Help Madi Stop Her Scoliosis

Hi my name is Madison. I am 14 years old and have a large scoliosis curve in my upper back. I have only known about my curve since January 2019 but it has effected my physical ability. I am a very active person but my back is putting a lot of stress and pain on me.

The money you donate will help me get to Sydney to continue my Scoliosis treatment with a brace. Unfortunately the NZ health system doesn’t help with these funds and it is an exclusion with Southern Cross. The public system is focused on surgery where they wait till you finish growing and put steel rods into your back. In Australia they have a specialised Scoliosis center where you are fitted a Flexi brace to try and eliminate the need for surgery. However it is very expensive as you wear the brace for 2-3 years with ongoing rehabilitation, physio and chiropractic. That is why Southern Cross don’t cover Scoliosis. We really need your help.

Scoliosis needs better funding and treatment in New Zealand. The public system has a 3 month wait just to be seen by a specialist. All research shows that early intervention with bracing can stop the progress of the curve and with proper rehabilitation can dramatically reduce it without the need for surgery.

The side effects include reduced lung function due to the pressure the ribs place on the lungs. Therefore we really need your help to get a brace fitted and rehab started. The brace cost is AUD$3600 plus flight costs of $1200 return (need 6 in first year). Physio and chiropractic costs are $150 per week. Rehab is in Sydney and is extra again.

Thank you to all the donations