From smiling with her spikes in hand to not knowing if she’ll ever give her all on the track again, 13-year-old Shanita Bruce is now facing a rapidly advancing case of scoliosis that brings frequent pain and has forced her to step away from the activities she once loved.

Shanita’s father, Sean Bruce, told Observer Online that the condition was first detected when she was around 11 years old, but the family did not realise the severity until recently. Doctors have confirmed that her spine has curved significantly to the right, and the angle has increased quickly over the past two years.

“She used to be very active—track and field was her thing. But now when she runs she gets pain in her chest and back. Some days she can’t even manage to go to school because she can’t sit up for long,” Bruce said.

Her mother explained that Shanita’s day-to-day life has become increasingly restricted. She often has to lie down to relieve the pressure on her back and struggles with pain during extended standing, sitting or even simple activities like doing her hair. The family has been advised to get a special chair for her to use at Holy Childhood High, where she is a student, but Shanita has been reluctant to draw attention to her condition.

Despite her challenges, Shanita remains determined.

“She’s very independent,” her mother said. “She knows what she can and cannot do, and she tries her best. She loves to dance and sing, and she’s active in drama at school. But she knows that surgery is the only option now.”

According to the family, the required surgery, including medical tests, spinal fixtures and post-surgery care, will cost more than $4 million, and does not include the surgeon’s fees. They have launched a GoFundMe campaign and have also been organising cake sales and other small fundraising efforts.

Her mother, who recently joined a scoliosis support group online, said researching the condition has been overwhelming.

“Some of what I’ve learned is terrifying because we weren’t told much about what happens after surgery. But I have to prepare myself,” she said. “She might need help with simple things like bathroom breaks after the procedure, and the pain is said to be really difficult.”

She added that the journey has taught her the importance of early intervention.

“If parents notice anything they don’t understand, don’t take it for granted. Research it. Seek more than one medical opinion. Physiotherapy early can help, but once it becomes severe, the only option is surgery.”

Shanita, meanwhile, is trying to stay hopeful.

“She tells me she has faith,” her mother shared. “She wants to do the surgery because she doesn’t want the deformity. She understands what is happening to her.”

The family is calling for greater public support and more affordable medical care for children diagnosed with the condition.

“The healthcare is too expensive,” her mother said. “Many families simply cannot afford this.”

Those wishing to make a donation towards Shanita’s surgery can do so via https://gofund.me/12a962e2e.