From: Dominican Republic
Age: 16

Juan Carlos was 16 years old and was suffering from terrible back pain due to his condition. He was also diagnosed with thoracic-lumbar scoliosis. His pain stopped him from participating in regular activities that he wanted to do such as sports.

After surgery he was in a lot of pain but he said it was worth it because he knew he would be able to live a better life in a few weeks of recuperation.

Juan Carlos would like to thank Butterfly Foundation, especially Geraldine Moulton, for the tender support that he received. He writes: "When my mother discovered my deformity through an x-ray she immediately took me to the doctor for treatment. Even after one year of treatment at the Center for Rehabilitation my problem got worse. Luckily, I was chosen by the Butterfly Foundation for surgery."

When this young man of 16 talked of his life before surgery, he remembered that he was always tired and was constantly worried about being deformed.

After surgery, he said he can now make plans and he feels happy that his life changed. "I want to recuperate soon so that I can play sports, because now I feel a lot more enthusiastic." He blesses the foundation and thanks once again the surgeons who were responsible for his new life.