Scoliosis Never Stopped Her Dreams

14-year-old Iruy has been a patient at Shriners Children’s for a year, a challenging period of her life and that of her family.

In early 2021, Iruy and her family were diagnosed with Covid. They had several X-rays taken and the radiologist told Iruy's parents that she was suffering from scoliosis and that she should begin treatment. “When her scoliosis was detected, we didn’t even know what it was. A doctor from Puebla was our link with Shriners Children’s," said Yuridia, Iruy’s mother.

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a progressive deformation of the spine, usually in the shape of a “C” or “S”, instead of a straight line. The curve may worsen over time, becoming more noticeable and causing pain.

Before her diagnosis, Iruy was an accomplished athlete. From a very young age she enjoyed taekwondo and dancing. In taekwondo, she won 11 gold medals in the “forms” category and three gold medals in the “combat” category. “Taekwondo is an Olympic sport, but the combat part is much more prominent. If the ‘forms’ category is ever included in the Olympic Games, I would love to participate and take home a gold medal. That is one of my dreams,” said Iruy.

Towards Recovery

Iruy's scoliosis care is a long journey, but she does not waver in her fight for her dreams. This past February she had her first spine surgery and is now doing physical therapy, so that she’ll slowly be able to resume the activities she enjoys the most. “We have one upcoming appointment where the doctor will tell us which sports are the best for her” said Iruy’s mom, Yuridia.

Iruy’s biggest dream is advancing her taekwondo practice and going into professional dance, so that she can teach dance classes. It's a long journey ahead, but Iruy is strong and confident that she will soon be wearing her dobok (taekwondo uniform) again, and also dancing again.

Iruy’s parents are grateful to Shriners Children’s for the care given to their daughter and want to send a message to all families dealing with a scoliosis diagnosis: “Support your kids, work hard and give it your all, because your kids will need emotional as well as physical support. Shriners Hospital gave my daughter a second chance and it was like a light at the end of a tunnel” said Yuridia.

Iruy, currently still recovering from her first surgery, said, “Today I am a Shriners kid and I am deeply grateful to Shriners for accepting me as a patient. It feels so good to know that soon I will once again be working to make my dreams come true.”