Clara understands the experience of growing up in a hospital. Now, she’s supporting other children in finding comfort.

In the hallways of Shriners Children’s, Clara’s presence is often made known by her singing. She enjoys performing songs from her favorite musical, The Greatest Showman, and has also created her own melodies to express her feelings since she was three years old. Clara finds it easier to share her emotions through song, especially after years of treatment for infantile scoliosis. Despite her challenges, she remains cheerful and resilient, earning her family’s admiration as “bent, but never broken.” Her mother, Kayla, believes that Clara’s happiness shines through her singing.

Clara’s journey at Shriners Children’s began when she was just nine months old. Initially referred for torticollis, a condition causing her head to tilt, she was later diagnosed with infantile scoliosis at 15 months. This rare condition leads to a significant curvature of the spine in young children. While healthy spines have less than a ten-degree curve, Clara’s was around 50 degrees. Her family and medical team quickly worked on a treatment plan which involved using plaster casts called Mehta casts. These casts help correct her spine while allowing for growth, and since starting treatment, Clara has used 14 different casts and undergone over a dozen surgeries.

Thanks to the specialized care she has received, Clara’s spine has improved significantly, with the curvature decreasing from 50 degrees to 18 degrees. Currently, she wears a back brace during the day and visits the hospital regularly for x-rays to monitor her progress, all while continuing to sing.

Clara understands that other children in the hospital also go through difficult times. To support them, she is raising funds for teddy bears that have their own back braces, which she distributes to other patients. So far, she has given out more than 145 stuffed animals and she plans to keep going. As Clara continues her own treatment, she looks forward to activities like doing flips and cartwheels, and swimming without her back brace at her grandmother’s pool. Clara always finds joy and a reason to sing. How do you think Clara’s story might inspire others?

More stories you may like

• Generation X is drawing parallels with the Silent Generation, and the resemblances are striking.
• Blink-182 Song Plays at Petco Park While Lead Singer Observes in Awe
• Ontario teenager plans to reside in his ‘modular home’ creation for a year to demonstrate its potential to eliminate homelessness.