Julia’s Scoliosis Journey

When Julia was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic scoliosis at age 6, her parents faced a daunting reality.

A 39-degree S-curve threatened to progress rapidly, putting her on the brink of surgery rather than bracing. Their path to specialized care came through an unexpected connection: Julia's dad had recently bought a business from a Shriner (a member of the philanthropy that supports Shriners Children's), who recommended Shriners Children's Northern California.

For Julia and other patients with spine conditions, Shriners Children’s Northern California has a robust spine program that provides effective treatment. Led by a team of highly skilled orthopedic surgeons, the program offers comprehensive care tailored to each child's unique needs. Every aspect of treatment is approached with compassion, innovation and a commitment to maximizing function and quality of life.

In the United States, 2% to 5% of children develop scoliosis, a condition in which the spine curves to make a C- or S-shape, rather than growing in a straight line. Over time, the curve can worsen, becoming more noticeable and causing pain. If severe scoliosis is left untreated, it has the potential to impact the heart, lungs and other internal organs as they grow and crowd together.

By April 2010, just months after her February diagnosis, Julia was welcomed by the care team at Shriners Children’s in Sacramento. Recognizing the urgency of her curve, the team moved swiftly. Her first visit lasted four hours: the team took ample time to sit down and thoroughly explain the treatment options and what to expect. For her parents, navigating something entirely new with their first child, this comprehensive approach was deeply appreciated.

Orthopedic surgeons Jenny Boakes, M.D., and Debra Templeton, M.D., discussed potential future surgical interventions like spinal fusion once she was fully grown. However, aligned with her parents' wish to avoid surgery, the immediate plan focused on bracing. Her orthotics team, Greg and Sunny, crafted Julia's braces. Thanks to Julia’s willingness to wear her brace and her team’s monitoring expertise, Julia avoided surgery entirely. Her curve significantly improved, stabilizing at 25 degrees.

Julia’s New Normal

Life at Shriners Children’s wasn't just about medical appointments. The 30-minute drive to the hospital became an opportunity to make each visit a dedicated day focused on Julia's care. Julia recalls playing during visits, not realizing at the time that this was the work of child life specialists. Trips to the café for a special Its-It ice cream treat with her mom became a cherished ritual, and playing on the outdoor playground offered joyful breaks.

Bracing became Julia's new normal, embraced with remarkable confidence. From 1st grade onward, she started each school year by giving presentations to her classmates about her brace and why she wore it. She refused to let it limit her passions. From ages 5 to 14, she played soccer. She swam from babyhood until she was 17, started swimming competitively at age 12, and took up water polo and wrestling in high school. She now coaches girls' wrestling.

Julia's athletic drive required adaptation. She wore her brace diligently at school, sometimes feeling sore. Right before practice, she’d take it off to stretch out her muscles as a personal warm-up. She often wore it during soccer, washed it afterwards, and removed it for swimming. Her Shriners Children’s team always supported her goals, adjusting her care plan so she could wrestle safely despite concerns about the sport and her back. They were willing to make sure she was still able to do what she loved.

No Boundaries

Today, free from her brace, Julia enjoys hiking and hunting and needs less frequent physical therapy. Her journey has also inspired her academically. Julia recently graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) with a degree in pre-med public health and is now applying to medical school, with UC Davis as her top choice. Her goal is to become an orthopedic surgeon, driven by a desire to give back the same way Shriners Children’s gave to her family.

Julia’s connection to compassionate care deepened during her two years working as a child life assistant at a major Reno hospital. Remembering her own positive outpatient experience at Shriners Children’s, she developed a desire to also make meaningful connections in outpatient settings, particularly with oncology patients.

Witnessing second cousins diagnosed with scoliosis years after her own experience fueled another passion: advocacy. Following advice from a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Julia launched a social media campaign during Scoliosis Awareness Month (June), posting daily to educate her network.

Her bigger goal is to reinstate routine scoliosis checks in schools and during check-ups with pediatricians, using clear benchmarks. Early detection, like hers, makes a significant difference in treatment options and outcomes.