Growing Up in A Brace

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Growing Up in a Brace is an authentic account of living with a chronic disease, told through the diary-like perspectives of a mother and daughter over nearly 20 years. Kaisa, born in Finland in 1997, was diagnosed with scoliosis as a child and wore a thick plastic brace around the clock during her formative years to help straighten her spine. Her mother, Marja, worked tirelessly to ease Kaisa's burden, reflecting the deep love and concern of a parent. The narrative spans nine years of treatment and beyond, highlighting both the challenges and triumphs they faced together. The authors address practical issues such as finding suitable clothing, effective exercises, and how to communicate about the brace with others, capturing their experiences in a book first published in Finnish in 2014, shortly after Kaisa's treatment ended. Due to positive feedback, they later updated and expanded the book for an English-speaking audience. Through personal stories and insights from medical professionals, the book offers valuable information about scoliosis and bracing, guiding newly diagnosed patients and their families. It candidly discusses hospital frustrations, moments of joy, and deeper themes like mental health. Now reflecting on their journey, Kaisa, at 25, and Marja explore life after treatment and the lasting impact of their experiences. Ultimately, it is a heartfelt story of love, perseverance, and acceptance, resonating with anyo