Don't Hide Your Scars

When you see Graysen McConnell, you automatically think, "what a beautiful, got-it-together young lady."

I remember Graysen as a cheerleader at MHS.  Her dad has been a friend for years but I never knew much about Graysen other than what I saw on the football sidelines.

But Graysen has a story.  She has scoliosis.

Scoliosis usually begins developing in puberty and affects girls more often than boys.  In some cases, it is self-arresting, stopping on its own with minimal consequences.  In others, it progresses to a severe degree, causing all kinds of complications, sometimes the least of which is really bad back pain.

Scoliosis is something I know well.  As a physical therapist, I've seen my share professionally.

But on a more personal note, my wife had a favorite uncle with a very severe case of scoliosis that eventually led to complications that caused his death. 

Let me let Graysen's mom Shawna describe her daughter's scoliosis:

"When most people look at Graysen they don't automatically notice her crooked back.  They think she has one hip cocked.  You know, one leg bent at the knee, causing one hip to hang lower.  She puts her hand on her hip.  It just looks intentional.  The hand is intentional.  The bent knee is intentional.  It makes it all look more natural and it has become a habit.  The 'ole hand-on-the-hip, one-knee-bent trick.  You will see it most of her pictures.

But, Graysen's back is crooked.  45 degrees when last measured in October."

That was from early last year.  Her problems were immense.  Her back pain was severe and unrelenting.  So she and her family starting seeking solutions. 

That search took them to Austin, Texas and Dr. Matthew Geck, an orthopedic surgeon that specializes in scoliosis surgery.

Graysen had the surgery on May 29, 2014 in Austin.  Although they had hoped for a minimally invasive surgery, that wasn't possible.  So Graysen ended up with a 10 inch scar along her low back.

Leap ahead to a year and a half later.  Graysen is a sophomore at Lipscomb University in Nashville, majoring in biochemistry and looking to a career in dentistry.    Her surgery was a huge success.  She is essentially pain free now.  Life for this wonderful young lady is SO much better.  Her back is straight and her health is good.

And she wears her scars proudly.  She is not ashamed of them, does not let them affect who she is.

And once more in her mom's words:

"Don't hide your scars. They create questions and interest, they start conversations and a way to know each other better.  They can open doors, if we let them. Share them and your story. I know that it has power and beauty, and I now know THAT is the purpose of our scars."

If you are interested in more, you can follow the McConnell family saga through mom's blog called "Graysen's Backstory."  It can be found at graysenmcconnell.blogspot.com.