2024 - Katherin Membreño Perez
Katherin Membreño Perez is a 20-year-old idiopathic scoliosis warrior from Nicaragua! Katherin was first diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis at the tender age of 13 when her family noticed a small back curvature. As the years passed, her condition worsened. Scoliosis became Katherin’s biggest challenge in high school. In addition to trying to manage often-debilitating pain while focusing on her studies, she struggled both physically and psychologically. She could not run like others, play sports like others, or walk like others. And no matter how hard she tried, she could not hide her back or disguise her curves.
She was told several times that surgery was impossible. Despite this disappointing news, Katherin remained a scoliosis warrior and continued to make the most of her life. Currently, she works as a translator to earn money to support herself and help her mother. Through it all, Katherin never lost sight of her dream to have her spine corrected.
Hope came alive when orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Osorio Canales, introduced Katherin to the SpineHope team during their volunteer spine surgical trip in February 2024. At the time she was evaluated, SpineHope surgeons determined that she has not only one…but two severe curves (100 degree thoracic curve and 104 degree lumbar curve). These curves are putting pressure on vital organs and causing considerable amounts of pain. Time is of the essence in this case and, without treatment, Katherin would continue to experience a diminished quality of life. To perform a complex surgery like this safely, it was advised that she should first undergo Halo Gravity Traction treatment prior to spinal fusion surgery. This would require Katherin to remain in the hospital for 6-8 weeks to have her spine safely stretched with the use of weights to reduce the curve sizes to levels safer for surgery and to increase the chances of a better correction outcome. Currently, Nicaragua does not have this medical treatment option, so the SpineHope team has been working to bring Katherin to Texas to receive this critical treatment. Katherin’s case has been approved by surgeon, Dr. Matthew Geck of Texas Spine and Scoliosis, and Ascension Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas. All medical services will be donated at no cost to the patient.
Katherin believes that having a straight spine and less pain will give her the confidence to pursue her passion of becoming a singer/songwriter so she can help give “hope” to others like her. A massive thank you to David and Silvia Illingworth for being Katherin’s sponsors and to others supporting Katherin’s SpineHope journey. Your generosity will help turn her dream into a reality!
