Brooke Woodmansey

I am a CDH survivor, and I have struggled with CDH-related scoliosis since the age of five. When I was twelve years old, my doctor told me that I needed to begin wearing a scoliosis back brace, as my spinal curvature had worsened to 27 degrees. I took it upon myself to faithfully wear my scoliosis back brace 18 hours per day from ages 12-15 until I stopped growing and my spine stabilized. It was not easy. My brace was made of hard plastic, and it fit from under my armpits down to my hips. To not stand out at middle school, I chose to wear loose clothes to try to conceal my brace. Because my brace was constrictive and bulky, the summer heat was brutal and sleeping while wearing it was uncomfortable. While I was experiencing all of this, I unfortunately did not have a peer to turn to when I needed answers for my scoliosis-specific questions.

Having been out of my brace for almost 4 years now, I've spent time reflecting on my scoliosis journey, remembering the moments when I craved peer support from someone who truly understood the physical and mental challenges of brace wearing. I realized that I wanted to encourage others with scoliosis to not become dismayed and feel like they need to stop participating in healthy activities, such as ballet or sports. I found the international Curvy Girls scoliosis organization that provides peer-led support, encouragement, and education to girls with scoliosis. The summer before 11th grade, I applied and was selected to become the Curvy Girls scoliosis chapter leader for Montana. I currently lead monthly virtual support group meetings for girls with scoliosis in my state.

From the beginning stages of advertising my support group chapter to Montana physical therapy and orthotic clinics, to looking forward to leading discussions and talking with the young girls who have scoliosis at our monthly meetings, I feel so grateful for this leadership experience. I know that the communication and empathy skills I am learning will be an asset, as I pursue a career as a Physician Assistant (PA). Not only have I been able to feel satisfaction in providing the space and platform to discuss scoliosis-related struggles, but I also have been able to feel support reciprocated back from fellow members and my amazing mentor. Additionally, since I will be moving to the state of Minnesota this coming August for college, Curvy Girls Scoliosis has asked me to become the new Minnesota leader, while still leading the Montana group virtually. I am so excited to connect with the Minnesota members and provide them a safe space to discuss anything related to their scoliosis journeys. GOH-related Scoliosis will always be a significant part of my life, but I have learned that while I may be bent, I am not broken.

Brooke graduated from Helena High School in Helena, MT and will be attending St. Mary’s University in Minnesota in the Fall of 2022.

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