Vancouver Island boy with spinal condition running race after life-altering surgeries

A Vancouver Island boy is living a life that was out of reach a year ago — one where he can run, bike and play.

Five-year-old Oliver Norie was born with scoliosis and kyphosis, conditions that cause abnormal curves in the spine.

Until last spring, the Central Saanich boy’s spine curved at a 90-degree angle.

“It really impacted how he could breathe and how he was able to move his body,” Oliver’s mom Katie Norie told CTV News.

On Sunday, he’s doing something that wasn’t previously possible: running in a race.

The boy’s life has been transformed after undergoing three surgeries during a three-month stay at BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, which his family refers to as “doctor house.”

Surgeons installed a halo in Oliver’s skull, gradually adding weight to create traction and lengthen his spine, Katie said. After that, rods were put into his back to help keep it straight.

Hospital staff used a CT scan to create a 3D-printed model of Oliver’s spine and rib cage. His surgeon studied the model before stepping into the operating room.

“Now he can run and jump and have the breathing capacity to have full conversations and go to preschool and play t-ball,” Katie said.

“It’s just amazing how much his life has changed in the last year,” she added.

Oliver is running in the BC Children’s Hospital RBC Race for the Kids, which raises money for the hospital foundation.

“We just really want to give back to the programs that are donor-funded, like the art therapy and the music therapy and the child life specialists that really helped Oliver and our whole family on his journey,” Katie said.

Oliver will likely run, walk and bike the trail by Elk/Beaver Lake.

When asked if he’s fast, Oliver turned to his mom and lifted the Groot stuffie in his hand.

“Mommy, he’s super fast! He’s going to ride on my bike,” Oliver said.