Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Higginson.
Hi Lauren, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was 11 years old. At the time, I felt incredibly alone. I was embarrassed by my back, constantly worried that someone would notice it, and spent so much of my childhood trying to hide. Looking back, I think what I needed most wasn’t just medical care—I needed to know there were other kids who felt the same way.
As I got older, I eventually had spinal fusion surgery as an adult. That experience gave me an even deeper understanding of how much scoliosis can affect every part of a person’s life—not just physically, but emotionally too.
Years later, I created Higgy Bears with one simple goal: to make sure no child or teen with scoliosis ever has to feel as alone as I did. What started with a teddy bear wearing a scoliosis brace has grown into something I never could have imagined. Today, more than 70,000 children and teens around the world have received a Higgy Bear, giving them a reminder that they are not alone.
As our community grew, families began asking for more ways to connect. That led to the creation of Higgy Con, which has become the largest scoliosis convention for kids in the world. Every year, hundreds of children, teens, parents, and adults come together for a weekend where they can finally meet people who truly understand what they’re going through.
When I started Higgy Bears, I thought I was creating a teddy bear. What I was really creating was a community. Seeing a child walk into Higgy Con feeling nervous and leave with lifelong friends is something I’ll never get tired of.
Everything we do comes back to one mission: making scoliosis bearable. If even one child leaves feeling more confident, more hopeful, and knowing they don’t have to hide anymore, then we’ve done what we set out to do.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I think one of the biggest challenges has been learning to trust myself. There have been plenty of moments where I’ve questioned whether I was making the right decisions or whether I was capable of taking on something this big.
I’ve also learned that when you care deeply about something, it’s hard to separate yourself from it. I don’t see Higgy Bears as just an organization—I see the faces of the kids and families behind it. When a child is struggling or a family reaches out in a difficult moment, I carry those stories with me. That can be emotionally heavy at times.
Another challenge has simply been balancing the incredible highs with the difficult days. There are moments that are unbelievably rewarding, and there are moments where things don’t go as planned, where you have to pivot, solve problems, and keep moving forward. I’ve learned that perseverance isn’t about never feeling discouraged—it’s about continuing even when things feel difficult.
I also think I’ve had to let go of the idea that everything has to be perfect. Early on, I wanted every event, every project, and every detail to be flawless. Over time, I’ve realized that what people remember isn’t perfection—they remember how you made them feel. That shift in perspective has been incredibly freeing.
Those experiences have shaped me not only as a founder but as a person. They’ve taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of staying focused on the bigger picture. At the end of the day, if a child leaves feeling more confident or a family feels a little less alone, that’s what matters most.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I founded Higgy Bears with a simple mission: making scoliosis bearable. Everything we do is focused on helping children, teens, and their families feel less alone as they navigate a scoliosis diagnosis.
We provide comfort and support in a variety of ways, from our signature Higgy Bears to educational resources and community programs. One of the things I’m most proud of is Higgy Con, which has grown into the largest scoliosis convention for kids in the world. It gives families the opportunity to connect with others who truly understand what they’re going through, often for the very first time.
I think what sets our work apart is that we focus on the emotional side of scoliosis just as much as the medical side. Doctors do an incredible job treating the curve, but many families are also looking for support with the fear, anxiety, confidence, and isolation that can come with the diagnosis. That’s where we come in. We want every child to know they’re more than their curve and that they don’t have to go through this journey alone.
What I’m most proud of isn’t a number or an event—it’s the community we’ve built. Seeing kids who once felt isolated walk into a room full of people just like them, make friends, laugh, and leave with a new sense of confidence is something that’s hard to put into words. Watching parents find support from other parents who truly understand is just as meaningful.
At the heart of everything we do is connection. My goal has never been just to give away teddy bears or host an event. It’s to create a place where families feel understood, where kids can be themselves without hiding, and where they leave with hope for the future. That’s the impact I’m most proud of.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I think the most important lesson I’ve learned is that you never know the impact one small act of kindness can have on someone’s life.
When I first started Higgy Bears, I was focused on creating a teddy bear for kids with scoliosis. I never imagined it would grow into a worldwide community or that it would connect tens of thousands of families. It reminded me that you don’t have to change the whole world to change someone’s world.
I’ve also learned that vulnerability is a strength. For a long time, I didn’t want to talk about my own experiences with scoliosis because I was embarrassed by them. But I’ve found that when you’re willing to be honest about your struggles, it gives other people permission to do the same. Some of the most meaningful conversations I’ve had have started simply because someone realized they weren’t alone.
Another lesson is that you don’t have to have everything figured out before you begin. If I had waited until I had the perfect plan or all the answers, Higgy Bears probably never would have existed. Sometimes you just have to take the first step, learn along the way, and trust that you’ll figure out the next one when you get there.
More than anything, I’ve learned that people don’t just need information—they need connection. Feeling understood can be just as powerful as receiving advice. That’s something I carry with me every day, and it’s become the foundation for everything we do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.higgybears.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/higgybears/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HiggyBears/
