At 17 years old, Haley is already a seasoned competitor on the golf course, but her path to success hasn’t been without challenges. Diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis at age 12, Haley’s journey brought her to Nemours Children’s Health, Winter Garden, where she found the care and support she needed to thrive.
It all started in 6th grade when Haley’s trainer noticed that one side of her back was higher than the other during a routine assessment at a sports-specific gym. A visit to her pediatrician and an X-ray confirmed a 34-degree curve in her spine. Initially, treatment included wearing a nighttime back brace from 6th to 9th grade, but the curve progressed to 52 degrees over the next two years, requiring spinal fusion surgery.
By the time she started high school, Haley started experiencing back pain, which impacted her sleep and daily life—and, more importantly, her golf game. “The progression of my scoliosis created back pain starting my freshman year,” Haley explained. “I also began having breathing issues a few months prior to surgery. This pain began to affect how I competed.”
When it came time to find a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Haley’s family turned to a trusted source—her uncle, who works in healthcare, specifically in a spine and biologics division. His research led them to Dr. Alec Stall at Nemours Children’s, who became the clear choice for her care.
The surgery, which involved fusing her spine from T4 to L1, was a turning point. Recovery wasn’t easy, but Haley approached it with determination. “It was a long, tough recovery, but it was all worth it,” she shared. Just two months post-surgery, Haley was back to hitting golf balls. Eight months later, she was competing again, better than ever.
“This surgery allows me to play golf pain-free, and I’ve become a better player than before,” Haley says. “It opened so many doors for me, and I will forever be thankful to Dr. Stall and every person at Nemours Children’s Hospital and the clinic in Winter Garden. This surgery has truly changed my life.”
Today, Haley’s hard work and resilience have paid off. She is an accomplished golfer with an impressive list of achievements, including winning an AJGA Championship, a Florida State Championship, and qualifying three times for the USGA Women’s Four-Ball. Next year, she’ll take her talent to Florida State University, where she’s signed to play collegiate golf.
For others facing scoliosis and its challenges, Haley offers simple but powerful advice, “Trust the process. It is a tough recovery, but getting up every day with a goal you are working toward will help you. Pain is only temporary, and better days are coming.”
Looking back, Haley reflects on her journey with gratitude and perspective. “This surgery changed my life and I 100% guarantee it will change someone else’s. There were moments that I thought all my dreams of playing college golf were over, however, this surgery not only fixed my back, but changed the trajectory of my golf career for the better. Everything happens for a reason and I am so grateful to be on the other side of this journey!” As Haley prepares to tee off at Florida State, her story will undoubtedly inspire others to rise above challenges and pursue their dreams.
