Tough and determined are two words that Valerie and Justin use to describe their 13-year-old daughter, Ava. Diagnosed with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (an abnormal curvature of the spine) in 2023, Ava underwent surgery at the IWK in February 2025 to correct the 100-degree curve in her spine.
Ava, who developed a passion for hockey early in life, had been experiencing pain that was impacting her ability to skate. Showing signs that she was suffering from arthritis, Valerie and Justin sought care for Ava at the IWK, where she was treated and relieved of her symptoms.
Unfortunately, relief was short-lived. Ava’s pain returned when she hit her next big growth spurt and, in June 2023, a regular appointment at the IWK revealed the curve in her spine.
From here, Ava’s case was referred to the IWK’s Orthopaedic Clinic, where Ava received her scoliosis diagnosis. The family was told that Ava would need to undergo corrective surgery.
For Ava and her parents, the diagnosis was difficult to accept because it put her ability to play hockey at risk. With dreams of someday playing professionally, Ava didn’t want to risk being pulled out of the game she loved. She continued to play through her discomfort, all the while hiding her pain from her parents.
“She was having back pain, but she didn't tell us. She wouldn't tell us. She didn't want us to pull her out of hockey,” Valerie explains.
Valerie discovered that Ava had been sneaking ice packs into her bed at night to relieve the pain. For Valerie and Justin, discovering the extent of their daughter’s pain was devastating.
The curve in Ava’s spine progressed alongside each of her growth spurts. In December 2024, Ava met with Dr. Kevin Morash, Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon at IWK Health, who would perform her surgery.
On the day of her surgery in February 2025, Ava’s curve was a full 100 degrees. It had been visible on the ice under her hockey gear. Still, this hadn’t stopped her from playing hockey. In fact, Ava played up until the night before her surgery.
Valerie and Justin are grateful for the expertise of Dr. Morash, who they say took great care in overseeing Ava’s case. They describe Dr. Morash as compassionate and caring. He explained the details of Ava’s care thoroughly and showed that he genuinely cared about getting Ava back on the ice, safely.
The surgery was successful, and by April 2025, Ava returned to skating. She worked hard to get back on the ice as quickly as possible, as much as possible.
Ava’s future is promising, and Valerie describes her daughter as being stronger and healthier than before her diagnosis. At her six-month post-op checkup in August 2025, Ava was cleared for full return to hockey.
The family’s positive experience with the IWK is why they continue to support the health centre and why they encourage others to do the same. For Ava and her family, the IWK has consistently provided a supportive and friendly care experience. They shared that they feel fortunate to have the IWK in their community.
“It’s just wonderful. Every experience that we have ever had has been positive,” says Valerie.
