Liz Golden Is Spokesperson for
National Scoliosis Foundation

Elizabeth Golden, a graduate of the Class of 2007 who survived scoliosis surgery to become a nationally ranked squash player and write a book about her experience, will serve as one of two spokespersons for the National Scoliosis Foundation (NSF).

Elizabeth, 18, author of "When Life Throws You a Curve: One Girl's Triumph Over Scoliosis" (Five Star Publications, June, 2008), will speak to audiences about her experience with scoliosis through diagnosis, spinal surgery and recovery.

"When I was going through the pain of an operation and the fear of not knowing how it all would turn out, I relied on the support of my family and friends as well as the stories of other people who had been through it," Golden said. "Through this book and through speaking for the NSF, I hope to give other girls confidence in knowing that having scoliosis is not the end of the world, and can, in fact, make you a stronger and more confident person."

Sarah Patellos, 16, the other spokesperson, is back to competitive dancing after recovering from her scoliosis surgery this past summer.

"We are thrilled to have Elizabeth and Sarah as our Teen Spokespersons and to kick off National Scoliosis Awareness Month in June," said NSF President and CEO Joseph O'Brien.

"It is of tremendous value for patients and their families to hear from their peers that you can go on living with scoliosis. Elizabeth and Sarah didn't let the diagnosis stop them from pursuing their dreams and they give hope and reassurance to the thousands of young people facing an unknown road."

Scoliosis, or curvature of the spine, affects 2-3 percent of the population, an estimated 6 million people in the United States, and there is no cure. According to NSF, scoliosis impacts infants, adolescents, and adults worldwide. The primary age of onset is 10-15 years old, occurring equally among both genders. However, girls are eight times more likely to progress to a curve magnitude that requires treatment. Scoliosis can impact the quality of life with limited activity, pain and reduced respiratory function. However, early detection and treatment can often stop progression and minimize the effects.

Elizabeth was diagnosed with scoliosis when she was in the seventh grade at Penn Charter. After surgery to correct curvatures in her spine, she was able to play varsity tennis and squash in Upper School, and went on to become a nationally ranked squash player. She is currently a student at Yale University in New Haven, CT, where she is still active in those and other sports.

For more information on Elizabeth's book, please visit click here to visit www.WhenLifeThrowsYouACurve.com