The generosity of family, friends and strangers has given Blake Tattersall a chance at beating Scheuermann’s disease. 

For the next two years the 18-year-old will spend 23 hours a day in a brace to straighten the curvature in his spine. 

The $3500 brace was partly funded by $1900 in donations received by the family in person and online via a fundraising campaign, launched by Blake’s sister Tamara in March.

In just four weeks wearing the brace Blake has gone from an 88.9 per cent curve to somewhere between 70 and 79 per cent. 

But there has been an adjustment period, with the tight brace restricting Blake’s ability to do everyday tasks like putting his shoes on and getting in and out of bed. 

The year 12 student has to wear padding to stop the brace from rubbing and a body sleeve to stop pressure sores. 

At times the pain can be serious and causes a lot of restless nights and migraines. 

“You can imagine wearing that 23 hours a day, it can be quite restrictive,” Blake’s mother Pam said. 

“It’s a big adjustment but it’s worth it after looking at [the before and after] photo.” 

A trip to specialists in Sydney last week showed a marked improvement. 

“If he didn’t have this [brace] he would have to have surgery … but it’s all starting to look pretty positive,” Pam said. 

Left untreated the disease causes a serious curvature of the spine and eventual hunchback. 

The Tattersall family have battled a number of health problems in recently times that have made finances difficult.  

They continue to repay the remaining cost of the brace while Blake’s medical costs are ongoing.