Pageants teach teen to embrace challenges

By Nancy Arcayna

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Aug 07, 2012

~~<p>Carissa Kano describes herself as a "quadruple threat" during her formidable middle school years. She wore glasses, braces on her teeth, a leg brace to deal with ankle problems and a back brace for scoliosis.</p>
<p>Her self-esteem and confidence plummeted when she was diagnosed with scoliosis at the age of 13. She had three moderately severe curves in her spine, which limited activity, caused pain and reduced her ability to breathe.</p>
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Carissa Kano describes herself as a "quadruple threat" during her formidable middle school years. She wore glasses, braces on her teeth, a leg brace to deal with ankle problems and a back brace for scoliosis.

Her self-esteem and confidence plummeted when she was diagnosed with scoliosis at the age of 13. She had three moderately severe curves in her spine, which limited activity, caused pain and reduced her ability to breathe. Login for more...