Devon North youngster Swae Quarrell diagnosed with scoliosis at just 14 years of age

A high school student from Devon North in Gippsland has had her world turned upside down after tests revealed she is dealing with excruciating scoliosis. Here’s how you can help.

Swae Quarrell is determined to beat her scoliosis

At the tender age of 14, a high school student in the state’s southeast is courageously facing the battle of her young life after being diagnosed with scoliosis

Year 9 Devon North student Swae Quarrell’s life was turned upside down when she want in for scans last Christmas after experiencing excruciating pain and respiratory issues.

The scans revealed a startling 71-degree curvature in her spine which is impacting the growth and function of her internal organs.

Swae Quarrell was diagnosed with a 71 degree curvature in her spine

“She is just a really kind and compassionate girl,” close family friend Steven Morrisey said.

The road to recovery is steep: a vital corrective surgery looms with a daunting $70,000 price tag. Amid a critical growth phase, timing is crucial for Swae; the sooner the surgery, the better the prospects.

“The surgery had a much greater chance of being successful if it is performed before her spine is finished growing,” Mr Morrisey said.

Tragically, the limitations of Swae’s mother, Khristy’s private health cover adds to their plight. Facing insurmountable waiting times for policy change or going the public health route, the family stands at a crossroads.

The 14-year-old is tackling the condition head on

In light of the situation the family finds itself in, Mr Morrisey has started a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for the urgent surgery.

The rural community has bought in to the fundraiser, raising more than $2000 already with multiple stores in the nearby town of Yarram now displaying QR codes to encourage people to donate.

Resilient and optimistic, Swae is taking it all in her stride.

“There are people much worse off than me,” she said.

With her eyes set on being a neurosurgeon in the future she says “one day this will be a story that I will tell to my patients”.