Sounds right: Scoliosis fundraiser aims to raise awareness through local music in Dunmore - Scranton Times-Tribune

Scoliosis can be a difficult diagnosis to live with, but according to those looking to raise awareness about the condition, the future of people affected is looking brighter thanks to earlier intervention and education.

The third annual Sound for Scoliosis fundraiser returns to Heil's Place in Dunmore Friday through Sunday, for three days of local music featuring 35 bands playing original and cover songs, with all proceeds benefiting the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Scoliosis Foundation, as well as the National Scoliosis Foundation headquartered in Massachusetts.

South Scranton resident Lucia Peregrim, a scoliosis patient who was recently named president of the Pennsylvania chapter, is the event organizer and said she was surprised, though honored, to be asked to represent her state.

"I was in shock and I didn't know what to say," Ms. Peregrim explained. "I was at a loss for words. It's a pretty big title to hold for this area."

Awareness advocate

For the last three years, she has worked to bring attention to the medical affliction, which is marked by curvature of the spine.

"I was diagnosed with scoliosis at the age of 13," Ms. Peregrim, now 37, said. "I didn't know what to expect, what to do. I was always hoping to be one of the lucky ones who would go home from the doctor's office and tell my mom good news.

"I was one of the fortunate ones," Ms. Peregrim added. Still, "To this day, I'm still a patient undergoing treatment. It changes your outlook, because if you don't have your back, you don't have anything," she added.

Besides music, Sound for Scoliosis will feature a Survivors' Series Showcase on Sunday, where patients can share their experiences. Dr. Jason Yusavage will be performing free back screenings, Jonathan Kalasinski of Advanced Imaging Specialists will on hand with information on the scoliosis series of X-rays and MRIs, and general informational pamphlets will be available. A silent auction and 50/50 drawing also are planned.

Dr. Clayton Stitzel, who owns and operates the Lancaster Spinal Health Center, will make an appearance at Sound for Scoliosis on Sunday around 2 p.m., and offered some insight into what he'll be talking about at the event.

"Our primary focus is better screening and early stage scoliosis," Dr. Stitzel said. "I'll be discussing new genetic testing for scoliosis, and how that, combined with early stage intervention, can rewrite the entire scoliosis experience we've known.

"No more braces, no more surgeries," Dr. Stitzel continued. "We can alter the natural course of how this condition has been treated in the past if we have the genetic testing ability for kids who are most at-risk."

Dr. Stitzel is a former co-director of the CLEAR Institute, which is dedicated to finding rehab-based treatments for scoliosis, in an effort to retrain the automatic posture control centers in the brain to hold the spine straight, he said.

The most common misconception about the condition it that it's a bone-growing disease, Dr. Stitzel said.

"It appears to be a neurological condition that causes a spine problem," he explained. "So curvature is a symptom, rather than the condition.

"If we can get people to shift their mind sets, then all of a sudden the variety of treatment options rises."

Dr. Stitzel added that he is happy to donate his time to the charity event, especially since he knows much of the money raised will stay locally.

"I love all the kids with scoliosis around the world, but I love the kids with scoliosis in my backyard the most," he said.

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For her part, Ms. Peregrim has managed to get each band to donate their time and talent as well, and intends to return the favor by providing them with a venue and exposure for their music.

"The main focus is to bring original talent to the area," Ms. Peregrim said. "So much talent in this area is going undiscovered ... (so) once a year we bring out the best musicians in NEPA for a good cause.

"Original bands have a hard time getting bookings, and (they're) where the talent all begins. People who dedicate their time really make an impact and a difference," she added. "I'm thankful for my friends and family and entire staff for supporting me."

In addition to local acts, Ms. Peregrim noted that Sound for Scoliosis may see a celebrity guest, if things work according to plan.

"We have a rumor an appearance is going to be made by one of the vocalists from Lynyrd Skynyrd," she said, explaining that a friend who knows the musician personally reached out to him for support. "We're hoping that it comes through."

Regardless of whether the event sees stars or not, Ms. Peregrim said she is determined to keep growing Sound for Scoliosis year to year.

"I plan on doing it for as long as I can," she said. "It started off very small in 2009 ... this year, we're at our biggest yet.

"Mainly, we just want people to come out, hear some great music, and have a great time," Ms. Peregrim said. "The impact I want to have is I want to let people hear and learn about (scoliosis)."

Contact the writer: pwilding@timesshamrock.comIf you go

What: Sound for Scoliosis

When: Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Sunday, noon to 2 a.m.

Where: Heil's Place, Wheeler Avenue, Dunmore

Details: Tickets are $10 per day, with complimentary CD featuring music from original artists; $20 for weekend pass, with CD; $30 for weekend pass, CD and T-shirt (limited quantities available). For information, call 558-9247 or visit www.soundforspines.com

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