Stella Kinander

At just 14, Stella’s life took an unexpected turn when a routine physical revealed early signs of scoliosis. An accomplished gymnast and varsity cheerleader, Stella had always pushed her body to perform—until her spinal curves progressed and the pain became impossible to ignore.

Two years later, her curves had severely progressed and her daily routine was defined by bracing, pain, and limitations. In December 2024, after careful consideration, she underwent spinal fusion surgery from T2 to L3.

The recovery was intense. Stella spent five days in the hospital and faced weeks of physical and emotional challenges at home. Simple tasks like walking or sitting up became milestones, and returning to school after missing a month felt daunting. But Stella met every obstacle with determination. She caught up on missed work, raised her GPA, and refused to let the experience define her limits.

Though she had to say goodbye to competitive cheer and tumbling, Stella found new strength in swimming, running, and redefining what it means to be active. Her journey sparked a new goal: to pursue a career in medicine and help others through their own medical challenges.

Now, Stella lives with minimal pain and a renewed sense of purpose. Her story shows us how to face life-changing decisions with courage and to see opportunities where others might see limitations.