4-Year-Old Develops Severe Scoliosis After Soft Play Accident

In the summer of 2022, 4-year-old Lillie Russell was involved in a devastating accident at a soft play center. While at the bottom of a slide, another child crashed into her from behind, triggering a condition known as "accident induced scoliosis." Over the next three years, Lillie's spine gradually worsened, bending to an alarming 70 degrees.

Lillie's mother, Amelia, was shocked by the severity of her daughter's injury, which she described as "every parent's worst nightmare." Despite the initial belief that Lillie had broken her back, she was able to get up and continue playing, unaware of the extent of the damage.

Lillie has since undergone three unsuccessful procedures under general anesthesia to try and straighten her spine. Now, at 7 years old, she must wear a back brace for 22 hours a day and faces a major surgery to insert metal rods into her spine, which cannot happen until she has gained a little more weight.

The family's journey has been incredibly stressful, with Lillie's parents, Amelia and Dan, juggling her medical appointments while also growing their roofing business. However, they have found solace in being able to take their family on much-needed vacations, thanks to the support of Staysure, an insurance provider that was willing to cover Lillie's condition.

Determined to help other families facing similar challenges, Amelia and Lillie have launched an Instagram account to chronicle Lillie's journey and raise awareness about scoliosis.