Kali DeMott was a typical teenager who loved cheerleading and hanging out with her friends. All that changed when Kali’s physician noticed a hump developing on her back. Kali, who lives in Hewitt, New Jersey, and her family were all shocked by the scoliosis diagnosis and were unsure of what to do. The diagnosis had a huge impact on Kali. It affected her flexibility and she had to wear a brace. She began Schroth (customized exercises that de-rotate and elongate the spine) sessions four to five times a week and avoided sleepovers because she was embarrassed about her brace. Not surprisingly, Kali’s family was impacted as well. Stacey, Kali’s mother, a hairstylist, began talking to her clients and co-workers about Kali’s situation.

Because Kali was so physically active and regaining flexibility was an issue, fusion surgery was problematic. Stacey learned about  ASC (Anterior Scoliosis Correction) from a co-worker whose client had been operated on by Dr. Antonacci. Kali was 14 when she had the surgery. At that time, her curve was 70 degrees. Six days after Kali underwent ASC, she was released from the hospital.

Three weeks later she was able to attend a concert at Met Life stadium. After six weeks, Kali rejoined her cheer squad and her flexibility had almost completely returned. Today Kali’s curve is 5 degrees.