SANTOS TO RUN AND RAISE FUNDS FOR SCOLIOSIS

By Patrick Lujan

Making a difference in life sometimes requires going through trials first, experiencing the tests and battles.

16-year-old Cianna Santos was diagnosed with scoliosis in 2024, and though not so severe, the support and treatment has moved her to raise awareness for the cause.

On March 29, the Harvest Baptist high school student will run the Guam Marathon with hopes to raise at least $3000 for the Shriners Children’s Hawaii.

“I was diagnosed with mild scoliosis,” Santos said. “I’ve been evaluated by Shriners Children’s, and since my curve is mild, surgery hasn’t been necessary. Instead, I focus on managing it through regular scoliosis specific exercises and staying active to help prevent the curve from worsening. I continue to monitor my condition and take a proactive approach to protecting my spine and overall health.”

To raise awareness and support children with scoliosis, she’ll be running the Guam Marathon as a personal challenge and fundraiser.

“My goal is to raise $3000 to support Shriners Children’s, which provides free pediatric orthopedic care, including scoliosis treatment, to children from Guam through their Hawaii outreach program. These doctors visit Guam several times a year to provide consultations and ongoing care for island kids who otherwise may not have access to specialized treatment.

“The marathon is part of a larger awareness effort where I share my training, recovery, and story on social media to show that scoliosis does not have to limit young people from staying active and pursuing big goals.”

If you’d like to support Cianna on her fundraiser: https://donate.shrinerschildrens.org/fundraiser/6895612

You can follow her drive on Instagram @strides4scoliosis