Selma Costa
- Director of Professional Relations, Globus Medical
“At Globus Medical, our philosophy focuses on exceptional response, delivering innovation, and advancing patient care. We take pride in our partnership with Back to Healing, an organization that shares our mission and values. In recent years, we have worked together with Back to Healing to provide surgical support to underserved communities. The positive outcomes of our collaboration, especially in assisting patients with severe scoliosis, have been incredibly rewarding for our company and for each of us as individuals.”
Jim Williams
- Global Marketing Director, Medtronic
“The ‘HMS’ initiative is an extraordinary program that brings spinal pathology to the forefront of both mental health and surgical care. Marcus and his team have built a visionary model- uniting world-class physicians dedicated to scoliosis treatment with compassionate professionals who support patients and surgeons at every stage of care. At Medtronic Cranial and Spinal Technologies, we are proud to partner with organizations that are transforming lives and closing the gap in global health disparities.”
Sara Saltzman
- Special Education Teacher
The #IAmStraightForward movement captures the essence of my journey with scoliosis. My story demonstrates my self-confidence, fearlessness, and perseverance. When I was 12 years old, I decided to have surgery to correct my curve. Since the surgery, I have pushed myself both physically and mentally with the support of my family, friends, doctors, trainers, and therapists. Over time, I changed the narrative from “I can’t do that because I have scoliosis…” to “I can do this. I’m stronger than I think.” I continue to teach children at school and summer camps, exercise, and travel around the world. When people see my scar, I know it shows an inner strength that is only growing stronger.”
Collen Hunt
- Senior Scientist
“I am 40 years old and was diagnosed with scoliosis at age 12. I have always been so embarrassed by my deformed body. Especially that classic “hump” formed over my left hip and what I would describe as extra skin folded somewhere around my left shoulder. It’s hard being different. I have been following BTH for some time now on Instagram. Your gallery images bring tears to my eyes. Here you not only display the true reality of scoliosis, you present it as art, as something beautiful. By featuring the visual impacts of scoliosis, you provide an insight to our lives, as well as our bodies. Because of these images, for the first time in my life I am accepting of my body. Thank you for that.”
M. Ashton Kouzbari
- President, Evolution Spine
“Evolution Spine is honored to support Back to Healing’s work in Jamaica. Our team has known Marcus and many of the participating surgeons for years, and we’ve seen firsthand how their commitment changes lives. On the most recent mission, completing nine complex scoliosis surgeries in just four days, while also investing in local education and training speaks to the caliber of this effort. We’re proud to contribute with implants, biologics, and neuromonitoring support, and to stand alongside Kingston Public Hospital and the University Hospital of the West Indies as partners in expanding access to safe, high-quality spine care.”
Hiba El Bouchtaoui
- University Student
“Thank you so much for giving me such an opportunity to have an amazing talk with a great surgeon. Allowing me to share my mind, ask questions that I’ve always had that no surgeon in my country in North Africa seems to have answers to was extremely helpful and therapeutic. You have no idea what this talk means to me. You are my favorite scoliosis organization hands down!! I hope to be in one of your ‘A Curved Reality’ Scoliosis Empowerment Exhibitions one day!!”
Paige Fraser
- Dancer
- Model
- Instructor
“Organizations like Back to Healing are so important because they allow a safe space for people like myself to share their experiences with Scoliosis. This is a hidden condition that many people deal with and suffer from, but I refused to let it hold me back. Every day I want to show that you can live a healthy life with a curved spine. Scoliosis does not define me. As a young girl I dreamt of being a professional dancer and I am doing just that. I am thankful for the art of dance because it allowed me to gain an understanding of my body and posture. Dance is healing. I hope my perseverance inspires the world. #BentButNotBroken #IAmStraightForward”
Mary Lisa Idol
- Vice President of Sales, Michael Kors
“I am so honored to wear the #IAmStraightForward bracelet to support such an important organization and cause. Twenty years ago at the age of fourteen, after being braced for a year, I underwent surgery to correct my curve of 52 degrees. Although sometimes insecure about my scar, I love the story it tells and the strength, perseverance, courage and determination it brought me at such a young age. It wasn’t an easy road pre/post operation. My inspiration and role model was my Aunt Regina who had just undergone a double mastectomy but has since passed from metastatic breast cancer. Her motto was to “wake up and choose joy”. To begin every day knowing you could push through any pain and to ultimately conquer your fears and achieve your dreams! She was by my side every step of the way. Her guidance and calming nature was priceless for both my parents and myself. She was the positive influence throughout my recovery and eventually into my career. Living with scoliosis, and my journey ever since my diagnosis, has molded me into who I am today and I wouldn’t change a thing! As I work in the fashion industry today, I love that you are raising proceeds through Fashion and Art and as a NYC resident, just wish I had found out about you sooner to attend the event! Thank you for supporting such an important issue. #ChooseJoy “
Jake Wohlford
- Executive Territory Manager, Bioventus
“When two organizations with similar missions come together, a powerful opportunity for collaboration presents itself. Bioventus is focused on helping patients recover and live life to the fullest, which is a direct complement to the work of Back to Healing, who continues to focus on improving the quality of life for those individuals affected by scoliosis. Our shared commitment of positively impacting lives is further supported by combining the clinical expertise and innovation at Bioventus, with the compassion of the Back to Healing organization. Together, our efforts have made a meaningful difference and will continue to have lasting impact on people around the world.”
Donate
40% of individuals affected by scoliosis are more likely to have suicidal thoughts due to perceived self-image and appearance. Your generous donation to BTH contributes towards creating life-changing scoliosis empowerment initiatives .
Donate
40% of individuals affected by scoliosis are more likely to have suicidal thoughts due to perceived self-image and appearance. Your generous donation to BTH contributes towards creating life-changing scoliosis empowerment initiatives .
