18-year-old Aaliyah, of Kress, is transforming her personal journey with scoliosis into a source of inspiration for young girls with similar diagnoses. “Scottish Rite means so much to me by helping me find my passion in changing lives,” Aaliyah says. She shares her transformative care she received, hoping to make a scoliosis diagnosis less intimidating to patients.

Aaliyah was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic scoliosis (JIS) after her routine physical at age 9. Her family faced a difficult decision: undergo spinal fusion surgery or risk losing Aaliyah’s ability to walk. Determined to find another way, Aaliyah chose to wear a spinal brace for 22 hours a day over a span of seven years. In 2021, Aaliyah’s back pain progressed, and she started treatment with pediatric orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jaysson T. Brooks. “After that visit, Dr. Brooks changed my life,” Aaliyah says. Instead of recommending surgery, Brooks suggested physical therapy as the best approach for her.

The treatment Aaliyah received at Scottish Rite fueled her passion for scoliosis awareness. Before she met Brooks, she was a member of the nonprofit organization Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FFCLA). FCCLA offers programs, contests, scholarships and opportunities for member to develop skills needed for college and careers. Aaliyah’s experience inspired her project titled “The Journey.” This project explores her personal journey with scoliosis and the impact it had on her and her family’s lives. “The Journey” eventually placed in 5^th place at FFCLA’s National Leadership Conference. Top of Form

Now, she is a prominent spokesperson for scoliosis in her community. In 2022, Aaliyah launched a scoliosis research fundraiser titled “The Outreach” for Setting Scoliosis Straight Foundation, a nonprofit devoted to empowering families impacted by scoliosis through education, connection and research. Her efforts caught the attention of mayor Johnny Taylor, who honored her dedication by declaring December 20^th as both National Scoliosis Awareness Day and Aaliyah Wallace Day in her hometown.

There is no limit to the success Aaliyah will achieve! Her latest project, “My Testimony,” is a book series featuring characters LeeLee, inspired by Aaliyah, and Lillian as they embark on their journey of overcoming scoliosis. To launch the series, she organized a block party in Kress, with all proceeds going to funding the publication and illustration of the books. “I went from a scared 9-year-old to making a difference and changing lives with my story,” Aaliyah says. “I can’t thank Scottish Rite enough for changing my life!” Now, Aaliyah is attending her first year at Texas Tech University as a Pre-Medicine major. She was a recipient of our Legacy Scholarship, and we cannot be prouder of her!