the golden child shares her story about scoliosis

When Elizabeth Golden, thespokesperson for the National Scoliosis Foundation, was diagnosed with scoliosis at age 13, she didn’t worry or fret. Instead, she started a journal to chronicle the experience. The third generation of her family to be diagnosed with scoliosis, Golden was able to rely on her grandmother and aunt, who had the same childhood diagnosis, as well as the support of members in her scoliosis network.

Now a student at Yale University, Golden has penned her first book titled, When Life Throws You a Curve to share her story and offer advice to others who may not have the type of support network she was blessed to have.

“Journaling my road to recovery helped calm me and alleviated some of the stress that I was dealing with. Now, I am happy that I can share my experience with kids and families that have been diagnosed with scoliosis and may be facing major surgery,” shares the athlete who enjoys squash and tennis. “I hope to alleviate some of the anxiety that kids facing major back surgery may be feeling.” Golden opted to have back surgery based on the recommendations of an incredible team of doctors.

Although scoliosis is not a common condition, more than 7.5 million people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with it, which is equivalent to 1 in 10 people. June 2008 kicks off the first National Scoliosis Awareness Month to raise awareness worldwide about the condition.- yvette caslin