Generations of Strength: A Mother and Daughter’s Scoliosis Journey at OU Health
When Kimari Ranney, a mother of three, was 9 years old, she went in for a routine wellness check with her local doctor in Guthrie, Oklahoma. When her doctor found a slight curvature in her spine, Kimari had no idea that it would mark the beginning of a lifelong journey with scoliosis, and that it would one day affect someone dear to her.
Years later, that someone turned out to be her oldest daughter, Bostyn. Thanks to early screening, personal advocacy, and the expert care teams at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health, their stories are unfolding in different ways.
What is Scoliosis?
In simple terms, scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves sideways, often in an “S” or “C” shape. If a parent or sibling has it, the chances of developing it are higher, by as much as 20-30%.
While there isn’t a single gene that causes scoliosis, research shows it’s likely due to a mix of genetic and environmental factors. Because of this, scoliosis can appear in more than one generation of a family.
A Childhood Diagnosis
“I was an active kid,” Kimari recalled. “I was in fourth grade when they noticed something during a check-up — a curve in my spine. I ended up seeing a doctor at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital and was fitted for an overnight brace.”
Treatment for scoliosis depends on how much the spine is curved and how fast the child is growing. Mild cases may only need regular check-ups. Moderate curves might require a custom brace, usually worn 12–20 hours a day but removable for physical activity. Physical therapy can help improve posture, strength, and flexibility. In more severe cases, surgery like spinal fusion may be recommended to straighten and stabilize the spine.
For two years, Kimari faithfully wore the brace, and her spine began to straighten. But as she grew into adolescence, the regular checkups stopped, and the curvature returned. By the time she was a teenager, the curve had progressed beyond bracing. Despite this, she remained physically active and played soccer and basketball, and lived a normal life.
But the effects weren’t just physical. Kimari was self-conscious that one shoulder sat higher than the other and she tried to self-correct it. Her mother was concerned and took Kimari back to Oklahoma Children’s Hospital to be reevaluated. The curve had progressed to 52 degrees and needed to be corrected.
At 18, shortly after graduating high school, Kimari underwent a spinal fusion. A spinal fusion is a major surgery in which bone was taken from her hip to help fuse the curved portion of her spine. It was a 52-degree curve.
“The technology is so different now,” she said. “But even then, the surgery worked perfectly.”
Living With Scoliosis
Early detection makes a big difference. When scoliosis is found early, especially in families with a history of it, treatment can begin before the curve becomes more serious. This can help prevent long-term problems and reduce the emotional and physical impact on the child and family.
Scoliosis often starts during childhood or the teen years, when kids are growing quickly. A quick, non-invasive screening, often done at school or during a routine check-up, can catch it early. This helps prevent more serious issues like back pain, breathing problems, or emotional stress related to posture or appearance.
In more severe cases, scoliosis can also affect breathing, especially when the curve is in the upper or middle part of the spine (the thoracic region). A large curve can twist or press against the ribcage, making it harder for the lungs to fully expand. This can lead to shallow breathing, shortness of breath, or difficulty taking deep breaths, particularly during physical activity. These breathing issues are more common when the spinal curve is greater than 40 to 70 degrees and tend to affect adults more than children.
For active kids, scoliosis can bring some challenges. A curved spine may reduce flexibility, cause muscle imbalances, or lead to fatigue during sports or dance. Some children may also feel self-conscious, especially if they need to wear a brace. But with the right support, most kids with scoliosis stay active and continue doing what they enjoy.
A Mother's Instinct
Years later, when Kimari became a mother herself, she determined that her children would be screened every year.
“I’d tell the pediatricians, even when the kids were really little, ‘Please check for scoliosis,’” she said. “They’d sometimes say, ‘They’re a bit young to check,’ but I always insisted.”
Kimari’s persistence paid off. At her daughter Bostyn’s 13-year check-up, the pediatrician noticed a slight tilt in her hips. It was subtle, but enough to warrant an X-ray.
The result revealed a 24 to 25-degree curve. As this was caught early, they had the tools and awareness to act before surgery became necessary.
A New Generation, A New Approach
Kimari knew exactly where to go next.
“I had such fond memories of Oklahoma Children’s Hospital,” she said. “All those years ago when I saw Dr. Herndon, he made me feel comfortable, even as a scared little kid. I wanted Bostyn to have that same experience.”
At Oklahoma Children’s, Bostyn was seen by pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Dr. T.R. Lewis, M.D., associate professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. The visit was reassuring and unexpectedly light-hearted.
“Dr. Lewis walked in and sat right down on the footstool to be eye level with Bostyn,” Kimari said. “She’s pretty goofy, and he laughed with her, explained everything, and showed her the X-ray. He made her feel safe and heard.”
Bostyn, who plays basketball, soccer, and plans to run track, didn’t even know she had a curve. “We caught it so early that she hadn’t become self-conscious yet. That makes a big difference,” Kimari said.
The Power of Prevention
Dr. Lewis recommended an overnight brace to help correct Bostyn’s curve and avoid the need for surgery.
“He told us we caught it at the perfect time,” Kimari explained.
Dr. Lewis also explained the importance of continuing the brace for at least a year after Bostyn’s first menstrual cycle, when growth typically slows. It was the kind of insight that Kimari wished her own mother had received decades earlier.
"Bracing is a safe and relatively effective way to treat scoliosis detected before the onset of puberty in adolescents,” said Dr. Lewis. “For many, it is the best option at preventing progression and avoiding surgery. Kimari is a great example, not only to Bostyn but to our other patients as well that bracing is doable, and then even if one's curve progresses to a need for surgery, that a full and active life is still a reality."
“I told Bostyn, ‘I did exactly what you’re about to do, and it worked. We’re going to stick with it, and you’re going to be okay.’”
For Kimari, it was a moment of reflection and reassurance. During the visit, Dr. Lewis pulled up her old X-rays which were still on file from years earlier and compared them side-by-side with Bostyn’s.
“It was surreal. A bonding moment, really,” Kimari said. “To say, ‘This is what I went through, and we’re doing even better now.’”
A Place Built for Big Moments
What stands out to Kimari, beyond the expertise, is the atmosphere.
“One of my favorite things about Oklahoma Children’s Hospital is that it’s built for kids,” she said. “From the second you walk in, everyone’s smiling. Everyone’s welcoming. The environment matters so much when you’re facing something this big. They made us feel like we weren’t alone.”
Thanks to modern technology, compassionate care, and a mother’s foresight, Bostyn’s future is bright. And for Kimari, the journey has come full circle.
“If I could tell other parents one thing,” Kimari said, “it’s this: ask for the scoliosis check. It’s such a simple thing — just a bend-and-reach test during a well-child visit. But it can make all the difference.”
For this mother and daughter, that one small check opened the door to early intervention, personalized care and the chance to rewrite Bostyn’s future.
“In our pediatric orthopedic surgery clinic, families can experience a caring evaluation with a balanced discussion about their diagnosis and treatment plan with experts in pediatric orthopedic surgery,” Dr. Lewis said. “All of our surgeons have deep Oklahoma roots and world class training. Children here are taught about scoliosis at a level they can understand and walked through a treatment plan that allow them to still "be a kid" as much as possible while keeping an eye on their outcome and abilities as an adult.”
Learn more about pediatric orthopedic services at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital or request an appointment with a pediatric orthopedic specialist at (405) 271-2669.
