Diagnosed when she was 10, she began her treatment the following year at Shriners Children’s Shreveport. Instead of allowing scoliosis to define her, she chose to use it as fuel for her ambitions. Alongside her love for dancing and the stage, Anna is especially committed to giving back to the organization that transformed her life.
In 2019, when she was 14, Anna underwent spinal fusion surgery. The procedure left her with two rods and 20 screws in her back to correct a 50-degree curve. Her care was led by Anthony Sin, M.D., a neurosurgeon who specializes in spine surgery at Shriners Children’s Shreveport. Dr. Sin will be operating on Anna, now 20, again in 2025. This upcoming surgery will address spondylolisthesis, a spinal disorder where a disc has slipped out of alignment with the rest of the spine.
Anna speaks highly of her care provider, highlighting his remarkable communication. She also appreciates that each staff member at Shriners Children’s Shreveport helped her feel welcome and encouraged. “I feel passionate about giving back to Shriners because of the way they treated me when I was there. They made me feel seen, like I wasn’t just another patient,” Anna said. She vividly remembers the moment she took her first steps after spinal fusion surgery. The memory of the medical team erupting in cheers is something she will carry with her. Four months after her surgery, Anna also achieved a personal milestone when she returned to cheerleading.
Anna was a competitive cheerleader and dancer for several years. Her love for these activities kept her motivated throughout her recovery. She slowly regained her strength, building her confidence until she was ready to perform stunts again. “I was a flyer. We were just extra cautious with it,” Anna said.
With the scar on my back, I wasn’t very confident at first, but now I am. I want to be able to share that with other kids to show them that it’s a unique journey.
The Shriners Children’s Shreveport staff also provided Anna’s family with peace of mind beyond medical care. “My family didn’t have any financial burdens from my surgery,” she said. Anna is thankful that an organization like Shriners Children’s even exists, and she wants to give back in any way she can. One of those ways is through pageants.
Competing for the first time in her senior year of high school, Anna discovered her passion for pageants. Selected as one of two representatives from her school, she fully embraced the experience, working with a coach, creating friendships and growing to love the world of pageantry. Anna used her platform on stage to share her scoliosis story and promote Shriners Children’s. “With my scar, I wasn’t very confident at first, but now I am. I want to share that with other kids and show them it’s a unique journey that can be turned into something positive,” she said.
Her desire to give back led her to organize a scoliosis awareness walk in November 2024 to benefit Shriners Children’s Shreveport. Anna reached out to her local Shriners in DeRidder, Louisiana, who were thrilled to support her efforts. “The Habibi Shriners were over-the-moon excited, so they really spread the word for me,” she said. The walk, which she also promoted through social media, was a huge success, raising $2,100. Every penny went towards providing back braces for scoliosis patients.
Anna continues to set ambitious goals for herself. She is currently preparing for a pageant in the USA system and is considering competing for Miss Louisiana one day. However, she wants to feel more stable in life before taking that step. Currently working as a dental assistant, Anna plans to return to college this year to study dental hygiene. As she prepares for her next surgery and beyond, Anna lives by her favorite quote: “Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.”
Anna stands with the Habibi Shriners who helped her organize a scoliosis awareness fundraiser walk.
Smiling for the camera, Anna is thrilled to be competing in the pageant circuit.
Anna embraces her scoliosis scar in her pageant photo.
