SHAPING A
Bright
FUTURE by Jean Eisenmann left photo by Nicole Youngblood Photography & right photo courtesy of Vivian Nichols
T
ake one look at Madison O’Rourke, and your first thoughts would likely be that she’s a lovely young woman who is intelligent, vibrant, healthy, and has likely never faced any obstacles or challenges. Not all of those thoughts are what they seem. Nearly 11 years ago, when she was in first grade, Madison was diagnosed with scoliosis. To compound the shock of hearing that she has this progressive and disabling condition, Madison learned that in order to correct the curvature and prevent future surgery, she must wear a custommade back brace. The braces are made of lightweight but rigid plastic and fit jacket-style under clothing to cover the torso from hips to armpits. The orthotists at Scottish Rite for Children in Dallas fitted Madison with a brace which, at first, she had to wear for most of the day. Such “armor” can be devastating for a child, and that fitting was the beginning of a journey that would challenge her both physically and emotionally.
18 | ARGYLE LIVING | DECEMBER 2020
www.ArgyleLivingMagazine.com
