2016 Emma Joshu

EMMA JOSHU

Bone Graph Recipient

Age 17 ~ Prescott, AZ

Manager of Heart and Soul Boutique

Honored by medtronic.com

Emma was diagnosed with Scoliosis in 2009.  The curvature of her spine was progressing rapidly and nothing seemed to be able to fix it.  After dozens of doctor’s visits, tests, and treatment options, Emma was referred to the Shriner’s hospital where she was put on the fast track list to receive surgery as soon as possible. On March 19, 2012, Emma received the Spinal Fusion that changed her life forever.    She is now able to do anything she wants without pain or discomfort.  Emma is thankful for everyone at Shriner’s hospital that gave her the opportunity to receive the treatment she needed.

Emma’s Story

In the year 2009, I, Emma Joshu, was diagnosed with Scoliosis by my primary doctor. I was then referred to a spine specialist out of Phoenix, Arizona. After close examination of symptoms and x-rays taken by the specialist, I was then instructed to wear a plastic form fitted brace to correct my scoliosis. After wearing the brace for over one year, there was no improvement in my curvature. It seemed to be progressing rather than improving. As the symptoms of my scoliosis began to worsen, I was restricted more and more of daily activities that a child my age should have experienced, such as, physical education in school, sports programs, and even out of school activities such as a family hike. My family and I looked into many different options that could help the curvature of my spine, such as home exercise, and physical therapy. None of these options were capable of improving the curvature of my spine. In late 2011, I went back to my primary doctor for a checkup. The progression rate of my curvature was extremely fast and irritating me every day. I was in pain and discomfort most of the day, and my breathing had become shallow. My primary doctor was very concerned and recommended to my parents that something needed to be done as soon as possible. She suggested we looked into Shriners Hospital for children. After doing some research we came to find that an application had to be submitted to the hospital for them to evaluate and decide if you were eligible for medical treatment through Shriners Hospital.
I then received the great news that I had been eligible for treatment. The waiting list for the surgery I would need was over a year long, and my curvature was progressing fast over time. After my case was reviewed by the hospital, I was then put on the Fast Track list to get surgery as soon as possible. We waited a few months, and had not heard if my surgery date had been moved up or not. December of 2011, we received the call that my surgery date was now March 19th, 2012.

March 19, 2012. Surgery Day
I was very nervous to go into surgery, but I knew it would change my life forever.
I was in the operating room for eight hours while my loving family waited for the operation to be over.
I was then on a long road to recovery after the surgery. I was in the Shriners Hospital for children in Los Angeles for 8 days after my operation.
Every one of the people at Shriners Hospital in Los Angeles was so nice and helpful during our time there.
The Spinal Fusion I received from Shriners Hospital changed my life, and my family’s life forever. I am now able to do most anything I want, without pain and discomfort.
I am so thankful for everyone at Shriners Hospital that gave me the opportunity to receive medical treatment.