Thirteen year old Kaitlyn McAfee has scoliosis. She wore a back brace for a few months, but her curve continued to progress and on Dec. 12, 2012, she had spinal fusion surgery. Through an international support group, she was able to meet others living with scoliosis. Scoliosis is an abnormal curving of the spine. It affects 2-3 percent of the population and there is no cure.
Kaitlyn has founded The Curve Scoliosis, a support group to help others facing a scoliosis diagnosis. She, along with co-leader, Hillary Potts, also living with scoliosis (Hillary had spinal fusion surgery on July 1, 2013) understand first hand how scary a scoliosis diagnosis can be. They said they want folks to understand they are not alone on a scoliosis journey.
The Curve Scoliosis will focus on helping others through hands-on projects such as ‘Wrapped with Love.’ They have partnered with SHIFT Scoliosis to make blankets they will donate to local hospitals to be given to people facing a scoliosis surgery. They are also raising funds that will allow them to donate scoliometers to every Hamilton County School. This device will allow school nurses a tool for testing children for scoliosis because early detection is important. They will also run a support group for those diagnosed with scoliosis and their families.
They are also actively working to raise awareness of scoliosis and money for scoliosis research. Last year along with Scenic City Multisport Kaitlyn hosted the first ever color run for scoliosis, Color the Curve. Over 1,100 people representing 18 states and Canada came together in Chattanooga for the 5K and 1 mile runs. She was able to donate $13,000 to the National Scoliosis Foundation.
This year, she is working on the 2nd annual Color the Curve event, June 7, and first Color the Curve After Dark – a glow run on June 21. Both events will take place in Chattanooga, are hosted by The Curve Scoliosis, and will benefit the National Scoliosis Foundation.
For more information on how to get involved with The Curve Scoliosis or be a part of Color the Curve and Color the Curve After Dark, email thecurvescoliosis@gmail.com. www.colorthecurve.com, https://www.facebook.com/colorthecurve