When Alyssa was in middle school, she was diagnosed with scoliosis and received a customized back brace in hopes of halting the growing curve and avoiding surgery. But the curve continued to worsen, and after Alyssa’s freshman year, it was time for surgery. Alyssa and her family traveled to Dwaine and Cynthia Willett Children’s Hospital of Savannah Memorial Health, where she received a spinal fusion to straighten the curve. Throughout the six-hour surgery, the nurses comforted Mackenzie’s family, ensuring they understood each step. The procedure was successful, and within one week of the surgery, Alyssa had already “grown” one inch from her straightened spine! As a spirit cheerleader and sprinter for her track team, she worried how the surgery might affect her active lifestyle. But within six weeks of recovering, Alyssa was able to participate in cheer camp. While she has some restraints in stretching, she continues to cheer and run on her track team.