The Straight Paths Foundation is a fund of the Worldwide Foundation which is the 501(c)3 charitable organization. Your donations to the fund are tax deductible. The Straight Paths Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness and funds towards surgeries for scoliosis patients. We invite everyone countrywide to participate with us as we strive to support one another, lend a helping hand, and promote a better life for scoliosis patients.

The organization began after Brooke Shippey, patient of Dr. Antonacci, underwent surgery for her severe spinal curvature. As Brooke recovered from surgery, the support and love she received from her close friends and family was something she wanted every scoliosis patient to feel. Since then it has become our mission to bring support and love to each and every child that suffers from scoliosis. These children face difficulties that are hard to comprehend, but with your support, we can inform, inspire, and improve the quality of life for patients with scoliosis.

With your support, we can help adolescents view life from a new perspective, gain the confidence they deserve, and reach their full potential as they grow and become extraordinary examples to their friends, family, classmates, neighbors, and more.

The Founder

For Brooke Shippey, everything changed in middle school when she was diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis. Wearing both a nighttime and daytime brace for 22 hours a day, she quickly learned how to navigate life in a body that felt different, physically, emotionally, and socially. From long days in doctors’ offices to consistent physical therapy, she was challenged early on to find confidence, resilience, and even joy in circumstances she never would have chosen.

Now a young adult scoliosis survivor living in Michigan, Brooke understands firsthand the full impact of this condition. After exhausting conservative treatments, she underwent a six hour spinal surgery involving a collapsed lung, a chest tube, rib complications, fourteen screws, and two flexible cords to correct the curvature of her spine. Her journey was not easy, but it shaped her.

Today, Brooke is passionate about helping others see that scoliosis does not limit their life - it can refine it. She is committed to empowering young people to walk in confidence, whether they are wearing a brace, carrying a scar, or facing the uncertainty of treatment. Through her story, she hopes to remind others that strength is not the absence of struggle - it is built through it.

She shares, “Even in the hardest moments, I found that God was still writing something good. My journey with scoliosis didn’t take away my confidence, it taught me where to place it.”

How Can I Help?

You can help us, and more importantly, these children, by doing a few, simple things. First, you can donate money that will be put towards a child's surgery. Each and every penny is helpful as we strive to bring awareness to our community. Second, you can share this page to help raise awareness and let your friends and family know that we are here, ready, and willing to help. With our resources, families and children with Scoliosis can learn more about treatments, causes, and more.

Third, you can support The Straight Paths Foundation. Donating to The Straight Paths Foundation does not mean you must donate hours of your time and resources. By donating, you show your support and love for children in the US who are struggling with Scoliosis. These children, along with their families, will be forever grateful as we work together to create a better environment throughout the US.

We Care...

Founded by young adult Brooke Shippey, The Straight Paths Foundation was created from a deeply personal understanding of the challenges that come with scoliosis. After experiencing numerous treatments, doctor visits, and ultimately invasive surgery, Brooke felt called to create an organization that truly supports and advocates for individuals facing similar journeys.

We care about seeing every child grow into a strong, confident, and thriving individual.
We care about empowering patients to reach their full potential.
We care about the voices across the country seeking support and answers.
We care about advancing access to resources, education, and innovative treatments for scoliosis.
We care about those who want to make a difference and provide meaningful ways for them to get involved.

At The Straight Paths Foundation, we care about you.