Objective

Marta Eliza Miller Foundation  (MEMF) was created to transform a deeply personal health diagnosis into a national movement for awareness, advocacy, and research funding for scoliosis. Founded by then-13-year-old U.S. Figure Skating ice dancer Marta Eliza Miller and her mother Corrina Clover Miller, after Marta’s spinal curve progressed to 48 degrees, MEMF’s mission is to:

• Increase awareness and early detection of scoliosis in youth
• Provide emotional and educational support for young patients
• Fund critical research and treatment advancements

At its core, MEMF aims to empower young people facing physical and emotional challenges to “Stand Tall, Be Strong, and Dream Big.”

Strategy

MEMF’s strategy is rooted in authentic storytelling, youth-led advocacy, and community-driven fundraising, leveraging Marta’s unique platform as both an elite athlete and patient.

1. Personal Narrative as Catalyst
Marta transformed her diagnosis into a powerful public narrative, sharing her journey of continuing to train and compete while wearing a back brace up to 20 hours a day. Her story humanizes scoliosis and removes stigma, particularly for young athletes.

2. Event-Based Fundraising + Community Engagement

• Skating exhibitions hosted at high-profile venues (including Michelle Kwan’s East West Ice Palace and Los Angeles Kings Valley Ice Center)
• Events consistently raise $50,000+ annually for Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA)
• 5k Runs
• Toy Drives
• Email Fundraising Campains
• Community-centered programming connects patients, families, and supporters

3. Strategic Healthcare Partnerships

• Longstanding collaboration with Children's Hospital Los Angeles Spine Center
• Direct funding of research, patient resources, and new initiatives like the Momentum app

4. Multi-Platform Visibility

• National media coverage (including People Magazine exclusive)
• Social media storytelling highlighting resilience, recovery, and advocacy
• Integration of creative work (e.g., short film The Axel, performance pieces) to expand reach beyond traditional nonprofit channels
• Currently writing creative, personally based docuseries

5. Youth Leadership & Credibility
Marta’s continued excellence: graduating high school at 16, earning a BFA at 19 (youngest in American Musical and Dramatic Academy history), and maintaining a 4.0 GPA.

Results

MEMF has achieved measurable, high-impact results in under six years:

• $1,000,000+ raised for scoliosis awareness and research before founder turned 20
• $475,000+ donated to the Jackie and Gene Autry Spine Center at CHLA
• Two hospital spaces named for MEMF (exam room + casting room)
• $50,000+ raised annually through live events
• Supported the launch of CHLA’s Momentum app for patient care and engagement
• Built a growing national awareness platform reaching young patients and families

Beyond financial impact, MEMF has:

• Increased visibility and understanding of scoliosis among youth
• Created a supportive community for patients navigating diagnosis and treatment
• Inspired other young people to turn adversity into advocacy

Media