Evi Simental, now 19, recalls the moment her mother was massaging her back and noted the curve in her spine.  At first, her mother criticized her 6th grade daughter for not sitting up straight.  Both Evi and her mother, however, later learned from CHOC physicians that Evi’s curve was the result of scoliosis – not bad posture.

When a scoliosis brace did not yield the kind of results doctors hoped for, Evi underwent successful scoliosis surgery, performed by renowned orthopedic surgeon and the Medical Director of the CHOC Orthopaedic Institute Dr. Afshin Aminian.  She was 15 years old and spent one week in the hospital. 

Today, Evi is a college student pursuing her dream to become a social worker at CHOC.  She frequently visits with the orthopedic team in the hospital’s clinic and avails herself, whenever she can, to new patients.  She doesn’t hesitate to share her story and experience with others – something she plans to do when she reaches her goal of becoming a social worker and giving back to CHOC.

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