Curvy Girls Aotearoa New Zealand Leader's participation in International Convention in June 2025, in NYC

Scoliosis (curving and twisting of the spine) affects between 2 - 4% of adolescents, and is more common in girls than boys. Management ranges from no intervention, to use of bracing (up to 22 hours a day), to surgical intervention.

Curvy Girls is an international support network for girls with scoliosis, to assist with the physical and psycho-social issues which accompany the diagnosis such as wearing a brace, pain, fatigue and body image issues. Founded by 13 year old Leah in 2007, CG now has Leaders from all corners of the globe, and an active community of parents supporting parents of adolescents with scoliosis.

After receiving a diagnosis of idiopathic adolescent scoliosis in 2022, Stella discovered CG and benefitted from their support as she underwent spinal fusion surgery at Starship Hospital. She was invited to establish CG NZ and now uses her story of her active recovery and experience of navigating school and community life with scoliosis to help others.

Every 2 years CG holds a convention in NYC. Expert speakers discuss advances in scoliosis management, and Leaders engage in workshops for empowerment, advocacy and equity. Stella would like to attend to further develop her knowledge and advocacy skills to continue to support adolescents with scoliosis in NZ.

Whilst her scoliosis posed enormous trauma at the time, she is committed to using her own experiences to assist girls across Aotearoa NZ to live well with a diagnosis of scoliosis.