Hi! My name is Angie and this is my daughter Zoey. In 2017, Zoey was diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis and had surgery to correct two significant curvatures in two different spots. Not only were we concerned with Zoey’s overall health, but we didn’t know what this meant for her wish to play college volleyball. This was something she wanted to do since she was little and she had done everything up to that point to make this goal happen. Zoey had surgery to correct her spine in 2017. After the surgery, I tried to find anyone who was able to pursue sports at a college level with this condition. After much research, I finally did find an athlete in California who had the same diagnosis and surgical procedure. She reassured Zoey that it is possible to play. After weeks of physical therapy, Zoey played her senior year of high school and now plays at the collegiate level with a scholarship at Ashland University. She has had a successful career, and people who see her play have no idea she had scoliosis surgery. We are so thankful for Akron Children’s Hospital and Dr. Ritzman. Under their care and guidance, Zoey has fulfilled her desire to play at the next level. Zoey and I want to encourage others to pursue activities and not let scoliosis dictate the future. I am anxious to help others and be a resource of experience.
Angie is a parent mentor for these conditions: Scoliosis.
Angie is a mentor for these care services: Orthopedics
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