Lindsay Ellingson
- Model
- Victoria’s Secret Angel
- Co-founder Of Wander Beauty
Lindsay Ellingson was diagnosed with Scoliosis at age 11.
After her gymnastics coach noticed her uneven lower back muscles in class one day, X-rays revealed a thoracic curve from T5 – T11 measuring 25 degrees and a thoracolumbar curve from T12 to L4 measuring 35 degrees. Lindsay was diagnosed with idiopathic Scoliosis (spine shaped like an S).She spent the next two years in a brace for 23.5 hours a day before undergoing spinal fusion surgery at age 13.
”After my operation I felt a new inner power that pushed me to set high goals for myself, I am constantly testing and expanding the boundaries of my comfort zone.”
After having her world turned upside down from the diagnosis, bracing, and surgery, Lindsay went on to graduate in the top 10 of her high school class, was then accepted into the University of California San Diego, and made the competitive dance team at UCSD. She then started her modeling career in Paris, walked in hundreds of couture and fashion shows, was a Victoria’s Secret Angel and carried many of the heaviest wings. In addition to her professional success as a model, she is now an entrepreneur and Co-founder of a line of cosmetics sold at QVC and Sephora and has even biked 50 miles for cancer research.
Despite all of that, she believes her greatest achievement was the mental and physical strength it took to get through bracing, spinal fusion surgery and recovery.
“I wouldn’t be the woman I am today without such a challenge early in my life. I have been a powerhouse of determination and have worked relentlessly to achieve my dreams with my husband and dog by my side.”
Today, Lindsay stays active through Pilates and hot yoga to make her spine feel great.
Lindsay hopes that her story makes all children feel supported and hopeful. She believes it is important for them to realize that Scoliosis is just a bump in the road and that they will go on to do amazing things in their lives.
One of Lindsay’s many goals as a Scoliosis advocate is for states to screen for Scoliosis at the appropriate age. In many states, like the state of California where Lindsay grew up, budget cuts have eliminated Scoliosis screenings in school. Lindsay would like to educate parents about Scoliosis and find a way to teach them how to screen their own children if their states don’t offer it. If Scoliosis is caught early enough, spinal fusion surgery may be avoided.
Additionally, she would love to see fusionless surgical options that work for all Scoliosis cases and see a reduction in the hours per day doctors recommend patients to wear a back brace as these can reduce activities and social interaction and limit a child’s youthfulness.
As a Scoliosis warrior and proud of the scar on her back, the best advice Lindsay offers children is to not hide from Scoliosis, to find support groups, stay active and positive and surround yourself with supportive family, friends and other Scoliosis patients as well as be diligent in wearing a back brace.
