Ashleigh finds strength after scoliosis surgery
Ashleigh is a 16-year-old with a passion for volleyball. With this in mind, doctors at Children's Memorial Hospital made sure that she could continue to play even after she was diagnosed with scoliosis, a condition in which the spine curves abnormally.
Ashleigh has seen orthopaedic surgeon, John Sarwark, MD, at Children's Memorial since her pediatrician discovered her scoliosis during a school physical when she was 10. She wore a brace for six years until tests showed the scoliosis had gone from a 15-degree curve to a 54-degree curve and would only worsen without surgery.
Dr. Sarwark explained the surgical process to Ashleigh and her family and then set an operation date that would not conflict with her volleyball schedule. “I could have had my surgery during summer vacation, but volleyball is so important to me that I wanted to make sure that I could come back and play — taking recovery time into consideration,” says Ashleigh. “Dr. Sarwark and Children's Memorial made sure that I could stay a normal high schooler.”
Ashleigh's surgery went extremely well, and she went home after 10 days. Throughout her recovery and rehabilitation, she was surrounded by the caring staff at Children's Memorial and the love and support of her family. At the end of the school year, she received all A's and a B on her report card and when school started last fall, she was ready to play volleyball.
“Many positive things came out of my surgery,” she said. “I'm running through life at a rapid teenage pace. I've been given the chance to have children later on in my life. I am a stronger person — physically and mentally.”
“Children's Memorial, Dr. Sarwark and my parents gave me the greatest challenge that I have ever had to face. I learned that one single experience could open your eyes to a world you never dreamed existed. A world where people extend themselves to strangers for the simple purpose of doing good, and a world where children feel safe. Children's Memorial hospital is that place in this world for me. I am grateful to them for opening their arms to me and in turn, opening my eyes.”
Children's Memorial Hospital seeks philanthropic funding to enhance its programs and services. As a proud partner of the Children's Miracle Network (CMN), all funds raised in the Chicago area through CMN also benefit Children's Memorial. To find out how your support can help the hospital better serve children and families, please contact the Children's Memorial Foundation at 773.880.4237 or Foundation@childrensmemorial.org.