Everyone, meet Kara!  She just turned 14, and she enjoys archery, riflery, and knife-throwing.  She has had more than her fair share of challenges for someone her age.

Kara, 14, has severe scoliosis and is working hard to raise money for treatment. In order to bring awareness to Kara’s fundraising efforts, RSC’s Dr. Jane Leavell has committed to completing a sprint triathlon on June 29th.

In 2013, her grandparents welcomed her into their home, saving her from an environment where there was meth addiction.  Coming from a home where she had to grow up fast, Kara’s maturity is amazing!  She not only researched scoliosis treatment herself to find Rhino Scoliosis Center, she has started her own online fundraiser at GoFundMe.com/Kara-the-Archer.  Her earnest desire not to be a burden to her grandparents, who struggle financially themselves, is incredibly moving.

Since being diagnosed with scoliosis two years ago, Kara has an urgent need for care.  She has a severe curve and already experiences breathing difficulties, daily headaches, and almost constant body pain.  Scoliosis is a sideways curving of the spine which can increase quickly during the teenage years due to rapid growth, and in larger curves will put pressure on the heart and lungs.  This limits the activities that can be done and can even shorten one’s life.

Scoliosis is a challenging condition that requires courage and self-discipline to be faithful to a daily exercise regimen.  I am inspired constantly by the bravery of our RhinoKidz™, and I have decided to challenge myself as well.  I have registered for the TriBoulder Sprint Triathlon in Boulder, Colorado on June 29th.  It consists of swimming 1/2 mile, biking 15 miles, and running 3.1 miles.  (Yes, all in the same day!)  I am dedicating this triathlon to raising funds for Kara.

We have set the challenging goal of $10,000.  Kara will need care until she is 18 years old, and this will give her a great start.  Please join Team RHINO by going to Kara’s fundraising page at GoFundMe.com/Kara-the-Archer and making a donation.  No amount is too small!

Please pass this along to others, and let’s all surprise her with our generosity.

Thank you, friends!

Dr. Jane

GoFundMe.com/Kara-the-Archer   #Tri4Kara