Kress Native Publishes Children's Book on Scoliosis Journey

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Aaliyah Wallace, a 19-year-old Texas Tech University sophomore from Kress, Texas, has published a children's book called "Embrace the Journey" based on her own experience growing up with scoliosis. Wallace was diagnosed with scoliosis at age 9 and wore a brace for 7 years to help correct the curvature in her spine. She wrote the book to provide a relatable story for young readers facing similar challenges, as she felt there was a lack of representation when she was going through treatment. Wallace also plans to use the book as part of a nonprofit effort to help families with scoliosis-related expenses, and she hopes to one day become an orthopedic surgeon to improve treatment options.

Why it matters

Scoliosis is a common spinal condition that affects around 3% of adolescents, but there is often a lack of awareness and support for young people dealing with it. Wallace's book aims to change that by giving children with scoliosis a character they can identify with and showing them they are not alone in their struggles. Her story also highlights the emotional and financial challenges families face when navigating scoliosis treatment, which can inspire more advocacy and resources for this community.

The details

At age 9, Wallace was diagnosed with scoliosis during a routine checkup. For the next 7 years, she wore a rigid brace 16-22 hours per day to try and prevent the curvature in her spine from worsening. Wallace described the treatment as physically painful and emotionally draining, as she often tried to hide the brace from her classmates. However, her family was very supportive, with her parents advocating for her medical care and her siblings finding ways to make her feel included. When Wallace was 15, doctors initially said she would likely need spinal surgery, but additional opinions led them to determine surgery was no longer necessary.

• At age 9, Wallace was diagnosed with scoliosis.
• For 7 years, Wallace wore a brace 16-22 hours per day.
• At age 15, doctors initially said Wallace would likely need spinal surgery.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Wallace plans to hold a book signing event in her hometown of Kress, Texas to celebrate the release of "Embrace the Journey." She also intends to use the book as part of a nonprofit effort to help families facing scoliosis-related expenses, and is pursuing a goal of becoming an orthopedic surgeon to improve treatment options.