Higgy Con 2024 – Scoliosis Strong

Shriners Children’s patients, staff and scoliosis families gathered in suburban Chicago for the second year of Higgy Con, an annual conference that brings together families from all over the world.

For the second year, Shriners Children’s Chicago and Shriners Children's Philadelphia were co-sponsors of this convention. Scoliosis can be difficult for kids and teens both physically and emotionally. This special weekend gives them the opportunity to meet others going through the same thing. Over three days they meet and support one another through various activities including a fashion show, crafts and a dance party. Families spoke with staff members at the Shriners Children’s Chicago booth, and learned directly from the spine team about the care provided at Shriners Children’s locations around the nation.

Parents had the opportunity to hear from several speakers while their kids were bonding with others. This year included several Shriners Children’s Chicago staff members, including Purnendu Gupta, M.D., who is a pediatric orthopedic spine surgeon and chief of staff, as well as Kathy Zebracki, Ph.D., chief of psychology.

Dr. Gupta gave an overview of scoliosis as well as surgical and non-surgical treatment options that are available. Dr. Zebracki spoke to parents about promoting resilience and treatment adherence in pediatric scoliosis, and overall mental health awareness. Spine nurse Linda Cree, RN, compassionately engaged with families during multiple support group sessions over three days, offering valuable information and emotional support regarding scoliosis.

Lifelong friendships were made at Higgy Con, and families learned from informative sessions. If you are interested in attending Higgy Con 2024 in Dallas, Texas, learn more at higgycon.com.