Catriona Gray opens up about Scoliosis diagnosis at 12
MANILA, Philippines — Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray revealed that she was diagnosed with Scoliosis at the early age of 12.
In her Instagram account, Catriona posted a video for National Scoliosis Month.
"My body and I have gone through a lot together. Admittedly there have been many times, as I've studied myself in the mirror, seen pictures of myself, or when I try on a piece of clothing that just doesn't sit right - where the unnatural tilt of my ribs, or hunch of my shoulder has made me feel insecure," she captioned the post.
"My condition, most especially during my stint in international pageantry put me on the receiving end of countless body shaming comments because of the 'unflattering' angles my body creates," she added.
Catriona said that she has Scoliosis just like three million other Filipinos in the country.
"There's something that I have in common with around 3 million Filipinos - and that's scoliosis: an abnormal curvature of the spine," she said.
The beauty queen said early detection is important.
"I was diagnosed at the age of 12 - and unfortunately since I had already experienced my growth spurt - it was too late to pursue a brace," she said.
"That's why early diagnosis is so important. Hence why I'm partnering up with Scoliosis Philippines this International Scoliosis Day, to help spread awareness for early diagnosis - especially in kids," she added.
To check if a person has Scoliosis, Catriona said that a person just needs to wear a fitted stripe shirt to see the difference. When in a relaxed position, the curvature in one's back shows that the stripes in the shirt are not straight when you look at the mirror.
"Scoliosis doesn't have to be a limiting condition. If diagnosed early, great progress can be made in limiting the progression of the angle of the curve and also the pain experienced throughout one's life. Because unfortunately, scoliosis is incurable and a lifetime condition," she said.
"And I just wanna say - to whoever is reading this - may you have Scoliosis or just a unique body (as I believe everyone has), you are not limited to just a body shape or ideal. The greatest service your body serves is not to please whatever body ideal is popular or praised by society but to house the beautiful soul - that is you!!" she added.
Catriona hopes that her story can inspire others.
"That despite chronic pain, different shapes and sizes, proportions and angles - that YOU are capable of whatever dream arises in your heart! We're #BentButNotBroken," she said.
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