The 2017 VMHS Valedictorian, Kimberly Ann Cunanan Garza, conducted a presentation on scoliosis awareness in March at multiple Mission CISD schools, including Mims Elementary, O’Grady Elementary, Mission Junior High School and Veterans Memorial High School. Kimberly recently completed her honors thesis, which aimed to educate students in 3rd-12th grade about scoliosis which is a condition that curves and affects the spine..
“Although a person may know the definition of scoliosis, they might not know the signs of scoliosis, treatments, or resources available for individuals who have scoliosis,” states Garza. “My goal is to increase awareness about these aspects of scoliosis within the Mission community and beyond.”
Kimberly recently graduated as Summa Cum Laude from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and is attending medical school at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (TCOM).
She has also written a book based on her personal scoliosis story, titled The Triumphs of Scoliosis.
A copy of her book can be found in the library of each school in Mission CISD. By reading her book, one can find out how consistency allowed Kimberly’s treatment for scoliosis to be successful. The key takeaway is for readers to learn about scoliosis and to share this knowledge with others. The book can also be found through Blurb publishers.
“Through my book, I hope to inspire anyone to always believe and work hard, and any dream will be accomplished,” states Garza”
Ms. Garza would like to thank the librarians, teachers and staff at Mims Elementary, O’Grady Elementary, Mission Junior High School and Veterans Memorial High School for hosting her presentation.