After a year of limited treatment options at their local hospital in Connecticut, her mom, Emily, knew she had to seek proactive care. Her daughter’s curve was increasing, and as scoliosis curves progress quickly, it meant Lily could need surgery if not addressed promptly.
In an online group for mothers of children with scoliosis, Emily first found out about Shriners Children’s Philadelphia. After reaching out, they were scheduled with Josh Pahys, M.D., and were on their way to Philadelphia in the next few weeks. Lily’s care team also included the well-known Harry Zourelias, a now-retired orthotist. Now, after his retirement, she sees Megan Logan, another member of our Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS) team.
Our POPS department measures for customized braces that perfectly fit each child, and Lily has received several back braces as she’s grown over time as a patient at our hospital. As a result of Emily’s proactive care, Lily never had to undergo spinal surgery to correct her curve, as it improved solely through bracing. Lily has regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Pahys, who ensures her curve doesn’t progress.
“Lily has been a model patient for many years. She has worked very hard to stay in charge of her scoliosis and has been a trooper for over 10 years," Dr. Pahys said. "Her curvature has remained stable due in large part to all her hard work and dedication to bracing. Because of this, she will likely never need spine surgery for her scoliosis. It has been such a pleasure to watch her grow up. She is a true success story.”
Her curvature has remained stable due in large part to all her hard work and dedication to bracing.
In collaboration with our research department, Lily has participated in multiple research studies conducted at Shriners Children’s Philadelphia. “Here at Shriners Children’s Philadelphia, we have research that focuses on operative and nonoperative treatment of scoliosis, motion analysis, genomics and rare conditions," Emily Nice, BS, clinical research program manager, said. "Patients like Lily who participate in research studies for non-operative and operative methods ultimately benefit future scoliosis patients. The focus on research is instrumental in the medical field, improving and creating less invasive or more effective treatment options.”
Lily is incredibly grateful for the care she received at Shriners Children’s Philadelphia. “The hospital has made a positive impact on my life. First, through treatment, as I have received excellent care," she said. "Secondly, during my two to three visits every year, the staff is always welcoming and creates a supportive and kind environment.”
In Lily’s free time, she competes on her school’s varsity basketball team and plays French horn in the school band. She also enjoys reading and playing piano. She has a bright future ahead of her, and we are excited to see all she will accomplish.
