Teens Donate Braces to Kids with Scoliosis | Higgy Bears Comfort Patients

Cambridge, Illinois – Two teenagers are working to ease the emotional and physical challenges faced by young people undergoing treatment for scoliosis. Meredith Secymore, 13, and Addy Blade, 14, recently donated 280 custom teddy bears to patients at University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital in Iowa City.

The donation stemmed from the girls’ own experiences with scoliosis, a condition causing a sideways curvature of the spine, often requiring patients to wear back braces for extended periods. Inspired by receiving a Barbie doll with a brace during their own treatment, Secymore and Blade sought to provide similar comfort to others. “When we both got our braces, we received a Barbie with a brace on it,” Addy Blade said. “I just remember feeling highly excited about that. It was really fun to see that toys come with braces.”

The bears, known as Higgy Bears, are specifically designed with miniature back braces mirroring those worn by scoliosis patients. The girls participated in The Higgy Bear Million Bear Challenge, a worldwide effort to provide these specialized stuffed animals to children with scoliosis. Through the challenge, they raised $3,550, exceeding their initial goal of $1,000 within the first day of fundraising, according to University of Iowa Health Care.

“It’s supposed to like spread awareness for kids with scoliosis and build them perceive like they aren’t alone in the journey,” Meredith Secymore explained. Hospital staff were able to provide a Higgy Bear to their first scoliosis patient the day after the donation was delivered, with the patient expressing excitement at receiving the gift.

Both teens emphasized the mental challenges associated with scoliosis treatment, which can be as difficult as the physical discomfort. “Probably the mental side of it more than the physical side for sure,” Blade said. “You have to calculate how many hours you’re going to get your hours in, especially when you do sports.” Secymore added that the condition impacts daily life, causing back pain during school and athletic activities.

Having each other as support has been crucial for Secymore, and Blade. “It’s just nice to have someone to talk about it with,” Secymore said. “It’s easier for us to understand it given that nobody else really does.” They hope their donation will help other children feel less isolated as they navigate their own scoliosis journeys. “Wear your brace,” Blade advised. “You are never alone and it gets easier.” Secymore added, “It gets a lot more comfortable.”

The girls are both patients at University of Iowa Health Care; Meredith Secymore is under the care of Dr. Stuart Weinstein, while Addy Blade sees Dr. Joshua Holt. Both have also worked with nurse practitioner Elizabeth Faine.