My name is Sarina Parks, I'm 17 years old. This is the story of why I'm focused on educating youth on good posture and why I volunteer for Operation Walk.

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"You have scoliosis" is what my pediatrician told me during my annal visit. 

 

Three simple words that filled me with great fear. As a thirteen-year old I had no idea how serious this condition was. I came home and started searching the internet, looking for pictures of scoliosis which made me even more anxious as I saw that the progression of the curvature of the spine could result in many complications, including a deformed back, muscle imbalance and pain, if left untreated. 

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As I started to process what it meant to live with a progressive condition, I began to have scary thoughts about the future of my mobility. Would my scoliosis progress to the extent of what I saw on the internet and leave me with deformity and limited function? I was motivated to do anything I possibly could to slow down the progression. My pediatrician referred me to a specialist and I started physical therapy to strengthen my core muscles. I also decided to join my high school track team to continue conditioning my core and back muscles and stay ultra-mobile. To this day, I have not missed a single day of these strengthening exercises. I committed to training daily with my high school track coach, before and during track season. As a result of hard work, I have been able to share many race victories with my track relay team. Under close supervision of my doctor, I am happy to report that my scoliosis has progressed only minimally, and I am optimistic about the future, as long as I stay physically fit and strong.

As I have faced my own personal health challenge, I have become highly aware of the importance of good posture, physical fitness and taking preventative measures. This challenge has also given me the desire to share my knowledge and personal experience with others. As a part of my Girl Scout Gold Project, I organized educational workshops for 4th, 5th, and 6th graders, to teach them about the importance of correct posture and daily stretching exercises to strengthen their core and back muscles. I chose to work with students who are in the preteen age group so that they learn the necessary skills before they are adolescents.

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In addition to my desire to share my knowledge, I also wanted to volunteer in a capacity where I can have a direct impact on someone’s mobility. As a teenager with no clinical skills, I was not sure if this was possible until I saw my dad’s pictures from his recent medical mission trip in Tanzania with Operation Walk. I was inspired when I saw that so many volunteers of different ages and skills came together to restore mobility to those who could not afford it. I realized that I don’t need any special skills, just a desire to help and share my own personal journey.

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What started as a scary day in my pediatrician’s office, set me on a path that I had never imagined: I have learned about my health, my body, how to manage my emotions and take control of my condition. I have been fortunate to have access to medical specialists and a supportive high school coach who have helped me every step of the way. I have come to realize that I want to do the same for others who might be suffering from similar challenges.  

 

I've been spreading the word about the Operation Walk organization at my local community and continue to collect gently used crutches, canes, and walkers. In July 2024 I travelled to the Philippines as a student volunteer for Operation Walk's annual medical mission. This trip was amazing and heart warming, as I was able to meet the patients in person, many of whom were using the walkers and crutches I had collected, while they were recovering from knee and hip replacement surgery. I want to continue to make a positive contribution in my local community and also volunteer for upcoming medical missions.