Scoliosis Stories: Tamara Sharpe

I got to know Tamara through the Scoliosis Ireland Facebook Group where she posted this monologue for us scoliosis warriors to read. It made me cry and today, with Tamara's permission, I'm sharing it with you all.

"3 years ago I was born and 3 years ago I died. My last day on earth, I sat in the back of the car, crying, as it all sunk in.

I sat on a bed which would be home for the next 2 1/2 weeks. 80s music ringing through my ears, reminding me of home, blocking out the hospital sounds and screams of the other patients.

The last seconds were quick. Before I could get to 6. Blackout. I was gone.

When I woke up, my mum was sitting beside me with a smile on her face but fear in her eyes.

My first test. Sitting up in bed. A routine that I did everyday.

Test two. Standing up and learning to walk again.

My skeleton legs shook. I screamed as the scars started to pull. Even 10 seconds was too long for my aching body.

Test 3. Eating. After having two operations, I was too exhausted to eat. One bite was enough for me.

Test 4. Having a shower. It was all going so smoothly, until I took the short trip back to my bed. I was so close. Blackout. My mum caught my new fragile body, as I collapsed into her arms. Next thing I know, I'm in bed, surrounded by shouting doctors, nurses, tubes and sensors, and my mum shaking I'm the corner. I pulled off my mask and asked one of the nurses, to tell my mum I was ok.

Test 5. Stairs. My final test. I was taken into a room, where they had a small set of stairs, placed by the door. No one will ever understand the sense of achievement I got, from doing such a simple task, that most people would take for granted.

I passed. I was going home.

Today at 3 years old, I stand strong with 3 scars, 2 titanium rods, 19 screws and a very dramatic birth story."

Tamara is an actress/model and also a Scoliosis Warrior. Her inspiration is Martha Hunt, one of the most beautiful women in the world as she is a Victoria's Secret Model and also a Scoliosis Warrior. As you can all see, Tamara is absolutely beautiful in every photo shown here. She is an inspiration to all people battling scoliosis who dream to be a model. Through her determination to follow her dreams, she is making something she never thought could ever happen a reality.