Seven-Year-Old's Teddy Bears Bring Comfort to Scoliosis Patients at Hospital
Children receiving a scoliosis diagnosis at The James Cook University Hospital will now be given a special teddy bear, thanks to the inspiring efforts of a seven-year-old from School Aycliffe. Arden Borsberry, who herself lives with scoliosis, launched a fundraising campaign to help other young patients facing similar challenges.
Turning Personal Experience into Positive Action
Like many children diagnosed with scoliosis, Arden found it difficult to imagine life wearing a back brace. Determined to transform her own experience into something positive, she dedicated herself to raising money for others starting this journey. Her fundraising efforts successfully collected over £760, enabling her to purchase 85 Higgy Bears from America.
Each of these teddy bears proudly wears its own miniature back brace, mirroring the braces worn by Arden and other children with scoliosis. This thoughtful gesture aims to demystify the treatment process and provide comfort during a potentially daunting time.
Understanding Scoliosis and Its Impact
Scoliosis is a medical condition characterized by a twisting and curving of the spine. For Arden, the discovery was accidental at the age of four, when an x-ray for a suspected chest infection revealed the curvature in her spine.
To prevent the curve from worsening as she grows, Arden must wear a brace for up to 20 hours each day, a measure intended to avoid the need for surgery in the future.
Her mother, Celine, shared the emotional journey, stating, “Arden had her first brace fitted just before her sixth birthday in August 2024. When we were told that she needed a brace, it was very emotional. No parent wants to see their children facing any sort of hardship.”
Celine added, “The thought of Arden having to wear a rigid brace every single day and not knowing what this will mean for her later in life is tough. But this was quickly replaced with immense pride at how she is facing her daily life with scoliosis.”
Comprehensive Support for Young Patients
The teddy bears are designed to show children in a simple and relatable way what a brace looks like, while also offering emotional support during their diagnosis. In addition to the bears, Arden and her little sister have assembled helpful packs containing informative leaflets, a badge, and a wristband.
Specialist nurse Cheryl Honeyman expressed gratitude, saying, “We are extremely grateful to Arden and her family. We’ve never received anything like this before; it will be lovely to be able to give other young patients a teddy to give them some comfort when they are told they need to wear a brace.”
Hospital Context and Community Impact
The paediatric spinal unit at The James Cook University Hospital has performed more than 350 scoliosis surgeries since its establishment in 2010, highlighting the significance of such supportive initiatives.
Consultant spinal surgeon Zak Choudhury praised Arden's efforts, noting, “Arden has worked so hard to put this all together at only seven years old. It's truly humbling and an inspiration to us grown-ups too. Her dedication and kindness will help a lot of young children understand and navigate what can be a difficult time.”
Looking ahead, Arden’s parents are hoping to establish a local network for children with scoliosis, providing opportunities for Arden to connect with others who share similar experiences. This initiative not only offers immediate comfort but also fosters a sense of community among young patients.
