Joe O’Brien, president of the National Scoliosis Foundation, with Kaitlyn McAfee, Curvy Girls Tennessee leader
Some of the scoliosis survivors who participated in Color the Curve 2013
Colorful event
In the spring of 2012, 12-year old Ooltewah resident Kaitlyn McAfee was diagnosed with scoliosis. Upon learning of her diagnosis, Kaitlyn said two things. She wanted to start a support group for others dealing with scoliosis, and she wanted to create a 5K run to raise awareness of and money for scoliosis research. She did both.
In the summer of 2012, Kaitlyn attended her first ever Curvy Girls International Support Group Convention. She then started the first Tennessee chapter of Curvy Girls. At that time, Kaitlyn was wearing a back brace for her scoliosis. By the fall of that year, her scoliosis had rapidly progressed and she had spinal fusion surgery in December of 2012.
Kaitlyn and her parents teamed up with Scenic City Multisport to create the 1st ever color run for scoliosis. Color the Curve took place on June 8, 2013. It was both a 5K and 1 mile run/walk. Over 1100 people from 18 states and Canada came to Chattanooga for the inaugural event. Joe O’Brien, President of the National Scoliosis Foundation attended as well and along with Kaitlyn, ran the 5K. He said Color the Curve was one of the most successful events ever for scoliosis.
Color the Curve was able to donate $12,500 to the National Scoliosis Foundation.
Officials said, "Our second annual event will take place on June 7, 2014 at 9 a.m. at Greenway Farm. We are also planning a second event on June 21, 2014. Color the Curve After Dark will be the 1st ever glow run for scoliosis. Festivities will begin at 7:30 p.m. Both events will feature a 1 mile and 5K run/walk. All proceeds for both events will be donated to the National Scoliosis Foundation.
"Color the Curve has allowed Kaitlyn to meet and support so many people diagnosed with this disease, both boys and girls as well as their families. We are very excited about what this hear holds for both events and Kaitlyn’s support group work."
For more information, go to www.colorthecurve.com or visit our Facebook page www.facebook.com/colorthecurve
The second annual event will take place on June 7 at 9 a.m. at Greenway Farm.
Color the Curve After Dark will be June 21 at 7:30 p.m. at Greenway Farm.
Contact: Jennifer McAfee, 615 496-8615
colorthecurve@gmail.com
www.colorthecurve.com