Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine. It occurs most often during the growth spurt just before puberty, according to the Mayo Clinic.

“Many of the girls in our group are 10-14 years old and they wear a hard plastic brace for scoliosis and undergo other treatments,” Nicole Agaronnik, Brooklyn Chapter leader of the Curvy Girls Scoliosis International Support Group told the Brooklyn Eagle. “So we wanted to design costumes for them and create a fashion show out of something that they often feel shame about.”

Agaronnik said that a diagnosis can create a tough transition for girls in elementary and middle school, especially since they face bullying from their peers. In order to avoid surgery, most of the girls have to wear the brace for almost 24 hours a day in addition to conservative treatments such as Schroth therapy (a type of physical therapy).

The fashion show is an opportunity for the girls to “take back” scoliosis by celebrating what makes them unique. The young fashionistas have rhinestoned their braces and will feature them in the show.

This participation allows the girls to play an active role in changing perception about scoliosis, Agaronnik said.

The Brooklyn Curvy Girls Scoliosis Fundraiser will take place from 4-6 p.m. in the second-floor Auditorium at the Kings Bay Y, 3495 Nostrand Ave.

Suggested minimum donation is $15 at the door or $10 in advance at GoFundMe.com/CurvyGirlsScoliosisBrooklyn. Please include your name with your donation.

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