My back story began one fateful day in 1984 in health class. This particular day would be anything but routine, for a fifth grader who was about to take a routine test at school, required of all its students. We were asked to stand in a single file. Lined up for what, we didn't know. But it wasn't for the daily morning roll call.

At first I wasn't worried, not until we had to lift our shirts so the nurse could check our back for unevenness. To perform what is otherwise known as the Adams Forward Bend Test. Screenings were performed during physical education classes. It took approximately one minute per student. Boys were screened separately from girls. During the screening you were asked to stand straight, but relaxed, with your arms hanging loosely at your sides at about the level of your knees, keeping your feet together, while looking straight ahead. Two screenings were required before parents were notified to see an orthopedist. What seemed like a simple examination was difficult for my young mind to understand. When it was finally my turn I was nervous, but I didn't have a chance at relief when it was over.

The nurse pulled me aside from the rest of the group. She wanted to take a closer look at an "area of concern." I don't know what was more troubling, hearing her words, or being the only one of my peers to have to hear them. The right side of my body was more pronounced than my left. Another wards, I had what could only be described as a hump in my back. I would have to see a specialist for further assessment. Needless to say, I was stunned. All I could do was stand there in silence, isolated with my own thoughts. I didn't know what to think. I had never heard of scoliosis, much less knew what it was. I was filled with apprehension at the thought of seeing a doctor. At the doctor's office they took a series of x-rays of my midsection, checking for abnormalities. What they concluded was I had a curvature of the spine measuring between 40-45 degrees.