A debilitating disability nearly ended a Tampa teen’s dance dreams, but her determination to defy the odds has stunned even her most ardent supporters, including her doctor.

  • Melissa Gonzalez, 19, aspires to be a dancer
  • Gonzales underwent surgery to stabilize her spine
  • Gonzales has since won a state championship
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For her entire life, 19-year-old Melissa Gonzalez has dreamed of competitive dancing. Being diagnosed with scoliosis, however, almost crushed those dreams.

"That was the biggest worry, because I didn't want to give up dancing," Gonzalez says.

Pediatric orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. David Siambanes with St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital said a routine check up revealed a curvature in Gonzalez’s spine.

"It was affecting her balance, her pain," Siambanes said.
　
Besides physical pain, Gonzalez said she struggled emotionally.

"Once I started experiencing pain, dancing for a long time was difficult," she said.

Finally, Gonzalez decided to undergo potentially life-changing surgery. Siambanes put screws and rods in her back to stabilize her spine.

Just a few months later, she was back on stage and in the spotlight.

"I was very surprised when I first saw her dancing," said Siambanes. "I almost had to gulp."

Melissa has won a state championship and is currently a member of the USF SunDolls Dance Team.

"She shows us how active you can be after this procedure," Siambanes said. "Once the body is healed, you can bounce back and do just about anything."

June is National Scoliosis Awareness month. Gonzalez hopes her story inspires others to not let their disabilities get in the way of their dreams.

While she told us she will always be dedicated to dance, the USF Honors student has now decided to pursue another passion.

"I wanted to be a doctor, but now I want to be what Dr. Siambanes is -- a pediatric orthopedic spine surgeon," Gonzalez said.