Lindsay Ellingson has had quite the journey! She’s been a gymnast, a dancer, a top-of-her-class student, a Victoria’s Secret Angel, an entrepreneur, and even a patient with scoliosis. And now, she’s taking on the role of Setting Scoliosis Straight Celebrity Spokesperson. We couldn’t be happier with her decision, and we think you’ll feel the same once you get to know her!
In so many ways, Lindsay is just like any other patient with scoliosis. Her dreams were put on hold when she received her diagnosis, and she was scared. But she didn’t let that stop her. She took two different treatment paths – she wore a brace and had surgery. And then, she was given the freedom to chase her dreams and achieve incredible success. Now, 18 years after her surgery, Lindsay is ready to give back. After four years of searching for the perfect SSS spokesperson, we’re thrilled to have finally found her!
Read Lindsay’s Story!
Read Lindsay’s story in her own words. Gymnastics was literally all I could think about in 4th grade. I begged my parents non-stop to let me take classes. They witnessed me cartwheeling around the house and making my own balance beam out of blankets. And I just kept begging. It didn’t take long for them to see how serious I was, and finally, they agreed. I was going to take gymnastics!
I absolutely loved challenging my body and mind to move in all sorts of ways. The gymnastics workouts were a blast and super intense. Believe it or not, within just a few months, I nailed my first back handspring without any help. The feeling of accomplishment and thrill I got from conquering a new challenge motivated me to push myself even further. I had crazy strength and flexibility, and my coaches were blown away by how much my back could bend. I cherished every single second of practice.
But then, Lindsay Ellingson, around 5th grade, my memories of gymnastics start to fade away. All I can really remember is cooling down at the end of a class. As my coach pressed my hips deeper into a stretch, he noticed something strange and called my mom over. That’s when I heard the word scoliosis for the first time. My coach pointed out that the muscles on the lower left side of my back were raised compared to the right, and he insisted that I needed to see a doctor right away.
Thoracic Curve Tragedy
Everything just happened in a blur. It was already March 1996, almost at the end of 5th grade, when the x-rays revealed that I had a thoracic curve from T5 to T11 measuring 25 degrees, and a thoracolumbar curve from T12 to L4 measuring 35 degrees. The diagnosis: adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, which basically meant that my spine was shaped like an S and there was no known cause. I hadn’t noticed anything abnormal before my coach pointed it out, and I wasn’t even experiencing any pain. But I was immediately fitted for a brace that I was instructed to wear for a whopping 23 and a half hours a day. This meant no more gymnastics. My heart just sank.
The brace Lindsay had to wear was this thick plastic contraption, and let me tell you, I was always burning up in that thing, especially since I grew up in the California desert. It clung tightly around my stomach and closed at the back with leather buckles, all in an attempt to straighten my spine. My half-hour showers, which were the only moments I didn’t have to wear the brace, became the highlight of my day. I desperately wanted to hide the brace from the other kids at school. I was so embarrassed. It didn’t help that I was painfully shy and didn’t have many friends to support me through this tough time. My mom took me shopping to buy oversized t-shirts just to cover up the brace. Lindsay Ellingson, If I slouched even a little, the brace would poke out of my back like wings – wings that were definitely not as glamorous as the ones I would later wear on the Victoria’s Secret runway. I eventually settled into my new life and became extremely diligent about wearing the brace exactly as my doctor told me to. As uncomfortable, sweaty, and claustrophobic as that brace was, my health became my top priority, and it was ultimately more important than gymnastics. However, when I was in 6th grade, I decided to try out for the dance team. By that time, the brace had almost become a part of me.
Sadly, the brace didn’t stop my curves from progressing. I had to get x-rayed every six months. And at each doctor’s visit, I could feel my stomach drop and the room spin as I received the news that my scoliosis was getting worse, despite faithfully wearing the brace. By the time I reached 7th grade, I had developed hypokyphosis – my thoracic curve had skyrocketed to 54 degrees, while the thoracolumbar curve hit a whopping 57 degrees. That’s when the doctors recommended surgery to Lindsay Ellingson.
My surgery was scheduled for July 30th, a date that loomed with both anticipation and anxiety. As the day approached, I delved into extensive research about spinal fusion surgery, immersing myself in the stories of fellow patients shared online. Their testimonials served as a beacon of hope, encouraging me to maintain a positive mindset and envision a future of restored health and vitality post-surgery. I also discovered the significance of being in optimal physical shape before the procedure, prompting me to embark on regular neighborhood jogs to build endurance and find solace in the rhythmic pounding of my feet on the pavement. Alongside physical preparation, I diligently practiced positive affirmations, reinforcing my belief in a successful outcome.
Understanding the gravity of the procedure, my family and I made the unanimous decision to seek out an experienced surgeon in Los Angeles, known for their expertise in pediatric scoliosis surgery. Months prior to the operation, I had the privilege of meeting my orthopedic surgeon, a legendary figure in the field. With a gentle demeanor and a penchant for whimsical ties, he endeavored to put my fears to rest. During our initial consultation, he shared a photo album showcasing his patients after surgery, engaging in exhilarating activities such as mountain biking, water skiing, golfing, and dancing. These images served as a tangible reminder that spinal fusion surgery would not impede my aspirations for a normal and active life.
The day of my surgery arrived, enveloping me in a mixture of apprehension and gratitude. The waiting room became a haven of support as I found solace in the presence of my parents, grandmother, and two sisters. The weight of the situation settled upon me, intensifying my fear. Yet, the collective prayers of loved ones near and far, as well as the unwavering faith of my church community, infused me with an unyielding strength. As a nurse administered medication to alleviate my anxiety, a soothing calm washed over me, gradually erasing my conscious recollection.
According to Lindsay Ellingson’s mother’s meticulously kept journal chronicling my hospital stay, the surgery spanned seven arduous hours. Amidst the array of medical details, there was a lighthearted anecdote that brought a smile to our faces. As the medical staff wheeled me out of the operating room, my eyes still swollen shut from laying on my stomach for an extended period, I managed to muster a wave to everyone in the vicinity. In a comical twist, I found myself engaged in a playful tug-of-war with the nurse, determined to rid myself of the oxygen mask. These moments of levity provided a much-needed respite for my family, who grappled with the emotional toll of witnessing their loved one undergo such a profound surgical intervention. Looking back, I realize that the experience was perhaps more challenging for them than it was for me.
I emerged from the anesthesia-induced haze in the ICU, greeted by the presence of my devoted mother by my side. Although my eyes were swollen and my vision impaired, her comforting presence instilled a sense of tranquility. Nurses diligently attended to me, frequently checking in and gently repositioning my body to alleviate discomfort. The following morning, a nurse entered my room with a tear-shaped stuffed animal, adorned with a pain scale ranging from 0 to 10. With a gentle voice, she asked me to indicate my level of pain, and with a sense of relief, I pointed to zero.
Every step of the journey, from the pre-surgery preparations to the post-operative care, was marked by a tapestry of emotions for Lindsay Ellingson,, both challenging and triumphant. It is through these intricacies that the profound impact of my surgery and the unwavering support of my loved ones come to life, shaping an indelible chapter in my life’s narrative.
Lindsay Ellingson, was in the hospital for one week and received exceptional care from the compassionate and dedicated nurses. Although there were challenging moments during my stay, the support and expertise of the medical staff made a significant difference in my recovery journey. In the initial days, I experienced bouts of nausea and vomiting whenever I attempted to sit up, which added to the discomfort. On the second day, I required a blood transfusion due to the significant blood loss during the surgery. The process of sitting up was accompanied by pain, and the task of standing up seemed even more arduous. However, a sense of pride washed over me when I finally managed to stand on my feet, and to my astonishment, I had grown an inch and a half taller in the process!
The moment came when I was informed that I could return home once I regained the ability to walk with ease. Working closely with a dedicated physical therapist, I consistently pushed myself beyond my limits, determined to improve my walking speed and conquer stair climbing. Although physically weakened, a profound shift occurred within my mind. I became resolute in my determination to not only recover but to reclaim my place on the dance floor.
As I was finally discharged from the hospital, I was showered with armfuls of flowers and stuffed animals, symbolizing the triumph of my recovery. The experience left me feeling inspired and exhilarated, knowing that if I could overcome such a major surgery, there was no limit to what I could achieve. Despite certain restrictions, I returned to dance practice as soon as the school year commenced. Throughout my freshman year of college, I continued to dance competitively, defying the notion that spinal fusion surgery would limit me physically. On the contrary, it made me stronger both physically and mentally, fueling my ambition to achieve several goals. Graduating in the top ten of my high school class and pursuing a biology major at UCSD with aspirations of becoming a doctor or medical researcher were among the ambitions I set my sights on. However, the universe had another plan in store for me.
About a decade ago, I was unexpectedly scouted by a modeling agent, which led to an extraordinary opportunity in the fashion industry. Within a few months, I found myself in the enchanting city of Paris, working as a fashion model. Since then, I have graced the runways of hundreds of fashion shows, adorned numerous magazine covers, and proudly represented renowned brands such as Dolce Gabbana, Tommy Hilfiger, Victoria’s Secret, and many more. In 2007, I fulfilled a lifelong dream by strutting down the runway at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, carrying some of the most elaborate and weighty wings in the entire production. Additionally, I have actively participated in 50-mile bike rides to raise funds for cancer research, devotedly practice yoga almost every day, and continue to attend dance classes. Astonishingly, most people remain completely unaware of the two metal rods that are a permanent part of my back, and it is only now that I am sharing my remarkable journey.
Despite achieving considerable success and acquiring numerous titles throughout my lifetime, the accomplishment that fills me with the greatest sense of pride is the scar on my back. Enduring the grueling process of bracing and spinal fusion surgery not only shaped me physically but also instilled a profound depth of character. This experience convinced me that I am capable of conquering any challenge that I set my mind to. Alongside my various achievements, I recently co-founded a line of cosmetics called Wander Beauty, adding the title of entrepreneur to my list of accomplishments. Starting a company has presented me with an exciting new challenge, one that I eagerly embrace. However, the title I yearn for the most is that of a messenger. My ultimate goal is to reach every child who is undergoing scoliosis treatment or facing the prospect of surgery, assuring them that they possess incredible uniqueness and will undoubtedly achieve remarkable feats. My message to them is simple yet powerful: stay strong and positive. If a shy and awkward teenage girl from the desert can triumph over adversity and thrive, so can they!