Grateful Patient Raises Funds for Pediatric Spine Research

Thea, a scoliosis patient of Dr. Michael Vitale and Dr. Richard Anderson, produced a cabaret fundraiser to benefit scoliosis awareness and research. The 16-year-old budding actress started working on the production just three weeks after having spinal fusion surgery.

The production titled “The Artist Alignment: Shine for the Spines” was created in honor of Drs. Vitale and Anderson, who performed Thea’s surgery. The cabaret featured performances by Alexandra Vlachos from Broadway’s “Matilda,” Aiden Passaro from Broadway’s “Kinky Boots,” and Chloe Himmelman from Netflix’s “The Week Of.” The production also featured a 50/50 raffle and lucky basket auction.

Thea’s hard work raised over $7,000. She presented the check to Dr. Vitale as a part of Scoliosis Awareness Month, which takes place in June. 

Read more about Thea’s fundraising efforts in The Independent and 27 East.