Bent; not broken | Alessandra Maggioni | TEDxCoralGables

At 17 months after spinal fusion surgery, Alessandra shares a story of recovery and all that she has gained from this experience. She does this in the hope to inspire others and change the way they look at bumps in the road.

Alessandra Maggioni is a 15 year-old student originally from Rome, Italy, born in Miami. She is currently a sophomore at Gulliver Preparatory. Since the first day she set her foot on a tennis court at 4 years old, her passion for this sport grew endlessly. So much so, that Alessandra decided she wanted to become a professional tennis player. Working constantly towards her dream, she faced her first obstacle at 10 years old -- Alessandra was diagnosed with scoliosis. As the deformity progressed and had to be corrected, she underwent a very difficult, dangerous surgery – spinal fusion. This life-changing event took place November 18, 2013.

[faritzreaction]

That's amazing💜
Also, don't forget to be most grateful for the fact that you had supportive parents and the resources to obtain this surgery. Not all of us were. Had they caught it early on, my story would be different. However, now I'm 36 years old and deal with the excruciating pain of a 40° S-curve every day. My activities are limited. God bless you and you're very lucky to have been able to implement your knowledge and experiences to help others! I also LOVE tennis😉

[marceline]

spinal fusion surgery isnt dangerous and it's rare that something goes wrong.. don't label it as something such as that, it actually saves people from living miserable lives being possible hunchbacks
- a fellow person with scoliosis.

[musachaudhary]

Thank you so much for sharing your story, I’ve been diagnosed with scoliosis when I was 13, originally it was 30 degrees s shape curve.
It’s 6 years now after undergoing so much treatment I now have 49 degrees cobbs angle.
I was about to lose all hope, as I was asking the same questions as you “why me” your story motivated me not to lose it.

[adhithisreenivasan]

Wonderful talk! I can definitely relate with the joy of being told that you don't have to wear the brace anymore

[victorfabro]

Very beautiful and inspiring speech Ale! Wish you the best.

[artninjapr]

Excellent
U r brave n motivating speech

[Hisham]

You’re so inspirational, do you think wearing your school bag on one shoulder started scoliosis ? Im starting to think thats what caused mine

[kenzarebiai]

I have a story with scoliosis, too. I want to share it one day.

[khadijamamouni]

I'm four months post op and I'm having so much pain I need that thing she talked about in the end. Where can I get it?