2022 – Claudia Merizalde Figueroa
Meet Claudia Merizalde Figueroa from Ecuador! As a child, Claudia enjoyed dancing and loved playing basketball! But at the age of 13, she started to experience back and leg pain. In recent years, her physical condition worsened along with her morale. At times, she had difficulty moving her legs and no longer participated in the things that once brought her joy. She withdrew from friends, avoided social activities, and preferred to be alone. Despite efforts, nonsurgical methods were ineffective. Her spinal deformity caused almost constant back and hip pain. She also experienced frequent weakness and discomfort in her legs that kept her from being able to walk for more than 10 minutes at a time. Daily activities were difficult. The pain also prevented her from doing what she loved…
With help and support from SpineHope's partner in Ecuador, Fundación El Cielo Para los Niños, Claudia was evaluated by local Orthopedist and SpineHope partner, Dr. Hazem Nicola, who diagnosed her with Degenerative Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis with a lumbar curve of 90+ degrees. He advised that fusion surgery is the only way to prevent the scoliosis progression. On August 11, 2022, Claudia (age 17), was had a successful, 8-hour long charity spinal fusion in Austin, Texas at Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas, Member of Ascension. Her surgeon was Dr. Matthew Geck of Ascension Texas Spine and Scoliosis.
Due to the severity of her case and need for a spinal fusion down to her pelvis, Claudia required custom implants, advanced technology, and special equipment for this complex surgery. Thankfully, Medtronic was willing to donate what was needed! Medtronic provided special UNiD Rods, created from a patient specific plan developed using surgeon input and predictive models (artificial intelligence), to ensure the best long-term outcome. We are grateful to Medtronic for their generosity and willingness to supply state-of-the-art technology for her case!
SpineHope would also like to thank Claudia’s other Volunteer Heroes and Medical “Dream Team”:
• Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas, Member of Ascension & OR/Post-Op Care Teams
• Dr. Matthew Geck & Team at Texas Spine & Scoliosis
• Dr. Hazem Nicola & Orthopedic Team in Ecuador
• Dr. Lindsey Rutland & Team at US Anesthesia Partners
• Whitney Scurlock & Medtronic Implant/Product Team
• Bridges Gordy & NuVasive Neuromonitoring
• Jessy Faulkner at Thomas Law Firm (Immigration Attorney)
• ARA Diagnostic Imaging
• Dr. Elena Ruiz & Bee Caves Pediatrics
• Ingrid Villarreal (Translator & Patient Advocate)
• Byron Figueroa & the Fundación El Cielo Para los Niños in Ecuador
• The Ronald McDonald House of Central Texas
• Claudia's Sponsors – Medtronic and ALL who donated during the 2021 WALK TALL Benefit…You made this possible!
For Claudia, this surgery meant that there was hope of restoring the “joy for life” she once had. She looks forward to having better health and pursuing her dreams!