Teen spinal injury cases: Romanian scoliosis surgery fundraiser and Moldovan coma recovery

Antonia Popa, a 16‑year‑old Romanian teenager, suffers from severe scoliosis with a spinal curvature of about 59 degrees. The operation and post‑operative care cost €41,000; €31,296 has been raised, leaving €9,704 still needed. After losing 25 kg to meet surgical requirements, Antonia and the charity Salvează o inimă are appealing for public donations, emphasizing that the issue is not cosmetic but a painful, life‑limiting condition.

In Bucovăț, Moldova, another adolescent known only as Alina was thrown head‑first during a party, sustaining vertebral injuries that placed her in a coma. She has now awakened, managed to move a foot, and gave her first public statement, saying, “Îmi pare rău că au mințit toți.” Her recovery is ongoing under medical supervision.