Amanda Bonife: The Journey of a Scoliosis Advocate

Amanda Bonife’s life is a powerful testament to resilience, determination, and compassion. As the Founder of Scoliosis Philippines Support Group Inc. (Scoliosis Philippines), her journey is deeply shaped by her lived experience with scoliosis, which has driven her relentless advocacy for those affected by the condition. What truly sets Amanda apart is not only her personal battle with scoliosis but also her steadfast commitment to turning her challenges into opportunities for community support, education, and empowerment.

The Early Struggles and the Birth of Advocacy

Amanda’s path to becoming a leading advocate for scoliosis awareness and support was shaped by her own struggles with the condition. Diagnosed at a young age, she endured not only the physical challenges of scoliosis but also the emotional, financial, and psychological tolls of living with a condition that was poorly understood and rarely discussed not only in the Philippines but globally. Chronic pain, breathing issues, limited mobility, stigma, and isolation were compounded by financial strain—expensive surgery and a lack of accessible resources made managing scoliosis a daunting experience.

Rather than succumbing to these difficulties, she used them as a driving force for change. She realized that scoliosis patients didn’t just need medical interventions; they needed emotional support, education, and a sense of community. Her journey of acceptance—viewing scoliosis as an integral part of her life—became the foundation for her advocacy. Her personal struggles fueled her determination to ensure others wouldn’t face the same isolation and lack of resources she once did.

Founding Scoliosis Philippines

In 2011, Amanda founded Scoliosis Philippines with a clear vision: to create a supportive space where individuals with scoliosis and their families could access resources, guidance, and emotional support. What began as a small, informal network has since grown into a nationwide movement, positively impacting thousands across the Philippines. In 2017, under Amanda’s leadership, Scoliosis Philippines was officially registered as a nonprofit organization with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and became a recognized member of the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO).

Today, the scoliosis community Amanda has fostered is not just a source of information but also a network for emotional support and connection. Through her innovative advocacy efforts, she has built a platform that bridges the gap between healthcare, emotional well-being, and community engagement. Amanda’s vision for Scoliosis Philippines extends beyond awareness; she strives to create an environment where patients can share their stories, be heard, and feel empowered to lead fulfilling lives with scoliosis.

A Holistic Approach to Advocacy

Amanda’s advocacy for scoliosis focuses on the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of patients. She recognized that they needed more than just medical care—they needed a supportive community. Through her work, she has built a network that provides both treatment and emotional support to help patients through their scoliosis journey.

In addition to offering patient support, she has been a key figure in raising awareness about early detection and intervention. She has organized numerous wellness events, patient meetups nationwide and during Scoliosis Awareness Month, including awareness concerts, lay forums, free screenings, consultations, and discounted X-rays. These efforts empower patients to take proactive steps in managing their condition while improving accessibility to care.

In 2016, Amanda became the first adult patient in the Philippines to undergo SpineCor, a dynamic bracing treatment. She also committed to an intensive physical therapy and scoliosis-specific exercise program, which not only relieved her chronic pain but led to significant spinal correction. Today, she is pain-free and no longer a surgical candidate. Her journey has inspired countless patients to explore evidence-based treatment and optimal health outcomes.

She also gives back by volunteering with the Duncan Tree Foundation (DTF) Scoliosis Mission in the Philippines, which has provided free surgeries to 35 underprivileged Filipino scoliosis patients since 2015. She has led fundraising initiatives, including awareness campaigns with proceeds benefiting patients in need of surgery and the DTF mission. In addition, she has facilitated webinars on scoliosis and mental health, yoga and mindfulness sessions and provided access to free scoliosis exercises, bracing, and surgery, both locally and abroad. Through these efforts, she continues to improve scoliosis care and empower patients to take control of their health and well being.

A Tech-Driven Visionary

As a woman in tech, Amanda has skillfully integrated technology into her advocacy work, harnessing its potential to create impact for the scoliosis community. In 2021, Amanda was selected to join the prestigious Facebook Community Accelerator Program by META, a highly competitive initiative with over 13,000 applicants worldwide. With only 1% of applicants chosen, she was recognized for her leadership in scaling online communities for social good. Through this program, she  enhanced the Scoliosis Philippines network, building stronger connections with ecosystem partners and stakeholders across the country and globally. The accelerator also gave her the tools to refine her digital strategies and leverage data-driven approaches to increase engagement, deliver tailored support, and improve access to resources for scoliosis patients.

Her innovations have led to the creation of several groundbreaking initiatives. One of Amanda’s key projects is the TARA Care mobile app, launched in 2022 with funding from the Facebook Community Accelerator Program. Designed as a patient registry, the app provides users with a digital ID and QR code, connecting scoliosis patients to healthcare providers. In addition to offering medical resources and educational content, TARA Care also supports fundraising efforts, patient needs assessment, PWD application, Philhealth Benefits and fosters a supportive community where patients can connect and share experiences. 

Beyond her technical expertise, Amanda has also made significant contributions as a mentor and presenter, reinforcing her leadership in both the tech and healthcare sectors. In 2023, she mentored participants at the 3rd Philippine Datathon held at De La Salle University Manila. This event brought together data scientists and experts to develop innovative solutions leveraging Artificial Intelligence in the Universal Health Care (UHC) framework, and she drew on her extensive experience in healthcare advocacy and tech-driven solutions to guide participants in using data science to tackle critical healthcare issues, including the early detection and management of conditions like scoliosis. 

During the Datathon, she was instrumental in guiding the development of ScolioSynch, an AI-powered scoliosis detection system designed to improve early diagnosis and timely intervention with the aim to reach even in underserved areas. Her ability to leverage technology in addressing scoliosis-related challenges demonstrates her forward-thinking approach to advocacy, blending healthcare and innovation to create long term impact. 

Following her participation in the 2024 Echelon Philippines Amanda was invited as a presenter at the FEMTECH Showcase at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), where she shared her expertise in advancing healthcare innovation. Her involvement in these platforms highlights her commitment to driving and fostering collaboration between the tech and healthcare communities, all while advocating for solutions that improve patient care and accessibility.

Through these projects and her overall tech-driven approach, she is pioneering accessible, scalable solutions for scoliosis care. Her work reflects a forward-thinking vision, blending advocacy with innovation to ensure that individuals affected by scoliosis can access better, more effective care harnessing the power of technology.

Milestones in Advocacy

Key achievements that have significantly impacted the scoliosis community:

• PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION: Amanda successfully lobbied for June to be declared Scoliosis Awareness Month through Presidential Proclamation No. 620, S. 2018, signed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte. This proclamation helped raise public awareness about scoliosis and made early detection a priority program of the Department of Health (DOH).
• SCOLIOSIS SUMMITS: In 2021 and 2022, she spearheaded in organizing the Scoliosis Summit, bringing together advocates, healthcare professionals, and patients to discuss prevention and control programs and the development of health benefits for scoliosis.
• CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES (CPG):  As an active member of the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO), Amanda contributed to the development of the Philippine Guideline on Periodic Health Examination on Musculoskeletal Disorders such as scoliosis, ensuring that care in the Philippines aligns with global standards.
• NATIONAL SCOLIOSIS CARE ACT: Amanda is currently developing and advocating for the passage of the National Scoliosis Care Act, which seeks to provide comprehensive and accessible scoliosis care for all patients in the Philippines.

Empowering the Community

Amanda’s advocacy extends beyond healthcare, policy development, and community engagement; it focuses on community-building and creating sustainable livelihoods. With a strong focus on developing community leaders, she has been at the forefront of nurturing and empowering volunteers to take on active roles in driving change. 

Drawing on her learning from programs such as the ASHOKA (ASEAN) Deepening Impact of Women Activators (DIWA), Connected Women Elevate Digital Inclusion, and Nationwide Adoption (DINA), Amanda has led several impactful initiatives. One of her aspirations and passion projects, Paglaum Café, combines a café with a platform to support artisans. This social enterprise provides a creative space for scoliosis patients and their families to engage in crafts and artistry, fostering an inclusive environment that promotes empowerment and economic independence.

Paglaum Café serves as both a creative hub and a community gathering space where scoliosis patients can work, find support, share experiences, and connect with one another. Through this initiative, Amanda is creating meaningful opportunities for patients to contribute to their families while strengthening the sense of community within the scoliosis network.

Additionally, Junko, a key member of the Board and Core Team, is supporting Amanda in spearheading the Shop for a Cause e-commerce platform. This initiative, inspired by the Alibaba Netpreneur Training Program, allows the general public to purchase products whose proceeds benefit Scoliosis Philippines’ initiatives, programs, and operational costs, as well as support underprivileged scoliosis patients and their families. The platform is designed to provide sustainable funding for scoliosis care while offering a meaningful way for the community to unite and foster a strong support for our core advocacies.

Overcoming Personal Challenges

Amanda’s journey has been shaped by personal struggles, including overcoming mental health challenges that stemmed from the trauma she has experienced throughout her life. Despite these obstacles, she has demonstrated incredible resilience, using her struggles as a source of strength to propel her advocacy work forward. Her ability to overcome adversity and remain focused on her mission is a testament to her commitment to making a difference.

In addition to mental health challenges, she has navigated profound personal failures, further deepening her empathy for those facing their own difficulties. Her journey is a powerful reminder that even in the face of hardship, one can rise above and create meaningful change.

Her commitment to personal and leadership development is reflected in her academic achievements as well. In 2023, she earned her Postgraduate Certificate in Healthcare Leadership and Management, offered by the Philippine Alliance of Patients Organizations (PAPO) in partnership with the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) School of Executive Education and Lifelong Learning (SEELL). This capacity-building program equipped her with advanced skills in policy development, healthcare management, and leadership strategies, further enhancing her ability to advocate for scoliosis patients on a larger scale. With these new tools in hand, Amanda is now even more empowered to drive change, push for healthcare reform, and champion the rights of scoliosis patients in the Philippines.

Looking Ahead

As Amanda celebrates 13 years of advocacy, her mission remains clear: to make scoliosis care accessible, promote early detection, and create a safe, supportive space for scoliosis patients. Rather than focusing on short-term wins, she is committed to building long-term, sustainable programs that will continue to serve patients for future generations. Through her pro bono work, strategic collaborations, and focus on systemic change, she is transforming the lives of scoliosis patients and shaping the future of scoliosis care in the Philippines.

Her strategic approach to advocacy is evident in her ability to create impactful partnerships that drive meaningful change. By collaborating with government and private sectors, healthcare providers, tech innovators, policymakers, and nonprofits, she has built a powerful network dedicated to improving scoliosis care. A prime example of this is the STRIPES FIT CHECK CAMPAIGN — an online initiative launched in June 2024 forged in partnership with MullenLowe Treyna, and supported by Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, social media influencers and other well-known stripes icon.

The STRIPES FIT CHECK campaign has made a significant impact in raising awareness and promoting early detection of scoliosis. Through its collaborations, the campaign has reached millions across various digital platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. With high-profile endorsements and engaging content, the initiative has sparked conversations about scoliosis, encouraging individuals to take proactive steps in checking for signs of the condition.

By utilizing these platforms, the campaign educates the public on the importance of early detection, empowering people to check their own and their children’s posture and seek timely medical advice. The campaign’s strong social media presence and interactive events have fostered high levels of engagement, inspiring patients to share their stories and take action to prioritize their health.

STRIPES FIT CHECK is more than just an awareness campaign—it’s a movement that’s transforming how people think about scoliosis, making early detection a priority and creating a ripple effect of change across communities.

Our Call

Today, Amanda’s work continues to inspire. Her legacy of compassion, resilience, and dedication to systemic change is transforming the lives of scoliosis patients across the Philippines and underserved areas. Through her vision, innovation, and leadership, she  proves that one person’s pain, combined with the power of passion and partnerships, can spark hope and meaningful purpose. However, as a startup we have various challenges and limitations:

• Limited Financial Resources: As a non-profit, our community relies heavily on donations and grants, which can limit its ability to expand programs, support operations, and fund large-scale projects.
• Volunteer-Dependent: We depend on volunteer support, which can lead to challenges in continuity and availability for ongoing activities and events.
• Lack of Technological Infrastructure: The need for consistent updates, development, and technical support for initiatives like the TARA mobile app can strain resources and limit the user experience.
• Awareness Challenges in Rural Areas: Reaching scoliosis patients in underserved and rural communities remains challenging, limiting our national reach and inclusivity.

The journey starts with you. Together, we can build a community where scoliosis patients receive the care and support they deserve. By raising awareness and contributing, you’ll help break barriers, create change, and improve lives by funding our programs and projects from early detection to emotional support and empowerment, ensuring no one fights scoliosis alone. Your generosity empowers and strengthens our mission to create a more compassionate, inclusive society for every Filipino afflicted with scoliosis. 

Individually, we can make a difference. Together, we can break the stigma, rewrite the narrative and inspire change!

Click here to donate or directly send your donation to:

SCOLIOSIS PHILIPPINES SUPPORT GROUP INC.
Bank Name: BANK OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS (BPI)
Current Account Number: 4831000843
SWIFT CODE: BOPIPHMM