"Hi, I'm Caitlin Bosshart, a #scoliosiswarrior. I was diagnosed with major triple-curve Scoliosis when I was 10 years old. At age 11, as a means of intervention, I was fitted for a corset-style brace that had to be worn 18 hours a day. The 3 years I wore my brace were undoubtedly some of the hardest years of my life. Not only was the brace restrictive, uncomfortable and often painful to wear, but as a middle schooler, I was completely humiliated that I had to wear this awkward piece of plastic under my clothes and tried to hide it from my classmates, the best I could. As a result, I became withdrawn and depressed. Unfortunately, the years of wearing the brace were not effective in preventing the curving and twisting of my spine, and at 15, I underwent a fourteen-vertebrae spinal fusion. After 5 days in the hospital, a blood transfusion and losing 6 pounds due to medication complications, I was on the mend. Since the surgery, I've worked to manage chronic pain which eventually led me to yoga - which has been the life-changing catalyst for both my physical and emotional healing process. Everyday I'm incredibly grateful for what my body still allows me to do, and for what it has taught me, and continues to teach me, about myself. My journey with Scoliosis has empowered me to own my strengths and take responsibility for my path in life, to rewrite and transform my personal story, to question my limitations and dream big. It's as if my crooked spine, and the lessons I learned along the way, destined me to walk my own winding path as a multi-passionate entrepreneur, life coach, wedding coach, yoga teacher, and artist, with the honor of helping others bring their authenticity into the world too. I hope you'll connect with me." @caitlin_bosshart