal Technology to design a custom anterior open Boston 3D brace specifically for her. Abagail’s physician, Stephen Mendelson, M.D., recognized that her severe double major curve, including a high thoracic curve, required a unique approach. He requested a brace that was both low profile and highly effective. Unlike traditional braces, the Boston-3D applies corrective pressure on the outer side of the curve while cutting out corresponding areas on the inner side, allowing the spine to shift in the desired direction. Thanks to Abagail’s dedication to wearing the brace and the customized design, her scoliosis curve has been reduced by more than 50%, an outcome that is rarely achieved.
Coincidentally, just days before Clark learned of AOPA’s prompt, Abagail had jokingly remarked that she deserved an award for her dedication to wearing her brace. And she truly did, so Clark knew exactly who to nominate. Abagail’s journey perfectly illustrated the prompt: The symbiotic relationship between manufacturers, clinicians and patients – leading to successful fits and outcomes – is often overlooked unless it involves a high-profile case.
Within days, they found out they had been chosen. Soon after, Abagail and Clark were invited to Orlando to share their journey on the national stage. The trip also brought another milestone for Abagail and her family. It was their very first time flying on an airplane, adding to the excitement and memories of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
To see her speak up on stage was a very overwhelming, full-circle moment. That moment was for her.
Their story demonstrates the power of collaboration among patients, providers and industry partners to achieve life-changing results. By celebrating Abagail’s perseverance and Clark's dedication, this national recognition not only highlights the impact of personalized scoliosis care, but also underscores the role of Shriners Children’s Erie in advancing pediatric specialty care locally and across the country.
Abagail and Hannah Clark, MS, CPO, celebrate together after the award ceremony.
Abagail shows off her ball gown she wore to the ceremony.
Abagail and Hannah meet outside the radiology department.
An X-ray image of Abagail's spine before and after years of dedicated bracing.
Hannah holds Abagail's Boston-3D brace outside of the POPS lab.
