Hi there,
I just wanted to mention that Shriner's does not require a child to be sponsored or referred in any way. The application is very simple, and just asks very basic info (name, address, etc). The only criteria is that the child has a condition that they feel can be helped by their specialized care, which includes scoliosis.
My daughter was followed for several years for her juvenile scoliosis at Shriners Philly, where they are wonderful. However, their waiting list was way too long when we opted for vertebral stapling, so we had her care transferred to Shriners St Louis. We live in Oregon so neither one was close at all, but definitely worth the travel.
My daughter had surgery in May with Dr Luhmann, and I like him and trust him completely. He has a wonderful bedside manner, very unhurried. You can call his nurse, Janet Schick, or just send in an application.
Good luck, and please do let us know how your daughter is getting along. There has to be an answer for a 16 y/o who is in daily pain.
Gayle, age 50
Oct 2010 fusion T8-sacrum w/ pelvic fixation
Feb 2012 lumbar revision for broken rods @ L2-3-4
Sept 2015 major lumbar A/P revision for broken rods @ L5-S1
mom of Leah, 15 y/o, Diagnosed '08 with 26* T JIS (age 6)
2010 VBS Dr Luhmann Shriners St Louis
2017 curves stable/skeletely mature
also mom of Torrey, 12 y/o son, 16* T, stable