Lilly's spinal journey

Our beautiful daughter Lilly is 14 years old from Aberdeen, Scotland.

Lilly started dance classes at age 3 and it was ballet that sparked her passion. Dancing is her world. Lilly attends dancing at least 4 times a week with Academy Street dance studio.  

Lilly was successful in being chosen for Scottish Ballet Associates 3 years ago which is a programme for only 24 pupils (from Lilly’s age group) from all over the UK to be trained in preparation for a ballet career, this has involved dedication to travel weekly to Glasgow and yearly auditions to secure her place. 

Lilly also attends Giz Giz musical theatre group where she loves to sing and act and of course this is alongside more dancing. 

In February Lilly was diagnosed with Idiopathic Scoliosis, curvature of the spine with no known origin, which can be noticed around puberty.

In April after an MRI it was estimated that Lilly’s cobb angle (degree of curve) was around 35-38.

In June after being referred to the spinal deformity unit in Edinburgh and having X-rays the S curves have increased to 38 in the upper thoracic and 54 in lower thoracic to lumbar region. This is now classed as severe and we have been told Lilly will need surgery on her spine. Her spine will need to be fused with metal rods and screws, in a highly invasive surgery.

This will limit Lilly’s mobility and flexibility as the fusion not only involves the thoracic region but also Lilly’s lumbar region.

There is 100% risk of further progression of Lilly’s curve. Significant curvature of the spine puts increased pressure on the organs (heart, lungs).

Seeing our daughter devastated to learn how her life is going to change and the one thing she’s so passionate about being taken away is heart-breaking.

After joining various Facebook groups and researching for hours on end about scoliosis I discovered that there is an alternative to fusion. In America and Europe the alternative is VBT which is Vertebral Body Tethering where a flexible cord is used to enable flexibility and mobility to be maintained and allowing the child to continue growing.

This would mean Lilly would be able to continue with all that she loves to do.

We have been in communication with a leading hospital in Philadelphia and also a world leading surgeon in Istanbul who have both confirmed Lilly is a candidate for surgery.

Obviously we are beyond scared at the prospect of major spinal surgery but relieved also to find an alternative to fusion. Our girl would be able to lead her life as she chooses without limitations.

Until relevant surgery can go ahead Lilly would benefit from specialist equipment and support. This involves travelling to London for specialised Schroth therapy and bracing, Schroth boot camps, also massage therapy to help with back / hip pain which has increased in the past few months.

Time is of the essence for Lilly as the VBT procedure relies on the spine having flexibility and the child still having growth left, and also the curve cannot be too big. We therefore hope to travel as soon as we possibly can.

Please help us to help our daughter.

Please give generously , every little helps !

A huge heartfelt thanks in advance for your support.

The Bannerman family x