07/02/2026
June was Scoliosis Awareness Month. I am just a day late, but here I go! Part 3 of 3
The last couple of years of my life have been physically, emotionally, and spiritually challenging due to my scoliosis. I have not shared online during this past year about all that I have gone through. I usually feel that my suffering or challenges are not as bad as others, so I should just deal with it — but I am hoping my story can encourage others.
As doctors now understand, scoliosis usually gets worse with hormonal changes such as during adolescence or menopause. I got to experience both. Although I had been doing everything I thought I needed to do, my spine was determined to twist and turn more. "Life" happens, "accidents" happen, and "hormonal changes" happen. I was fighting my situation with prayer, a healthy diet, supplements, CST, chiropractic care, and exercise — but it wasn't enough.
Back in 2017, Danny and I visited the University of Miami to have my spine evaluated. I was having some nerve issues and discomfort. It was then that we discovered my spine had worsened to a 50-degree curve in my lumbar area. I was told it was too serious to surgically intervene at that time — the risk of paralysis or even death was too high. I was sent home with prescriptions for pain and a "wait and see" approach. I refused to take those medications and opted for my supplements instead.
Fast forward to late Spring 2025. My back pain was greatly affecting my life. I felt the ribs on my lower right side digging into me, and my scoliosis was causing me to hunch over by the end of the day. My craniosacral therapist and chiropractor were aware that my spine was getting worse and were growing concerned. I appreciated their honesty, and so I visited the Paley Institute here in West Palm Beach — a world-renowned medical center specializing in complex spinal situations. We met with wonderful, caring staff and doctors who, after evaluations and imaging, told us my scoliosis had worsened and my lumbar curve was now 82 degrees. They felt I needed surgery as soon as possible. I now understand that most doctors consider surgery a necessity for any curvature over 40 degrees — and I was WAY past that! It would be a very involved, lengthy surgery fusing much of my spine down into my hips. Danny and I left feeling a bit overwhelmed, but felt that surgery would be my only option. We set a date of January 2026 so I could build more muscle in my back and take time to prepare my life for such a dramatic change.
Throughout my lifetime, I had never truly thought I would need spinal surgery. Danny and I were now praying for peace and wisdom while researching everything that would be involved. I have known so many people who continue to suffer after back or neck surgery, but we didn't think I had an alternative. In recent years, people I respect had told me that God wanted to heal my back. People randomly sent me messages saying they were praying for me. I have been prayed over, anointed with oil, and I have begged God to heal me — but it hadn't happened. Maybe God's healing would come through surgery…
Then in August, I was listening to Dr. Motley's podcast, where he was interviewing Jordan Rubin. I heard Jordan mention that he didn't know who, but someone was supposed to hear that podcast — and that God wanted to heal their scoliosis. My ears perked up! After some searching, I found out about Dr. Tony Nalda at the Scoliosis Reduction Center in Celebration, Florida. Jordan Rubin knew Dr. Nalda and his internationally renowned center, which works with scoliosis patients from all over the world using intensive therapy, specific exercises, and bracing — before surgery, or in many cases, instead of surgery. Could God be changing my direction?
We were able to meet with Dr. Nalda in September, and after reviewing my x-rays and images, Danny and I were introduced to the option of intensive scoliosis therapy, targeted exercises, and bracing. We prayed about it, contacted my surgeon, and let them know I would be going for three weeks of intensive therapy and would share my results. My chiropractor and CST therapist were completely supportive of this new direction.
Once we made the decision, we had about six weeks to prepare. I can honestly say that those weeks — along with the three weeks of intensive therapy — were filled with so many challenges it was unbelievable. I truly believe I experienced spiritual attacks! Lightning struck our backyard and killed four trees, along with part of our home sound system. Our washing machine died. The clips on my brake pads snapped as I went over railroad tracks and I had to have my car towed. We had fraudulent transactions on our credit card — and on and on. I know I had so many people praying for me, but it was so intense!
This isn't the end of my journey, and honestly, I'm still in the middle of it! But I believe with all my heart that God has been writing every chapter — even the hard ones. I felt it was time to start sharing, because someone out there may need to hear this. If you or someone you love is dealing with scoliosis, please don't give up hope — there is more out there than you may know. In my next posts, I'll share the wild challenges, the intense days, the incredible people, and the blessings that came out of all of it. I can't wait to share what God has done. Stay tuned! 🙏
