WHEN 18-year-old Kimberly Christie was diagnosed with scoliosis three years ago, she had never met anyone else with the condition. At school, she was sometimes the subject of jokes borne out of ignorance and she turned to friends for support.

Now, children who suffer from scoliosis no longer have to feel isolated.

Those diagnosed with the condition will benefit from the Scoliosis Club of Jamaica’s support group, which was launched Wednesday at the Liguanea Club in Kingston.

While there is currently no data available on the number of persons in Jamaica who suffer from scoliosis, orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Grantel Dundas said he has treated at least 150 patients over past the 14 years. He said that in Jamaica, scoliosis affects mostly adolescents.

“It will be a good thing for children to know that there are other children like them and they won’t feel so isolated,” he said, adding at least 80 families have shown interest in joining the club.

The club was launched by Rehab Plus, in conjunction with children and parents who are affected by scoliosis. It will provide a resource base for persons with scoliosis and actively educate and support children with the condition.

Youngsters like Soroya Bansie, who was diagnosed with scoliosis at age 11, has already made friends through the club.

“I was filled with sadness and I could only imagine the discomfort I would feel from wearing a brace,” she said. “When I heard about the Scoliosis Club of Jamaica I was ecstatic because it is an opportunity to meet new friends.”

Meanwhile, Juliet Gooden, a parent with a child who suffers from scoliosis, said she too welcomed the club.

“It is long overdue,” she said. “It has been very challenging for me to be a mother with a daughter who has scoliosis. But I make sure that whatever she does I am a part of it.”

Scoliosis is a condition which creates spinal deformity, making it ‘S’ shaped and causing pain, and sometimes respiratory complications. It is found in both males and females, but females are about eight times more likely to require treatment. Generally, scoliosis can be corrected if it is detected at a young age and while the bones of the spine are still growing. In most cases the cause of scoliosis is unknown – a condition referred to as idiopathic scoliosis. Treatment options include braces or surgery.

Out of a concern for the late detection of scoliosis cases, the club aims to set up a programme where a team will be going into schools to sensitise teachers and students about scoliosis.