For those who know our precious daughter Scarlett, she is a happy, healthy, outgoing and dance-mad 11-year-old. In November 2021, she competed in Blackpool at the ISDT Grand Finals and came 2nd in the country in her age group for Latin dancing. Big thanks went to her dance teacher Jools and her great team at That’s Rhythm who worked so hard in these challenging times. We were immensely proud!

However back in February 2020 we were very shocked when Scarlett was diagnosed with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, which causes curvature of the spine. The cause is unknown and, although not life threatening, progresses rapidly during growth spurts. Scarlett has double major ‘S’ curves which now sit around 60 degrees each.

For the last two years Scarlett has been an absolute trooper wearing a specialist Gensingen back brace 22 hours a day to slow the progression of her curves, allowing her time to grow. However, she is now entering a rapid growth period and the brace is not holding her curves as effectively anymore.

NHS treatment for her double curvature in the U.K. is a complete fusion of her spine, fusing vertebrae with rods and bone grafts, effectively turning the moving parts of the spine into one solid inflexible bone. Whilst this is a potential solution, we have been investigating an alternative.

Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT) is a non-fusion surgery which uses special cords and screws to straighten the spine whilst retaining flexibility. VBT was developed and FDA approved in the USA and is now practiced worldwide. Whilst still major back surgery, this pioneering technique is much less invasive, has a faster recovery time and most importantly, Scarlett should be able to retain almost all flexibility and movement, hopefully for the rest of her life. The surgery is authorised at St Georges Hospital in London but only for privately paying patients at a cost between £70-80k.

Following recent x-ray and MRI tests and consultations with our Consultant Spinal Surgeon Mr. Bernard, we were absolutely delighted to be told that Scarlett qualifies to have VBT surgery. Due to her advancing curves, flexibility and young age, she will need surgery around Easter this year. Sense of humour still intact, Scarlett has already asked whether Easter eggs could be part of her recovery plan!

We are praying that successful VBT surgery will allow Scarlett to have the best possible outcome and quality of life and enable her to continue her passion for ballroom and Latin dancing.

We really appreciate and thank you for any support you can offer Scarlett as she embarks on this life changing journey.