Kelsea McKinley

Tissue recipient

Age 15 – Republic, MO

Honored by Medtronic

Kelsea McKinley was an active 8 year old when she was diagnosed with scoliosis in 2010. To slow the progression of the scoliosis, she wore a back brace 24 hours a day for two years. Unfortunately, the disease progressed to the point where the curvature of her spine was affecting her organs and overall health. Since the brace option did not work, she had surgery two years later to straighten her back with rods and screws (donated by Medtronic,) as well as donated tissue to aid in her recovery.
After nearly a year, she made a full recovery and is currently a sophomore in High School in Las Vegas. She is currently enrolled in the Digital Media program and plans to become a family counselor and therapist to help others.

Kelsea’s Story

Kelsea McKinley was an active 8 year old when she was diagnosed with scoliosis in September of 2010. To slow the progression of the scoliosis, she wore a back brace 24 hours a day for about two years. Unfortunately, the disease progressed to the point where the curvature of her spine was arresting the normal development of her lung, which was starting to press against her heart. Since the brace option did not work, on April 9, 2012, at the age of 10, she had surgery to straighten her back with rods and screws (donated by Medtronic) as well as donated tissue to aid in her recovery. Without the gracious donations from Shriners Hospitals for Children and Medtronic, her family would have surely faced financial ruin. After nearly a year, she made a full recovery and is currently a sophomore at West Career and Technical Academy High School in Las Vegas, Nevada. She is enrolled in the Digital Media program and plans to become a family counselor / therapist where she can help others. Kelsea’s full recovery allows her to enjoy a normal teenage life, including photography, cross-fit, focus on academics and hanging out with her friends.