06/18/2026
June is Scoliosis Awareness Month. Today, we are sharing Brooke's story.💚
Brooke was diagnosed in the summer of 2023. She saw Dr. Byrd for a well checkup and did the Adam's forward bend test. Dr. Byrd noticed a curve in Brooke's back and recommended an X-ray at Eastern Radiology. The imaging confirmed that she had scoliosis, marking the beginning of her treatment journey.
Brooke underwent a spinal fusion surgery in August of 2025. One of the biggest challenges she faced during her recovery was managing muscle spasms. Brooke had to adjust to many everyday activities again, including sitting for long periods, carrying her book bag, sleeping through the night, and returning to school full-time. At 15, she has also been learning to drive and working toward getting back to dancing, something she loves.
Brooke enjoys taking ballet and competitive dancing at the Le Moulin Rouge de Danse in Washington. She also enjoys participating in musical theatre. She is active in SGA as a representative as a rising junior, volunteers with Art Club, and is a Health Science Academy student for Southside High School.
"Do not let scoliosis define you or hold you back from anything. I, Debbie, as a parent, was nervous and scared during her diagnosis and through her journey with bracing, physical therapy, and ultimately surgery. We highly recommend the Hey Clinic. Their team was phenomenal! We are here to help anyone else that is on this journey as it can be very scary and overwhelming. You have to take one day at a time. The first two weeks are the toughest. Day by day, you will get stronger and ultimately will be able to do the everyday tasks again."
Brooke aspires to become a Physician Assistant and hopes to specialize in pediatric neurology and spine care so she can help others facing scoliosis.
