The Finding Scoliosis Kindly (FiSK) Project seeks to raise global awareness of scoliosis, educate people about the physical and emotional effects of the condition, advocate for early management, and support free scoliosis screening in underserved communities in the USA and Nigeria, Africa.

Click here to learn about scoliosis.

WHAT INSPIRED THE FOUNDER TO START THIS PROJECT?

OlaRose Ndubuisi’s experience with scoliosis and her desire to help other kids inspired her to start Finding Scoliosis Kindly. “Some kids with scoliosis get bullied for wearing a brace, feel alone, have difficulty talking about their scoliosis, or feel that their pain is invisible,” OlaRose explains. “I want to let kids know that they are not alone, and provide positive coping mechanisms with other kids to help them manage the emotional effects of scoliosis healthily.” At 15 years old, in October of 2022, OlaRose founded Finding Scoliosis Kindly or FiSK.

WHAT DOES THE FiSK PROJECT INCLUDE? 

The FiSK Project includes:

• An educational research survey that has reached 25 U.S. states and 19 countries worldwide.
• A t-shirt fundraiser, in which 100% of the proceeds support free scoliosis screening and education.

Purchase a FiSK t-shirt that displays inspiring poetry quotes and empowering scoliosis art by OlaRose Ndubuisi. All proceeds from the FiSK t-shirt fundraiser will be used for free scoliosis screening and education in underserved communities in U.S.A. and Nigeria, Africa. 

Link to OlaRose’s FiSK T-shirt Fundraising Event: FiSK T-Shirts 

• Scoliosis screening and education in underserved communities in Nigeria and the USA.

While recovering from scoliosis surgery, OlaRose traveled to Nigeria in Africa in July 2023 with the Mezu International Foundation for their annual medical mission trip. In Imo State, Nigeria, OlaRose held a scoliosis seminar and educated 300 patients and kids about scoliosis. She screened 20 kids for scoliosis using a scoliometer and the Adams Forward Bend Test, empowering them and their families with a new awareness of scoliosis. Families were encouraged to get officially checked by a doctor. The proceeds that OlaRose received from her t-shirt fundraiser and the first prize SohoMD Mental Health Video contest were used to purchase supplies that she used during her seminar in Nigeria and to support scoliosis education and awareness.

• Finding Scoliosis Kindly Club, which OlaRose founded in her high school in April 2024.
• Positive social media posts to encourage positive coping mechanisms and outlets.

WHY IS IT CALLED “FINDING SCOLIOSIS KINDLY”?

OlaRose chose to call this project “Finding Scoliosis Kindly (FiSK)” because the effects of scoliosis are hidden. People feel like their pain, suffering, and their curved spine are invisible. It is more common to see individuals with crutches or a cast than to see someone openly wearing a back brace. Due to this, some may focus solely on the noticeable nature of a brace, rather than consider why that person may be wearing one. This can make those with scoliosis feel self-conscious.

It is important that we address invisible issues like scoliosis and raise awareness in a kind and tolerant way. This helps people with scoliosis to feel seen and heard, and allows these important conversations to be held in a natural and compassionate way.

Do you, a family member, or a friend have scoliosis? Would you would like to show support? Learn all about OlaRose’s Finding Scoliosis Kindly (FiSK) Project and how you can get involved.

FiSK is an initiative under the Mezu International Foundation.

Mezu International Foundation (MIF) supports the Finding Scoliosis Kindly (FiSK) Project. MIF is happy to collaborate with one of their young volunteers, NY high school student, OlaRose Ndubuisi in her efforts to raise awareness for scoliosis with information dissemination, early screening, and research support.

Mezu International Foundation (MIF) is a 501 (C) (3) public charity organization incorporated in the state of Maryland, USA. This corporation is organized exclusively for charitable, scientific and educational purposes, more specifically for charity to the needy and underserved in the USA and Africa. Click here to learn more about MIF.