Taryn Kaschock Russell

Scoliosis Advocacy and Empowerment

Structural Abnormality. Unnatural Curvature. Spinal Deformity.

These words have been my truth. They were given to me, as fact, at the age of 11. There was not an option to separate from these words as they form my insides… however although I could not disown these words, I could shift my perspective on how I felt about them. At first I refused to allow them to define me… they were fuel for a fight, odds to defy, statistics to shatter. As I lived longer with them, I struggled with but ultimately found acceptance of these words - I allowed them to guide my pathway forward. They inluenced my career trajectory, my empathy and understanding of our differences and my desire to positively impact others. Now, these words have developed into badges of honor, into torches that I carry to illuminate the pathway forward. In my early adulthood, I used to feel proud when someone told me that they could not tell that I had scoliosis, as if I covered up something successfully, however recently that has changed… I am proud of ALL that these words have provided me with. SCOLIOSIS is my of my identity and I am proud of that fact.