Through this photo essay, we will share the scoliosis story of TSAP's founder, Kimberly Ann Cunanan Garza.
Basketball was my dream career. From 3rd-5th grade, I attended summer basketball camps and won several top awards.
In the summer after 5th grade, my mom noticed that the left strap of my backpack kept slipping off my shoulder even if it was tightened all the way. In addition, my mom saw that I had a wobble in my walk, as if one foot was landing before the other. With these observations, my mom followed the shape of my spine and realized it was not straight. We visited my pediatrician, and I was diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis. Thankfully, my mom noticed these signs of scoliosis early enough to where I could be treated with a back brace, who I named Cindy.
Though it was socially and physically uncomfortable to wear Cindy to middle school for the first time, I used any embarrassment, fear or pain as my strength to excel in academics. In addition to earning straight A’s, maintaining perfect attendance, and being the only girl in my class to take Algebra and Geometry two years ahead of time, I was heavily involved in extracurricular activities. For example, I competed in the Spelling Bee and was District Champion for 3 years in a row.
Additionally, I competed and won many awards in University Interscholastic League (UIL) Academics for Calculator Applications, Spelling, Mathematics, Number Sense, and Science. I also played the trumpet and baritone in concert and jazz band. Furthermore, I held leadership positions in organizations such as National Junior Honor Society, Yearbook Club, and Student Council.
After 7th grade, I traveled to the Philippines with my mom. Sitting on a plane over a period of 24 hours while wearing Cindy put pressure on my ribs and hip bones. This pressure created bruises on my skin, which eventually turned into cuts. In 8th grade, it became difficult to manage these cuts, and my mom and I decided to visit the doctor at the orthotic clinic. We learned that I had grown too tall for Cindy and needed a taller back brace, who I named Cindy Jr. I also realized that despite any challenges, my potential soars beyond the blue sky, my mind is as strong as the mountains, and my faith flows like the river in the Philippines.
In high school, I continued wearing Cindy Jr and worked hard to excel in academics and many extracurricular activities, just as I had in middle school. I earned many more awards in UIL all the way to State level and engaged in quiz bowls, robotics, and National Honor Society. Also, I held leadership positions in organizations such as Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) and Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honors Society. Moreover, I contributed my time to the community by volunteering at the library, hospital and food bank. In 11th grade, my orthopedic doctor announced that the curve in my spine had reduced by half, and I no longer needed to wear Cindy Jr. It was a relief to hear that my consistency in wearing the brace and doing back stretches paid off to make my spine straighter.
Since my treatment was complete, my focus turned to educating others about scoliosis. For the rest of high school, I became a Chapter Leader of Curvy Girls Scoliosis Support Group, where I had the opportunity to empower other girls with scoliosis. In addition, I educated children, teens, and parents about scoliosis at community health fairs. At the end of high school, all my hard work in school was rewarded when I became valedictorian, was given a full scholarship to university, and accepted a spot in the Honors College at the university.
In university, I maintained high grades and was heavily involved in the Honors College and the organization for my scholarship program. Additionally, I continued volunteering in the community and engaged in organizations such as the Ambassador program. Most of all, I continued teaching others about scoliosis through Curvy Girls and my honors thesis. My hard work in college also paid off when I graduated as Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, Highest Honors Distinction, and was accepted into medical school.
After first learning I had scoliosis, my career interest shifted from basketball to medicine. I am so thankful to all the doctors who helped and supported me to straighten my spine.
Now in medical school, I always look forward to the day I become a physician because I want to make a direct positive impact on people, especially those with scoliosis.
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