Talented Christchurch teen faces uphill battle with severe spinal condition

Chris Lynch
Chris Lynch
Jul 10, 2023 |


A Christchurch student and talented singer is urgently seeking funds for specialist spinal surgery.

Shaé, a vibrant and wholehearted 14-year-old teenager, attends the Special Music Program at Burnside High School in Christchurch.

She performed at last year’s The Palms Talent Quest, with her cover of Adele’s ‘Easy on Me’ one of the show’s most popular performances.

Shae’s severe scoliosis condition may put an end to her bright future and affect her mobility permanently, if nothing is done within months. 

The curvature of her spine went from 44° in February to 49° in June.

Fortunately, Shaé has access to a low invasive and innovative surgery “vertebral body tethering” in France, which her family is fundraising for on a Givealittle page.


The surgery is booked for Shaé on October 2nd, provided the family can pay upfront by mid September. The family’s insurance does not cover the costs.

Shae’s mother Stephanie, says the operation is crucial to correct the curvature of her daughter’s spine, and prevent her full mobility of other potentially dangerous complications long term.

This family is asking the public for help to get them to France, where their daughter will receive the surgery that will allow her to continue to grow and promises full mobility. 


Chris Lynch
Chris Lynch

Chris Lynch is a journalist, videographer and content producer, broadcasting from his independent news and production company in Christchurch, New Zealand. If you have a news tip or are interested in video content, email [email protected]

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