She was immediately referred to Shriners Children’s Portland and was placed in the care of scoliosis specialist Charles D’Amato, M.D. “I was greeted with open arms and the kindest staff,” said Peighten. “Dr. D’Amato was such a kindhearted person and even came out to meet my family and I in the hallway as I was leaving to give me words of encouragement because he didn’t want me to leave upset.”
She started with regular bracing, to prevent the curve from progressing, which she wore regularly for seven years. Peighten recalls the care she received from Todd DeWees, manager of the Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS) department. “Todd impacted my Shriners Children’s appointments for the better,” Peighten said. “He was the one in charge of the majority of my back braces. He went above and beyond for myself and my family for those difficult brace fitting appointments. Even after I was done bracing, I would still go and visit him after my appointments because of the impact he made.”
Todd also has fond memories of working with Peighten. “I had the opportunity to see Peighten grow and mature from a scared young girl who did not want to wear a brace to the fantastic, mature person she is today,” Todd said. “It is one of the best parts of working with patients and families like Peighten’s.”
When Dr. D’Amato retired in 2018, Peighten started seeing Michelle Welborn, M.D. “Dr. Welborn was the one who turned my experience with scoliosis around,” Peighten said. “She constantly made it known that she was there for me at every step of the way.”
When Peighten was 15 years old, Dr. Welborn identified that her growth plates had closed, and after six months of observation, she had her spinal fusion surgery at age 16. “Dr. Welborn helped me get my confidence back after my surgery in 2019, and that is something I will forever be grateful for,” said Peighten.
Dr. Welborn was the one who turned my experience with scoliosis around. She constantly made it known that she was there for me at every step of the way.
Peighten recalls her last appointment with Shriners Children’s Portland in January 2024. Everyone in the clinic came into the room to congratulate her on graduating from Shriners Children’s, and she was presented with a quilt and pillowcase, which she loves and still has on her bed.
In 2024, Peighten graduated with the highest honors from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Arts in human development and family sciences. She is interested in becoming a child life specialist after being inspired by those she encountered at Shriners Children’s. “The child life specialist would make a massive difference in my appointments through little arts and crafts distractions,” said Peighten, “and I want to continue that work and help children going through similar situations as myself when I was their age.”
Dr. Welborn has high hopes for Peighten’s future. “Peighten is an incredible young woman that brings joy to all the people around her,” said Dr. Welborn. “The role of child life specialist is so perfect for her. Her strength and life experiences only give greater depth to her compassion. I look forward to the day when we work together at Shriners Children’s helping to improve other children's experiences.”
Peighten has been impacted greatly by her experience at Shriners Children’s Portland. The time she spent with the physicians and staff had a huge impact on her progress. “I have nothing but great things to say about this hospital and its staff. Thank you so much, and I will miss you all.”
Peighten is fitted for a brace at a routine appointment with Shriners Children's Portland POPS team.
Peighten poses with Todd DeWees, who made many braces for her over seven years.
Peighten with Dr. Welborn at Shriners Children's Portland.
Peighten during graduation from Oregon State University in 2024. Photo credit: Josie Leigh Photography.
