East Lake Woman: 'I'm Glad I Have Scoliosis'

Debbie Ordes, 47, of East Lake wasn't able to stand up straight until after her third back surgery. Now, years later, she continues to help people all over the world battle scoliosis.

Ordes was diagnosed with scoliosis when she was 12 years old. With more than two decades of experience dealing with and treating the spine deformity, she decided it was time to spread her knowledge. 

Although Ordes still treats her scoliosis, helping others battle it is on top of her list of priorities. 

Using the internet, Ordes began connecting to scoliosis patients from around the world. She would evaluate their situation and with a team of support from medical professionals, she would help them treat the spine deformity.

With the help of doctors and hospitals in Tampa Bay, Ordes was able to have a direct hand in improving the lives of individuals from Indonesia to Dunedin.
She said the number of patients who receive help should increase, but it's a process because of the amount of time each case requires.

"Sometimes it takes two or three years to get somewhere," Ordes said.

Dr. Anthony P. Moreno, who specializes in critical cases of scoliosis, helped Ordes through her own surgeries and treatments. He also organized the medical side of things in Ordes' quest to help others.

Moreno has performed more than 3,000 spine surgeries and Ordes said he is one of the best in the business.

It was only after a third surgery by Moreno that Ordes was able to walk upright after years of pain.

"He's an expert in this field," Ordes said. "There are only a handful of surgeons in the world that can take on these complex cases and Dr. Moreno is one of them."

Since Ordes and Moreno were able to help so many others improve their quality of life, they decided to share the journey in a book.

The Gift of Scoliosis was released earlier this year. It chronicles Ordes' personal trek with scoliosis as well as the experiences of the people she and Dr. Moreno have helped.

Now, the duo, along with Dr. Samuel A. Joseph, have organized the Global Scoliosis Foundation. In a nutshell, the foundation is an official way for the supporters and volunteers to help scoliosis patients.

Next on Ordes' agenda is getting a publisher for the book and spreading the news about the foundation. She said she plans on contacting everyone from Oprah Winfrey to the Today Show. 

Ordes said she looks at the spine deformity as more of a blessing than a curse. She said she would not have served her purpose in life had she not been diagnosed 35 years ago. 

"I'm glad I have scoliosis," Ordes said. "You never know what something can lead to and it can lead to great things."