About Ashley Crane:
At the age of 11, Ashley was diagnosed with severe scoliosis
and had to wear a back brace for almost 24 hours per day.
Unfortunately, the degree of her curvatures continued to
increase significantly. Since bracing did not halt the
progression of her disease, surgery was recommended and
became necessary.
In September of 2001, Ashley underwent 2 surgeries. The
first one took 15 hours. The second surgery was one week
later, and it took 18 hours. 16 vertebral discs were removed
and two titanium rods were inserted that run down both sides
of her spine. Because of the rods, Ashley was told she would
be severely limited in movement and would not be able to bend
past her knees.
Throughout Ashley’s many treatments related to her
diagnosis of scoliosis, she often wished she had someone to
talk to that had similar experiences. Therefore, she started a
scoliosis consultant program and is available to talk to
families and patients about her experiences with scoliosis.
Ashley’s message is not only about scoliosis, it is also about
accepting yourself as you are but striving to be your best. It is
about determination, perseverance, and passion. Ashley
believes that many times we don't have a choice in regards to
the obstacles we face—for some it may be illness, poverty,
difficult family situations, trouble in school or other adversity.
However, we do have a choice in how we face these things—as
problems that keep us down or challenges that give us the
opportunity to excel and surpass what we and others never
thought was possible.
Dance was a huge part of Ashley’s rehabilitation and has
since become one of her greatest passions. Currently, she can
not only bend past her knees, but she can do the splits and
touch her toes. Performing high energy tap dances has become
one of her favorite things to do. Ashley feels that growing up
with scoliosis has made her a stronger person, and has
enabled her to overcome many obstacles.
