An eighth grade student with scoliosis received an award for reaching-out to others with the same ailment.
Mallory Obenauf from John F. Kennedy Catholic School in Davenport received the President’s Volunteer Service Award and the Prudential Spirit of Community Certificate of Excellence on Tuesday, April 9, according to the school’s principal.
At age five, Mallory was diagnosed with scoliosis. The curvature of her spine worsened over time until she had spinal-fusion surgery a little less than a decade after the diagnosis.
Through the recovery process, Mallory realized she could help other families facing this type of surgery. She noticed the positive influence she was having helping patients before and after surgery, so she decided to put her experiences into a book.
The book is now shared with patients and their families facing the same type of surgery she had.
Mallory recently lobbied for musculoskeletal research funding in Washington D.C., where she met with Senators and members of the House of Representatives.
Aside from her cause, Mallory keeps busy as a competitive swimmer, is president of her school’s student council, and is the editor of her school newspaper.
The award she received is sponsored by Prudential Financial and the National Association of Secondary School Principals. The Spirit of Community award recognizes outstanding community service by young Americans.
