My name is Sofia Musicco and I have organized this initiative to bring together a support system and research fund for those who suffer from idiopathic scoliosis.

Scoliosis is an idiopathic genetic condition that causes a sideways curvature of the spine. My real journey with scoliosis began in August of 2019 despite having had scoliosis since birth. After years of knee pain, uneven hips, and no explanation for my symptoms, I was sent to a specialist and was confirmed to have scoliosis in October of 2019. I've learned thus far that it has no cause and, for me, no realistic cure. I was diagnosed with thoracolumbar scoliosis in a double curvature shape. Due to the fact that my double curvature is the same severity (33 degrees) in both directions, bracing is not a treatment option. However, given the fact that 33 degrees is not a very large curve relative to other cases, my condition was not severe enough to be considered for spinal fusion surgery. As a result, I am left to self-treat my scoliosis, with no true end goal and no guarantee of progress. While coping with my scoliosis has become more difficult as the pandemic has continued, I know I am only one of many youths suffering from the impacts of idiopathic diseases and conditions. Because of this reality, I have been inspired to start an initiative with the goal of raising both awareness and financial endowment to benefit the lives of those affected by this idiopathic condition. Please join me in my journey to help raise awareness for the widespread impacts of scoliosis!