Marta Eliza Miller began figure skating at age seven, showing exceptional talent that had her training alongside Olympic champion Nathan Chen and world champion Ilia Malinin. However, around age nine, her mother noticed signs of scoliosis, a condition where the spine curves abnormally, which was later confirmed by specialists at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles in 2017. Despite early flexible bracing and monitoring, Marta’s scoliosis curve worsened significantly by 2020, reaching 48 degrees and threatening her ability to continue skating, with surgery a possible recommendation.

In response to these challenges, Marta and her family launched the Marta Eliza Miller Foundation six years ago to raise awareness and funds for scoliosis research. The foundation’s efforts have raised over $1 million, with nearly half of that donated to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Their support has helped establish dedicated medical spaces and contributed to innovation such as the Momentum Spine app, which utilizes AI and smartphone technology to monitor spine curvature non-invasively, reducing the need for frequent X-rays in children.

Faced with limitations imposed by scoliosis, Marta transitioned from competitive figure skating to ice dancing to mitigate the physical strain of jumps. Her resilience carried through beyond sports—she graduated high school early at 16 and completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theater by age 19. Currently, she applies her skills as a choreographer while embodying her foundation’s motto: “Stand Tall, Be Strong, Dream Big,” demonstrating remarkable adaptability and determination.

The Marta Eliza Miller Foundation continues making strides, combining advocacy, fundraising, and technological advancements to support others with scoliosis. Marta’s journey from diagnosis to becoming a college graduate, performer, and advocate showcases how she has turned a daunting health challenge into a platform for innovation and hope, inspiring many within the scoliosis community and beyond.