In the past, 14-year-old Louise Stewart-Scott, was used to flying through the air and across the mat during her gymnastic routines.
But, at the age of eight, she was diagnosed with a rare connective-tissue disorder called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) which weakened her tendons, ligaments, and bones so severely she began to sustain joint dislocations and other injuries in the gym.
And then, two years later, Louise was diagnosed with scoliosis, or curvature of the spine. Between the two, she was forced to give up her favorite activity–and faced being grounded for good.
Louise’s parents were determined not to let that happen, so they took her from Britain to the United States for treatment of her EDS which strengthened her bones. She was then referred to a London hospital for non-surgical treatment, including massage and acupuncture for her scoliosis.
After 12 months of treatment, Louise was able to participate in aerial gymnastics and even dreams of one day joining Cirque de Soleil. Her mother described her participation in the Island Games, and aerial gymnastic competition, as the highlight of her year.
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