Just months after major scoliosis surgery, 12-year-old Gwen Stine of Norton is back to doing cartwheels, cheering on the sidelines, performing in school musicals and living life with a confidence that has inspired everyone around her.
But there was a moment shortly after surgery when simply standing up felt monumental.
Friends and family gathered around Gwen’s hospital room at Akron Children’s after her lengthy spinal surgery in October 2025, watching closely as she prepared to take her very first steps.
Dressed in a hospital gown and surrounded by support, Gwen slowly stood and began walking. It was emotional for everyone in the room.
The Norton middle school cheerleader had just undergone a complex hybrid scoliosis surgery combining traditional spinal fusion with a newer procedure called vertebral body tethering, or VBT, an innovative technique designed to help preserve flexibility and range of motion for growing children.
And despite everything she had been through, Gwen faced it with remarkable courage.
“She’s just incredibly brave,” said family friend Tina Heiberg, who was there during Gwen’s recovery. “Watching her take those first steps brought tears to my eyes.”
Gwen was diagnosed with scoliosis at just 5 years old. For seven years, she wore a brace and worked through increasing discomfort as her spinal curve worsened.
By age 11, surgery had become unavoidable. For Gwen and her family, the goal wasn’t just correcting the curve. It was preserving the active life she loved so much: cheerleading, dancing, performing and simply being a kid.
That’s where the newer vertebral body tethering procedure came in.
Unlike traditional spinal fusion alone, VBT uses a flexible tether attached to the spine to help guide growth and preserve motion. Doctors at Akron Children’s say the procedure can be especially beneficial for young athletes involved in activities requiring flexibility, like gymnastics, diving and cheerleading.
Gwen underwent both spinal fusion and vertebral body tethering during the same surgery, a hybrid approach designed specifically for her spine.
The recovery was remarkable.
Within weeks, Gwen was back at school. Soon after, she returned to singing and dancing in her school musical. Today, she’s back to cheerleading, including mounts, jumps and cartwheels.
And when it was all said and done, Gwen stood two inches taller.
But perhaps even more impressive than her physical recovery is the way she continues to openly share her story to encourage and support others navigating scoliosis.
Gwen and her mother, Joelle, have long been involved in Curvy Girls, a scoliosis support organization. Gwen now serves as leader of the Cleveland chapter, helping younger girls feel less alone during difficult diagnoses and treatments.
“She doesn’t hide her scars,” Joelle said. “She wears them proudly. And that says so much about who she is.”
On Easter, Gwen intentionally chose an open-back dress so her spinal scar would show.
“It’s a badge of courage,” Gwen said.
Today, her story is giving hope to other families facing similar journeys, proof strength can look like hospital gowns and first steps, but also cartwheels, confidence and choosing to help others through your own pain.
