Northwood teenager, Zoë, was recently diagnosed with severe Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis and she urgently needs spinal surgery to stop it worsening. The best option for her is not available with the NHS.
Her lower spine is growing with a 59° curve thats rapidly developed during a growth spurt. Causes are unknown, it affects 4% of children and is 10 times more likely in girls.
Zoë is hoping to be treated by a procedure called Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT), a non-fusion surgery using flexible cords not metal rods to fix the spine and retain flexibility. You can read Zoë’s full story by visiting her Just Giving page. The treatment will cost over £75,000 so every donation however small will be much appreciated.
She is dedicated to raising awareness and shares lots of information on social media:
https://www.instagram.com/zoenonfusion/
https://www.facebook.com/ZOENONFUSION
UPDATE: Zoë’s family has designed a Scoliosis Check App:
https://zoesscoliosischeck.com
It’s a guide to help parents spot the signs of Scoliosis. It’s VERY easy to use takes only 3 minutes!
Early detection and diagnosis is crucial and can prevent the need for spinal surgery altogether in some cases.