She could not play sports or do much physical activity at all because of her scoliosis, a sideways curvature of the spine, and kyphosis, an abnormal forward curve of the upper spine causing a “hunchback” appearance.
After two years and valiant research efforts, Isabela’s mom, Victoria, found Shriners Children’s Philadelphia. Isabela and Victoria explained that in Panama, they do not have the advanced treatment options for Isabela’s complex case of scoliosis, so they were exuberant when they found Shriners Children’s Philadelphia through social media.
They also mentioned how reading stories about other patients at the hospital helped Isabela prepare for her own stay. At Shriners Children’s Philadelphia, we take pride in sharing the stories of our patients, to not only bring awareness of specialized conditions but share the bravery of our young patients. We aim to educate future patients and families on how our healthcare system works, and the individualized care and dedication shown to each child.
When Isabela arrived at Shriners Children’s Philadelphia, she underwent halo traction – a surgically placed metal ring (halo) attached to the skull with screws. It is connected to a pulley system (traction), with gradual weights added to slowly straighten the head and spine before surgery. She was in halo traction for weeks leading up to her spinal fusion surgery, performed by Terrence Ishmael, M.D. The surgery was in two parts, and the sequential procedure was performed by both Dr. Ishmael and Steven Hwang, M.D.
Her spinal fusion was successful. Dr. Ishmael said, “Isabela has been an amazing patient. She has an extremely positive outlook and has definitely been one of the favorites on the floor. She has faced this difficult time with the utmost grace and composure. I am happy that we were able to get her surgery done safely and wish her all the best in the future.”
She has faced this difficult time with the utmost grace and composure.
In the week between surgeries, Isabela was comparable to luminescent sunshine. A smile was glued to her face, and any outsider would have no idea she had just received a 9-hour spinal surgery. Isabela’s positivity throughout her entire stay at the hospital has been infectious, and her impact on other patients and staff is evident. Whenever Isabela was around, the energy of the group skyrocketed. When asked about her steadfast positivity, Isabela said, “I’ve always tried to stay positive because it’s a somewhat difficult process, but with everyone’s help, it can be achieved. My family also talks to me about it a lot, and I’ve always wanted to have a better quality of life. I know that to achieve this, I have to help by staying positive and believing that things will get better.”
Isabela accredits everything to her support system: her family, namely her father, grandmother and brother, but especially her mom. She said of her mother, “I think that without her help, none of this would have been possible. When some doctors said it wasn’t possible, she didn’t believe it and kept searching until she found the right place to help me.”
Isabela has been busy at the hospital with music therapy and art classes. She is a member of The Halo Chicas, a band formed at Shriners Children’s Philadelphia where she learned to play the guitar. She is a quick learner and shined in the band. She also loved art class, where the group made The Halo Chicas banner for their performance for hospital staff.
In the future, Isabela wants to become a pediatric spine surgeon to help other children like her with scoliosis. She has had this dream for 10 years, and all of us at Shriners Children’s Philadelphia know she will accomplish her goals. As she is only a sophomore in high school, she understands this will be a long process. However, she was inspired by her surgeons at Shriners Children’s Philadelphia and is grateful to them for improving her quality of life. She graciously wants to provide the same level of care she has received for other children in the future. This sentiment demonstrates her generosity and her care for everyone around her. We are proud of how far she has come, and how far she will continue to go in pursuit of all her passions.
Isabela stands in her hospital room after surgery.
