According to the World Health Organization (WHO), from 2% to 4% of the world’s population suffers from scoliosis, a spinal deformity that, depending on the degree of curvature and severity, compromises the development and even the lives of children and adolescents. In Brazil, there are more than 1.6 million people with this condition, of which around 160,000 need surgical treatment.

In the most severe cases of scoliosis, the spine takes on a C or S shape and puts pressure on the organs, affecting the cardiac and respiratory systems. In these cases, surgery is the only alternative to guarantee quality of life for boys and girls who face the condition. The procedure, however, is quite complex and requires highly trained multiprofessional teams, as well as appropriate equipment and supplies.

For children who depend on the Brazilian Public Health System (known as SUS), the challenge is even greater. A survey carried out by the Brazilian Spine Society revealed that the average waiting time in the country to undergo this procedure through the SUS is four years and three months. The Pequeno Príncipe performs around 50 scoliosis correction surgeries through the SUS per year. At the beginning of June, a joint effort made it possible to carry out eight surgeries in a single week. Read more about the joint effort in the main article of 2024 June edition of the Pequeno Príncipe News.

In this newsletter edition, you will also check the articles below. Click on the links to read the full length texts.

• Pequeno Príncipe Gala 2024 will be held in São Paulo. The 15th edition of the event, that was created to unite haute cuisine and solidarity, will be held on September 30. The party will take place at Casa Bisutti, in São Paulo, and will raise funds for health assistance and research activities carried out at the institution. The Gala will have Claude Troisgros as its patron and curator, who will prepare an exclusive menu for the occasion, alongside renowned chefs Rafa Costa e Silva, Felipe Bronze and Manu Buffara. Daniele Giacomazzi Behring and Amalia Spinardi Thompson Motta are the philanthropic sponsors of this edition, whose patronesses are Many Tigre Elache, Marjorie Geiger Hauser and Sylvia Brasil Coutinho. Access to learn more.
• Pequeno Príncipe maintains a completely free of charge rehabilitation unit. Around 500 children and adolescents receive care annually at the Rehabilitation and Coliving Center of Pequeno Príncipe, which is financed with the support of society. Patients treated at the Hospital’s unity receive care from a transdisciplinary team, with physiotherapists, psychologists, speech therapists, and social workers, for example. Always with the family participation, which is an essential part of the rehabilitation process. Get to know the activities performed at the Rehabilitation and Coliving Center.