Kids Health Matters
Archive: June, 2020

"It was definitely a shock. I almost didn’t believe it at first. I’m a competitive athlete; I’d never really been hurt or sick in my entire life. I didn’t even know what scoliosis was." - Avery Wright

Gillette expert Danielle Harding, PA-C breaks down five things to know if you or a loved one have been diagnosed with this common spine condition.

Kristin Smith, CO, is the lead orthotist of the OPS spinal orthotics team, and has worked at Gillette for nearly 20 years. When it comes to scoliosis, her relationship with the condition is both professional, as well as deeply personal. Read our conversation with Kristin below.

Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare's, Micah Niermann, MD, is the new medical director and part of the leadership team steering Gillette through some challenging times as the COVID-19 pandemic has a big impact on all health care organizations. He says now, more than ever, Gillette is essential to the patients we serve.

Taylor’s a nationally ranked, competitive barrel racer. To watch her ride is a study of grace in motion. She makes it look effortless. When you stop to consider that she’s doing all of it while dealing with juvenile idiopathic scoliosis (JIS), it becomes even more impressive.

June is National Scoliosis Awareness Month and a good time to revisit some of the remarkable stories of the Gillette patients diagnosed with scoliosis. In May 2018, Joshua and his parents surprised Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare orthopedic surgeon, Tenner Guillaume, MD with an unusual and highly personal gift.

This is not the summer Kyra Condie, 24, was supposed to have. Just a few months from now, Kyra was supposed to be in Tokyo, competing as a climber in the Summer Olympics.It would’ve been the first time climbing was featured as an event in the Olympics and for her, a tremendous personal achievement. A milestone she’s been working towards her whole life.

Many of us are cooped up in our homes due to COVID-19. It’s a major change for many families. Luckily, Gillette experts have some useful tips on activities families can do using simple items found in most homes.

"I realized, for the first time, that I was shooting straight. Due to my scoliosis, I'd been overcompensating." Erika, a basketball player, gained confidence after surgery to correct her spinal curvature.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, you are probably wondering what’s safe. Here are a few safe options for families who have a member with a complex medical condition, approved by our Infectious Disease experts.