At the age of 9, my pediatrician discovered that I had scoliosis. I was monitored by Dr. Doyle for some time. However, the curve in my spine progressively worsened until the point that I needed bracing. Once my teen growth spurt began, the brace was no longer working, and I was informed that I needed surgical intervention. I met with Dr. Widmann and Dr. Heyer, who later performed a spinal fusion (T2-L2) in February 2023. It was now my 8th grade year of junior high school and my biggest concerns were missing out on prom, my senior trip and graduation since all of these things were canceled in 2020 due to COVID. I was also on my way to becoming a senior black belt sensei in karate and didn't know what the outcome would be for my future. By March, I was back at school which was challenging but I pushed through. Thankfully to the great work and treatment I had, I made it to all my senior events. In August when I was fully healed, I made it with my karate dream team to the International Karate Tournament and in December I received my senior black belt and performed at the graduation ceremony. Thanks to amazing teamwork, I am back doing the things that I love.