By TNCPNEWS Staff
SOUTHFIELD, MI — Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine develops a sideways curve. It most commonly develops in adolescence, but it can occur at any age. The exact cause is unknown, but genetics and neuromuscular conditions may play a role. Symptoms include uneven shoulders, prominent shoulder blades, and clothes not hanging properly. Pain is common for some. Diagnosis involves x-rays to measure the degree of curvature. Treatments range from monitoring mild cases to bracing or surgery for more severe curves.
The Diagnosis
Chelsea Wallington is an inspiring example of determination and grit as she battles with scoliosis and works towards her dream of becoming a professional dancer. She was diagnosed with scoliosis at age 11 and forced to wear a back brace. She wore a back brace for two years hoping that the curves would lessen as she grew. This was a difficult time in her young life—wearing a back brace in middle school where kids treated her differently. But also, at a time when she wanted nothing more than to become a professional dancer.
At age 14, Wallington was told that her scoliosis curves had progressed to the extent that surgery was needed to fuse her spine, making her dream of becoming a professional dancer seem an impossible goal. Wallington’s parents were able to find an alternative surgery in October 2020. This is when her true fight for her dream began. The alternative to fusion surgery, experimental at the time, uses a bungee cord-like material to reposition her spinal column. Since this was an experimental surgery and not the standard fusion surgery that uses a metal rod, her parents had to appeal to their insurance company to cover the cost of the procedure. The next obstacle they faced was the fact that there were only a few trained surgeons to do the surgery and only one surgeon, who happened to practice in New York City would accept their health insurance. So, Wallington spent one month in New York during the tenth grade.
Wallington said, “I made a decision to keep fighting for my dreams. The surgery was not without complications. I needed a blood transfusion, I had an allergic reaction, and my epidural was prematurely dislodged, leaving me in lots of pain. Still, I focused on making the experience magical. I had the most beautiful view of New York’s skyline. I enjoyed the hospital activities like Bingo, painting, and poem writing. The surgery decreased my spinal curve, but it is far from straight. I have a prominent scar and still have uneven hips and shoulders. I have learned that life is about perspective. While I still have pain, the surgery has given me the opportunity for medical technology to advance. I take every opportunity to dance. I study and work hard.”
The Dream Realized
However, despite this adversity, Wallington, a recent graduate of Wylie E. Groves High School in Beverly Hills, Michigan, has persevered and is now a freshman at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD) in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Admission to SMTD is highly selective. Most students who receive an offer of admission have extensive backgrounds in their intended areas of study and have taken full advantage of the training opportunities available to them. Wallington is one step closer to making her dreams come true. In a society that often values physical appearance and perfection over grit and determination, Wallington stands as an example of true perseverance and strength. Despite her back brace hindering her natural flexibility, she worked long and hard to develop her technique and physical strength and is now on the road to becoming a professional dancer.
Wallington has another challenging goal that she wants to accomplish as much as she wants to become a professional dancer. She said, “I want to create a nonprofit organization to support dancers with scoliosis. This idea came about when I felt unsupported as a dance student and teachers were afraid to correct me which caused me not to speak up about my limitations. Dance education has to be safe and inclusive. Also, there is still beauty in dancers with curved spines, and uneven hips. Disabled dancers can create and contribute to a beautiful aesthetic. There is also a need for increased awareness in the dance education and performing arts communities. We know that representation matters and dancers that see others like them will have better mental and physical health. When I found out that I had to have surgery, my first words were ‘my life is over.’ No one with a dream should feel this way. I was able to persevere because of the love and support of my parents, the skill of my surgeon and physical therapy. I am blessed and fortunate. My nonprofit will support the dancer with scoliosis, educate the dance community, and promote awareness.”
While constantly dealing with pain and uncertainty, she has proven that with enough hard work and dedication, even the most challenging of roadblocks can be overcome. There is much to be admired about Wallington. She continues to dance and work hard in pursuit of her dream. She does not see her scoliosis as an excuse to quit, but rather as motivation to do better. She is a role model of what it means to be bent, but not broken.
The Recognition
Recently, Wallington was awarded the Ross Law Office, PLLC “Dynamically You” Scholarship through the Pearls of Service Foundation, Inc. (PSF) established by members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Pi Tau Omega chapter located in Southfield, Michigan. The scholarship was presented to Wallington not just because of her academic accomplishments but because of her community service involvement and aspirations to advocate for others who suffer from scoliosis who want to dance. Wallington wants to ensure scoliosis won’t serve as a roadblock and an attempt to steal or derail their dreams.
Wallington’s strength, courage, resilience, and “never give up spirit,” reminds many of STMD graduate Sheila M. Miller-Graham, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. since 1978. She believed that anyone with proper leadership, training, and love could dance. Spending many years and countless hours training over 4,000 dancers as the Director and Owner of Creative Expressions Dance Studio in Flint, Michigan since 1982, Miller-Graham taught thousands of children in the city the art of dance while helping them build confidence and positive self-esteem.
During the Flint water crisis, Miller-Graham advocated for water for all dancers and took on local government officials and community leaders to make this happen. She provided food and clothing to every dance student who was in need. The school tuition was made affordable to those who were the least fortunate and advocated for every student’s ability to achieve their dream of dancing despite their financial and physical limitations.
ABC 12 News reported that the community of Flint mourned the May 1, 2023 death of Miller-Graham and that she left a legacy of love for dance, compassion for youth, and commitment to the Flint community. We believe that Wallington with the same spirit and commitment for those suffering from scoliosis like Miller-Graham will make a significant impact on the community at large.
The PSF scholarship committee members and its 2023 selection team: Alberta Garrett; Renee Maxwell; Veretta Nix; Dr. Nancy Quarles; Carol Cartwright; Francis Snider; Sharon Burnett; Hawa Massaquoi-Carter; Jean Bridges; Rhonda Reynolds-Williams; Joan Britton; Penny Adams; and Heidi Cobb; Sherrie C. Ross; Aubry Baugh; Ann Marie Hines; Gerrae Jackson; and Venus Smith work diligently to support the community they serve.
If you would like to know more about PSF, or if you would like to assist Wallington, please go to www.pearlsofservicefoundation.org. Be sure to state that you are making your contribution toward a 2024 “Dynamically You” Scholarship for Chelsea Wallington. For more information regarding the PSF Scholarship, contact Sherrie C. Ross at psfscholarships2020@gmail.com.
Wallington’s story of determination and courage is an inspiring reminder to us all that with enough hard work and dedication, anything is possible. She is a powerful example of what it means to remain resilient in the face of adversity and to never give up on your dreams. Her story is an important reminder that anyone can succeed regardless of the physical limitations they may face, and she serves as an inspiration to us all.
Courtesy photos from Chelsea Wallington
