Béatrice and Marcus Frenette

I’m running for the younger version of me who once believed she couldn’t.

When I was a child, I faced something really challenging— scoliosis. Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves and sometimes twists sideways, often forming an “S” or “C” shape. In many cases, including mine, the exact cause isn’t known, which is called idiopathic scoliosis. As the curve progresses, it can affect posture, cause pain, and in more severe cases, even impact breathing or organ function. There were activities I had to sit out of and many moments where I felt isolated, and days where the pain made things harder than they should have been. But throughout it all, one place stood by me and changed my life, BC Children’s Hospital.

In 2014, I underwent spinal fusion surgery at BC Children’s Hospital. During that surgery, 2 rods and 27 screws were placed in my spine to stop the curve from getting worse. It was a major turning point in my life. The Orthopedics Clinic at Children’s didn’t just treat my condition, they gave me a future and gave me a quality of life. They supported me through one of the hardest moments of my life, and I will always be grateful for the care, compassion, and expertise they provided to my family and I. Today, I still live with chronic back pain and ongoing complications, but I’ve grown to manage it and continue moving forward by mitigating my pain. My journey has shaped who I am.

June is recognized as International Scoliosis Awarenesses month. 

Therefore, my partner Marcus and I thought that participating in the RBC Race for the Kids would be a great way to support children that are struggling with health issues. 

I’m not just running for myself, I’m running for the younger version of me who once believed she couldn’t. I’m running for every child facing health challenges, for the kids who feel different, who live with pain, and who are still searching for answers. Most of all, we are running to prove that a disability does not define your limits. You are capable of far more than you think.

BC Children’s Hospital Foundation supports the only hospital in British Columbia dedicated exclusively to children. By donating to our fundraiser, you’re helping give kids that were just like me and giving them a chance. A chance at treatment, at healing, and at a hopeful future. 

Thank you for being part of this journey and for supporting something so close to my heart.💙

Interested in more? Read more about my scoliosis story on the Setting Scoliosis Straight Foundation page at https://www.settingscoliosisstraight.org/patient-story-beatrice-f/.