ScolioSmiles
Empowering Youth, Erasing Stigma
Our Mission
ScolioSmiles is a non-profit organization born from the hearts of high school co-founders who have walked the scoliosis journey themselves.
" We both have battled scoliosis, and our personal experiences fuel our passion to create a world where every scoliosis curve is embraced with confidence" - Matea Jurca & Kimia Askari (Co-founders)
Uplifting Youth Diagnosed with Scoliosis
Providing Fashionable Scoliosis Attire
Shattering the Stigma Surrounding Scoliosis
Leaving everyone that we reach with a smile on their face
ScolioSmile's Precept
We feel it is imperative to make our audience feel confident in their curve. We know the hardship of back braces- both day AND night-. That is why we are committed to making wearing a brace fashionable and comfortable
Who are we looking to work + collaborate with?
We are looking to work + collaborate with hospitals and other non-profits in the metro- Atlanta area to make a difference in people's lives.
If you would be interested in learning more about us, or if you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact us through the methods listed at the bottom of the website.
Meet our Co-founders
Read all about the co-founders of ScolioSmiles and their inspiring stories!
Kimia Askari
High School Student
~ Class of 2025~
Why did you choose to start this nonprofit? " To make young boys and girls who are struggling with finding comfort in having scoliosis more welcome and loved. I know what it's like to walk the road of scoliosis, and I know that if I have uplifted even one child, I will have done my part."
What are your plans after high school? " To get my BS/MD at Augusta University to become either a pediatrician or OB/GYN."
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? " Starting my residency."
What advice would you give to someone also struggling with scoliosis? " There will be bad days, and even I still have bad days. There are days that I have so much pain that I don't want to get out of bed, but it's up to you to make the bad days better. We're here to help with that."
Matea Jurca
High School Student
~ Class of 2026~
Why did you choose to start this non-profit? " I knew that ever since I put my scoliosis brace on, that I wanted to make scoliosis " better." The fact that we are so far advanced as a society, yet wearing a prosthetic brace for your back is so stigmatized upsets me. A person who doesn't have scoliosis will never know what it's like for someone to wear a big, bulky brace at night, unless they experience it firsthand. I want to bring more awareness to the scoliosis community, and devote my time and energy any way that I can."
What are your plans after high school? " To pursue my degree in biomedical engineering."
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? " Having a master's in BME, and working in a lab or hospital on revolutionary biomedical technology. "
What advice would you give to someone also struggling with scoliosis? " If I'm being completely honest, to just embrace. Just accept that having scoliosis is another cool, cumulative trait that makes you- you! Also, please search up core exercises for scoliosis, or do the ones prescribed by your doctor. This is something that will take no more than 5-10 minutes per day, and will really help in the long run."
" Just because my hips don't match on the same level and my back looks different from yours doesn't mean I'm any less beautiful"
Karen Ashley Stansbury
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(@scoliosmiles)
* yes, we purposely left off the third "s" in the email address. It is not the wrong email address/ typo. That is our correct, and official email.
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