Born With a Curved Spine, Isabela Traveled From Panama for Treatment — Now She Dreams of Becoming a Surgeon

For much of her life, Isabela lived with pain that made ordinary childhood activities difficult. Born with congenital scoliosis and kyphosis, the teenager from Panama struggled to participate in sports and other physical activities. Her family knew she needed specialized care, but finding the right treatment would take time, research and determination.

After nearly two years of searching, Isabela’s mother, Victoria, discovered Shriners Children’s Philadelphia. There, Isabela received specialized treatment for her complex spinal condition, including halo traction and spinal fusion surgery. Through the experience, she found not only medical care but also new interests, supportive friendships and renewed hope for the future.

A Spinal Condition Present From Birth

Isabela was born in Panama’s Central Province with congenital scoliosis, a condition in which the spine develops an abnormal sideways curve before birth. It can occur when some of the small bones of the spine, called vertebrae, do not form or separate as expected during fetal development.

Isabela also had kyphosis, an exaggerated forward curve of the upper back. When scoliosis and kyphosis occur together, the spine can develop a complex three-dimensional deformity that may affect posture, movement and comfort.

For Isabela, the conditions caused pain throughout her life and made sports and physical activities difficult. Her case was complex, and her family needed access to specialized pediatric orthopedic care.

Congenital spinal conditions vary from one person to another. Some children require monitoring, while others may need treatment to address significant curvature, discomfort or other complications. Isabela’s care team developed an approach tailored to her individual condition.

A Mother Who Refused to Stop Searching

Isabela’s mother, Victoria, spent nearly two years researching possible treatment options. In Panama, the advanced care needed for Isabela’s complex spinal condition was not readily available to the family.

Victoria eventually found Shriners Children’s Philadelphia through social media. Reading the experiences of other patients helped Isabela prepare for the hospital stay and understand what she might encounter.

The journey required leaving familiar surroundings and traveling far from home. For the family, it was a major step toward finding treatment that could improve Isabela’s quality of life.

Victoria’s determination became an important part of Isabela’s story. As Isabela later explained, her mother kept searching even when some doctors had suggested that treatment might not be possible.

Preparing Her Spine for Surgery

At Shriners Children’s Philadelphia, Isabela underwent halo traction before spinal fusion surgery. This treatment uses a metal ring attached to the skull and connected to a system of pulleys and gradually adjusted weights.

Under careful medical supervision, the traction applies a controlled, gradual pull to help improve the alignment of the head and spine before surgery. It can be used in selected patients with severe spinal deformities to help prepare for a complex operation.

Isabela spent several weeks in halo traction before her spinal fusion. The process required patience and adjustment, but it was an important part of her treatment plan.

Spinal fusion surgery aims to correct or stabilize parts of the spine by joining selected vertebrae together. In complex cases, the procedure may be performed in stages, depending on the patient’s anatomy and medical needs.

A Challenging Operation and a Successful Outcome

Isabela’s spinal fusion was carried out in two parts by orthopedic spine specialists Dr. Terrence Ishmael and Dr. Steven Hwang. One of the procedures lasted nine hours.

The operation was successful, and her medical team praised her calm attitude and positive outlook throughout the difficult treatment process.

Recovery after major spinal surgery takes time, and each patient’s experience is different. Isabela’s progress was supported by the medical professionals who cared for her and by the family members who remained beside her throughout the journey.

For Isabela, treatment was about more than correcting the shape of her spine. She had long hoped to experience a better quality of life and take part in activities that had once been difficult because of pain and limited movement.

Music, Art and New Friendships at the Hospital

During her stay, Isabela participated in music therapy and art classes. She became a member of The Halo Chicas, a band formed at Shriners Children’s Philadelphia, where she learned to play the guitar.

She also enjoyed art activities with other patients. Together, the group created a banner for a performance for hospital staff, giving them a chance to express themselves and celebrate their shared experience.

These activities offered Isabela opportunities to connect with other young people while navigating a demanding medical journey. Her positive attitude also lifted the spirits of patients and staff around her.

Even during the week between her surgeries, Isabela continued to smile and encourage the people around her. Her determination did not mean the process was easy; rather, it reflected the support she received and her desire to keep moving toward her goals.

A Dream to Help Other Children

Isabela has long dreamed of becoming a pediatric spine surgeon. Her own experiences with scoliosis and complex treatment helped shape that ambition.

She hopes that one day she can provide the same kind of specialized care to children facing spinal conditions. Her doctors and the hospital team have been inspired by her determination and her desire to turn a difficult experience into a way to help others.

Becoming a surgeon will require years of education and training, and Isabela understands that the path ahead will be a long one. But she already has a clear sense of what motivates her: the chance to make a difference in the lives of children like herself.

Looking Beyond the Diagnosis

Congenital scoliosis and kyphosis have shaped much of Isabela’s life, but they do not define everything about her. She is a teenager who enjoys music, art and spending time with people who understand her journey. She is also a young person with a goal that reaches beyond her own recovery.

Her story highlights the importance of individualized treatment, access to specialized medical care and the support of family members who continue searching for answers. Although surgery can improve spinal alignment and quality of life for some patients, long-term outcomes vary and continued follow-up may be needed.

For Isabela and Victoria, finding the right care was a major turning point. Now, as Isabela continues to pursue her education and interests, she carries with her a dream of one day helping other children face their own medical challenges.

Sources

Shriners Children’s — “Transforming Pain into Positivity: Isabela’s Story” (January 12, 2026).