Young patient donates special-edition Higgy Bears to USA Health Complex Pediatric Spine Team for children with scoliosis
Inspired by her own “brace buddy,” Mia Van Sittert began learning about the organization and decided to raise money to donate bears to other children.
By Jessica Jones
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When 10-year-old Mia Van Sittert was diagnosed with scoliosis, she found comfort and encouragement in an unexpected place — a stuffed bear designed especially for children living with the same condition. Now, she’s paying that kindness forward.
Mia, a patient of Richard Menger, M.D., MPA, neurosurgeon and chief of complex spine surgery at USA Health, recently donated a collection of Halloween-themed Higgy Bears to the neurosurgery department. The donation is being shared with other pediatric patients who are navigating their own scoliosis diagnoses. Scoliosis is a condition that causes the spine to curve sideways, sometimes forming an “S” or “C” shape.
“Mia’s generosity is a wonderful reflection of her spirit. It’s just awesome to see that type of resiliency in a child,” said Menger. “We’re grateful that she is using her experience to lift up other children and remind them that they’re not alone in their diagnosis.”
Mia’s scoliosis is related to Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia Congenita (SEDc), a rare collagen deficiency disorder that affects bone and joint development. Her complex medical journey includes visits with multiple specialists including orthopaedic surgical care with Tyler McDonald, M.D., chief of pediatric orthopaedics, and daily physical therapy, as well as wearing a scoliosis brace for up to 20 hours a day.
Her parents, who had long suspected something was wrong when she was a toddler, finally received a formal diagnosis when Mia was five years old. Five years later, they are finding comfort and reassurance in their care at USA Health.
“Mia immediately felt comfortable with Dr. Menger and his team,” her mother, Destiny Van Sittert, said. “They listened to her, treated her with kindness, and made her feel safe. When Mia relaxed during her first appointment, it was a true feeling of relief that showed even in her body language. We are extremely grateful to them for being a part of Mia’s medical journey.”
Inspired by her own “brace buddy” — a Higgy Bear designed to wear a mini back brace just like hers — Mia began learning about the organization and decided to raise money to donate bears to other children.
“My parents ordered me a surprise brace buddy, and I wanted to know more about Higgy Bears,” Mia said. “As I learned more about it, I started to feel less alone and wanted to get involved. I got the idea to raise money for donations of the bears just to do something nice for others.”
Her donation of Halloween special-edition Higgy Bears is a small gesture with a big message, that every child facing scoliosis deserves support, connection, and hope.
“I hope that all children with scoliosis get to experience Higgy Bears,” Mia said. “The most important part of my journey so far has been the connections I make with others where I feel safe, heard, supported, and loved. Everyone deserves that.”
For more information about Higgy Bears, visit higgybears.com. To learn about USA Health’s Spine Institute, visit usahealthsystem.com.
