For 16-year-old Madeleine, a patient at Renown Children’s Hospital, volleyball was more than a game; it was her passion. But during her first-year at Reno High School, she noticed a deep ache in her back. The pain worsened with each game, and soon, what once brought joy became unbearable.
“The pain was overwhelming. I was crying after every game because my back hurt so bad,” Madeleine said. “It felt like the upper half of my back was falling or compressing on the lower half. I remember thinking, I can’t do this anymore.”
Her pediatrician referred her to Dr. Michael Elliott, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Renown Children’s Hospital who specializes in scoliosis and spinal deformities. Thanks to community generosity, families in northern Nevada have access to pediatric specialists like Dr. Elliott, without having to travel far from home.
Madeleine had a dangerous 50-degree curve in her spine. Dr. Elliott explained that surgery was urgent and offered her best path forward. “It felt like my whole world flipped upside down,” Madeleine recalls.
Madeleine had spinal fusion surgery to straighten her spine and ease the pain. Ten of her vertebrae were fused together, with rods and screws used to keep her spine stable. At first, she was scared—surgery felt overwhelming. But Dr. Elliott and the team at Renown Children’s Hospital explained every step and answered all her questions. “They were kind and calm. I knew they would take care of me,” Madeleine said.
Madeleine spent four days at Renown Children’s Hospital before returning home to heal. “Recovery wasn’t easy. The first few days after surgery were some of the hardest,” she said. Even the thought of standing up or walking again felt scary, but the support she received from her parents made all the difference. “My mom and dad were amazing,” Madeleine said. “They helped me get up, made sure I had everything I needed, and kept encouraging me.”
After surgery, Madeliene stayed focused on healing. She went on short walks, rode her bike, and kept moving. “Staying in shape was a lifesaver,” she said. “You have to stay active, even when it feels tough.” All that hard work paid off. Just four months after surgery, Madeleine was back on the court. She jumps, serves, and plays without pain. “It feels amazing to be back,” she said. “Like myself again.”
Scoliosis is more common than many people realize. It’s a sideways curve of the spine that often develops during growth spurts. In some cases, like Madeleine’s, the curve becomes severe enough to require surgery. Early detection is key, and treatment can make a life-changing difference. Madeleine never imagined getting to this point. “I thought my world was ending,” she said. “But it wasn’t. Now, I’m proud of my scar and want to show it off.”
After her spinal fusion surgery, Madeleine felt deeply thankful—not only for the relief from pain, but for the care she received along the way. One caregiver, Nurse Marcie Carajan, left a lasting impression. “She was so comforting,” Madeleine recalled. “She made me feel safe, like I wasn’t alone. I will never forget her.”
At Renown, caregivers like Marcie make a real difference through expert care and genuine kindness. Many patients and families choose to give back by donating in honor of a caregiver who helped them heal. These gifts help ensure kids like Madeleine continue to receive the support they need to grow, recover, and thrive. Madeleine still speaks of Marcie with heartfelt gratitude. “She gave me strength,” she said. “The way she cared, the way she made time for me, it meant everything.”
Madeleine’s story is one example of the healing happening at Renown Children’s Hospital. As part of northern Nevada’s only not-for-profit academic health system, we provide exceptional care thanks to community generosity. Philanthropy helps bring skilled specialists like Dr. Elliott to our region. It supports advanced technology used in procedures like spinal fusion and also ensures families receive care, no matter their ability to pay.
