Kaitlyn McAfee, founder of The Curve Scoliosis and Color the Curve, continues her efforts to raise scoliosis awareness. As a Tennessee teenager living with scoliosis, she understands first-hand how important it is to share with others her scoliosis journey in an effort to help others living with the same diagnosis. Scoliosis is an abnormal curve of the spine.
Kaitlyn and her family sent a letter to Governor Haslam requesting he recognize June as National Scoliosis Month, and received his proclamation. In honor of June being National Scoliosis Month, Kaitlyn has two events planned for Chattanooga. The second annual Color the Curve – a 5K and 1 mile color run/walk on June 7, and Color the Curve After Dark - a 5K and 1 mile glow run on June 21. Both events aim to raise scoliosis awareness and proceeds will go to the National Scoliosis Foundation. Last year was the 1st Color the Curve event and had over 1100 participants from 18 states and Canada and raised $13,000 for the National Scoliosis Foundation. She is hoping this year’s events will be even bigger and allow her to raise more money for scoliosis.
In January, Kaitlyn created The Curve Scoliosis, a support group for those suffering from scoliosis and their families. Currently there are two chapters of her group, one in Chattanooga and one in West Tennessee. The Curve Scoliosis focuses on helping others with hands-on activities to reach out to others. They are partnering with SHIFT Scoliosis to make blankets to donate to local hospitals to be given to people facing a scoliosis surgery. Her group is also raising money to donate scoliometers (a tool that measure for a curve in the back) to every Hamilton County Schools. Her group will work to educate parents and schools on the importance of early detection.