Bent…not broken.

I’ll save you a Google search if you aren’t familiar with scoliosis. Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that occurs most often during the growth spurt just before puberty.

I’ve worked on projects around my kidney disease as well as designs to support the chronic illness community. More recently, I felt inspired to explore my scoliosis and create artwork that could embrace the illness from a more positive light.

The below x-rays are the before and after from my spinal fusion surgery I had on when I was in eighth grade. November 14, 2007 will always be a day I remember (despite being under anesthesia for the majority of it). The spinal fusion itself was from T2-T12 and the surgery took 11.5 hours to complete. My surgeon took out one of my ribs and crushed it to help my spine fuse together in a straight line. It left me with two titanium bars and nineteen screws down my spine.

Scoliosis has been part of my identity since I had to wear a back brace in 7th grade. Although its noticeable impact on my life seems to ebb and flow. There have been times I’ve felt very restricted and other times where I’ve discovered more of what I’m most passionate about because of my unique limitations. I’ve honestly never seen any products I would buy around the topic of scoliosis, so I thought why not create some myself?

I created two designs to start with - one inspired by my initial x-ray and a theme of being bent, not broken and another inspired by my post-op x-ray and the iconic bars and screws that result from a spinal fusion surgery. The sentiments of being being bent, not broken, being a scoliosis warrior, and scoliosis strong are so powerful because managing chronic illness is no small feat. Those who have scoliosis can attest to the strength that it takes to persevere through the many, often invisible, challenges. Managing chronic illnesses teaches you a lot about yourself, your strengths, and abilities as you navigate what you need to do to thrive in your own way.

5 Lessons from Living with Scoliosis

1. Advocate for yourself

   Whether you identify as disabled or able-bodied, you must be your best advocate and voice your feelings, concerns, and opinions.

2. Know your Limits

   It’s okay to take breaks, say no to things, and seek out opportunities that are a better fit than what you might feel others expect you to do.

3. Break things down to Manageable tasks

   You only have so many spoons to use throughout the day - breaking things down can help you accomplish more and feel good about the steps you are taking to reach your goals.

4. Focus on the Positive

   Life is hard. Focus on what you can do, what you are really good at, and what makes you happy. Being positive takes conscious energy and effort. Make it a habit to find the positives in even the most difficult of situations.

5. Create your own path

   If you have unique challenges, it might be an opportunity for you to take control and design your own path.

Are you a #scoliosiswarrior, small business owner, or creative entrepreneur in need of powerful visuals to communicate your passions and what is most important to you? Working with Lettering Works could be your key to taking your business or brand to the next level. Send us a message via our contact form to get started.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Chelsie Tamms is an award-winning lettering artist and designer based out of Chicago. She is the owner of Lettering Works, a branding studio that connects businesses to their audience through creativity and strategy. With over 10 years of practice of lettering and design, Chelsie is passionate about craft and intention. When she’s not designing, she can be found eating ice cream, traveling internationally, or starting a new passion project.

Chelsie had a spinal fusion surgery at age 14.