Scheuermanns Disease Fund
First charity of its kind to help those suffering from Scheuermann’s Disease/kyphosis.
The Scheuermann’s Disease Fund, founded in 2014, is the first charity of its kind to help those suffering from
Scheuermann’s disease, also know as Scheuermann' kyphosis
and its long-term secondary effects.
Scheuermann’s disease, also know as Scheuermann' kyphosis
and its long-term secondary effects.
2025 Scheuermann’s Kyphosis Webinar
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Understanding Scheuermann’s Kyphosis – From Diagnosis to RecoveryJoin Setting Scoliosis Straight and The Scheuermann’s Disease Fund for an in-depth and informative webinar on Scheuermann’s Kyphosis (SK) — a condition that affects the spine during adolescence and can persist into adulthood. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, considering treatment options, or supporting a loved one, this session is designed to provide valuable insights across every stage of the journey.
This webinar is a unique opportunity to hear directly from leading spine surgeons and patients who have experienced kyphosis firsthand. Don’t miss this chance to gain expert advice, explore all available treatment options, and learn how to navigate life with SK. |
Topics include:
- Conservative Care in SK – Presented by Keith Bachmann, MD
- Adolescent Considerations – Presented by Stefan Parent, MD, PhD
- Adult Considerations – Presented by Alan Daniels, MD
- Details of Surgery & Surgical Options – Presented by Baron Lonner, MD
- Surgery & Recovery – Patient Perspective – Presented by Doug Wheeler
- Life Impact of Kyphosis – Presented by Doug Strott
Co-Moderators/ Speakers
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Baron Lonner, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon at Mount Sinai Hospital |
Keith Bachmann, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon at University of Virginia School of Medicine |
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Guest Speakers
Alan Daniels, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon at University Orthopedics Rhode Island |
Stefan Parent, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon at CHU Sainte-Justine Hospital |
Doug Strott
Founder of Scheuermann’s Disease Fund |
Doug Wheeler
Scheuermann’s Kyphosis Patient |
12th Annual Fundraiser
Join us for our 12th Annual Fundraiser on October 5th, 2025
Contact the charity for Donation and Sponsorship opportunities at [email protected].
Care Packages for Patient Advocacy
As part of our advocacy, The Scheuermann's Disease Fund sends out "Care Packages" (containing pamphlets, wristbands, tee shirt) free of charge.
To order, simply contact the charity at [email protected].
To date, over 1400 Care Packages have been distributed worldwide!!
(PS: We are also proud to send out our own purple Scheuermann's "Higgy Bears" upon request.)
To order, simply contact the charity at [email protected].
To date, over 1400 Care Packages have been distributed worldwide!!
(PS: We are also proud to send out our own purple Scheuermann's "Higgy Bears" upon request.)
CBS KDKA-Pittsburgh, Reporter Jessica Guay interview
KD Sunday Spotlight: Pain turns into purpose: Doug Strott loved being active as a teenager and one day it all changed in a very painful way. Now, he's making sure those who also suffer from Scheuermann's Disease have the resources to fight back. Jessica Guay shares his story.
What is Scheuermann's Disease?
Scheuermann's Disease is a spinal (skeletal) disease that typically presents itself in children during adolescence. It is often noted by an accentuated curvature, or "hunched back" and if left untreated, may lead to significant health complications later in life. Studies suggest that about 2% of the population is affected by this disease.
For the worst sufferers of Scheuermann’s Disease, the effects may include rapid acceleration of degenerative disc disease, a sedentary lifestyle as a result of radiating spinal pain, multiple surgeries to correct spinal and body malalignments, debilitating lower back pain, erosive spinal osteoarthritis, significant mental stress associated with chronic pain, and severe depression and anxiety.
Scheuermann’s Disease, or Scheuermann’s Kyphosis as it is sometimes called, is believed to be caused by abnormal bone growth in the vertebrae, potentially by an interruption of blood flow. This happens most often during a growth spurt during adolescence that causes the vertebrae to change from a healthy rectangular shape to triangular wedge shapes.
The Scheuermann’s Disease Fund was created to improve the public's awareness and recognition of this spinal malalignment, improve early detection in adolescents, and work with the medical community to better understand the impact that Scheuermann's can have on a
person's quality of life as we age.
For the worst sufferers of Scheuermann’s Disease, the effects may include rapid acceleration of degenerative disc disease, a sedentary lifestyle as a result of radiating spinal pain, multiple surgeries to correct spinal and body malalignments, debilitating lower back pain, erosive spinal osteoarthritis, significant mental stress associated with chronic pain, and severe depression and anxiety.
Scheuermann’s Disease, or Scheuermann’s Kyphosis as it is sometimes called, is believed to be caused by abnormal bone growth in the vertebrae, potentially by an interruption of blood flow. This happens most often during a growth spurt during adolescence that causes the vertebrae to change from a healthy rectangular shape to triangular wedge shapes.
The Scheuermann’s Disease Fund was created to improve the public's awareness and recognition of this spinal malalignment, improve early detection in adolescents, and work with the medical community to better understand the impact that Scheuermann's can have on a
person's quality of life as we age.
Why is Scheuermann's a Rare Disease?
Scheuermann's disease differs from scoliosis and postural kyphosis in that it causes actual physiological changes to a person's body. These changes include:
- thickening of the anterior longitudinal spinal ligament
- vertebral plates (the tops and bottoms) become porous thus allowing disc material to be absorbed
- decreasing disc height
- forming Schmorl's nodes, which are often a telltale sign of SD found on radiographic imaging
- a certain number of vertebrae change from the normal brick shape to a wedge shape
- anterior wedging of greater than or equal to 5 degrees in 3 or more adjacent vertebral bodies
- usually in the thoracic region but can also be found in the lumbar region, as well
Help us Gather Data for SD Research
The Scheuermann's Disease Fund has partnered with the Coordination of Rare Diseases at Sanford (CoRDS) to develop a questionnaire designed to collect data on the secondary health problems that patients with Scheuermann's develop over time.
The collected data will then be given to select researchers in hopes of generating the first comprehensive long-term research study on the secondary health problems affecting Scheuermann's patients as we age.
The collected data will then be given to select researchers in hopes of generating the first comprehensive long-term research study on the secondary health problems affecting Scheuermann's patients as we age.
Please watch: Living with Scheuermann's Disease
"Living with Scheuermann's Disease" Project Video created by Cinematographer Bethany Bailie ([email protected]) and Doug Strott; Song Credits: Greg Holden, "Hold Tight" (www.gregholdenonline.com, included with artist approval); Lady Antebellum, "I Was Here" (www.ladyantebellum.com)
Find a Doctor for Treating Scheuermann’s in our
International Doctor Database
If you are like most of us with Scheuermann's Disease, you have probably had a difficult time finding a physician who is right for you. Check out our international "Doctor Database" comprised of physicians referred by patients with SD who want others to obtain the same great treatment. See if a doctor is practicing close to you! or, refer a physician so others can benefit from the same great treatment!
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Social Media Support Groups for People Affected by Scheuermann's Disease
Some wonderful people have setup Facebook support groups that are solely dedicated to people suffering from Scheuermann's Disease and other similar spinal malalignments.
Please consider joining these groups, LINKS BELOW, as the members are very knowledgeable, kind, and supportive: Scheuermann's kyphosis Scheuermann's Disease Scheuermann's Disease, Kyphosis, & Kyphoscoliosis Scheuermann's Disease in the UK |
Doug Strott - Founder, Volunteer
Doug Strott has over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry with his last job being a Regional Director for Dimensional Fund Advisors in Austin, TX. However, due to the long-lasting ancillary effects of Scheuermann’s Disease, and acute spinal arthritis, Mr. Strott's health required that he take retirement disability.
Case 2:13-cv-01245-DSC Document 44
Filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
This is a winning case in FEDERAL US COURT that can be used as a persuasive argument with Scheuermann's Disease
as the primary cause for LONG-TERM DISABILITY.
This is a winning case in FEDERAL US COURT that can be used as a persuasive argument with Scheuermann's Disease
as the primary cause for LONG-TERM DISABILITY.
