Marta Eliza Miller Foundation Named a Finalist at the 11th Annual Shorty Impact Awards

STUDIO CITY, CA - September 29, 2026 - The Marta Eliza Miller Foundation (MEMF) has been shortlisted in the Awareness Campaign category for the 11th Annual Shorty Impact Awards. MEMF's entry recognizes its work to increase scoliosis awareness and early detection, support young patients, and fund research and treatment advances.

Marta Eliza Miller and her mother, Corrina Clover Miller, founded MEMF after Marta's spinal curve progressed to 48 degrees while she was training as a competitive ice dancer. Marta continued to train and compete while wearing a back brace for up to 20 hours a day. By sharing that experience, including the body-image struggles, anxiety and isolation that can accompany scoliosis during adolescence, she has made emotional support a central part of MEMF's advocacy for young patients.

In under six years, MEMF has raised more than $1 million for scoliosis awareness and research, including more than $475,000 donated to the Spine Center at the Jackie and Gene Autry Orthopedic Center at Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). Skating exhibitions, 5K runs and other community events raise more than $50,000 annually. MEMF has also supported the launch of CHLA's Momentum app , and an orthopedic patient exam room and casting room have been named for the foundation.

In 2026, MEMF launched a $250,000 nationwide grant initiative to support scoliosis awareness and research across all 50 states and Puerto Rico, and has created partnerships with Boston Children's Hospital, Duke Children's, Phoenix Children's and Arkansas Children's Hospitals.The foundation will also serve as a Titanium Sponsor of CHLA's 125th Anniversary Gala on October 17, where the Jackie and Gene Autry Orthopedic Center will be honored. For Marta, a CHLA patient since 2019, the occasion brings her advocacy back to the hospital that supported her through her own scoliosis journey.

"This recognition means so much to me because I know what it feels like to be a kid going through scoliosis and to sometimes feel scared or alone," shares Marta. That's why this work is so important to me. I hope being recognized by the Shorty Impact Awards helps us reach even more young people and reminds them that scoliosis doesn't define who they are, and no matter what their diagnosis, they can still stand tall, be strong and dream big."

"This year's theme, 'What Matters?' puts the focus back on the purpose behind the work: what needs to change, who needs to be reached, and what meaningful action looks like beyond the dashboard," said Junmian Sun, Managing Director, Shorty Impact Awards. "We're proud to recognize this year's finalists and invite the public to weigh in through the Audience Honor Voting , running September 29 through October 13."

Winners will be announced at the Shorty Impact Awards ceremony on November 17, at The Belasco in Los Angeles.

###

ABOUT MARTA ELIZA MILLER FOUNDATION

Founded in 2020 by Marta Eliza Miller and her mother, Corrina Clover Miller, the Marta Eliza Miller Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to scoliosis awareness, education, patient support and research. Inspired by Marta's experience as a young patient and competitive ice dancer, MEMF works to help young people facing scoliosis to "Stand Tall, Be Strong, and Dream Big." Learn more at martaelizamillerfoundation.org .

ABOUT THE SHORTY AWARDS

The Shorty Awards (also known as "The Shortys") honors the most innovative work in digital and social media by brands, agencies and organizations.

Founded in 2008, the Shortys' notable previous winners include Malala Yousafzai, Trevor Noah, Michelle Obama, Conan O'Brien, Lady Gaga, Lizzo, and brands such as Walt Disney Company, Digitas, HBO, Meta, The Ritz-Carlton, Kraft Heinz, Ford, UNICEF, United Nations and PepsiCo.

The Shortys' mission is to celebrate, inspire, and push the boundaries of excellence in digital storytelling. Entries are judged on the merits of creativity, strategy, and engagement by the Real Time Academy, a body of hand-selected industry experts and leaders. The public can also weigh in and select their favorite Shorty Awards contenders during Audience Honor Voting.

Currently, the Shortys have two annual competitions: the flagship Shorty Awards and Shorty Impact Awards dedicated to honoring the best work with a positive social impact.

FIND THE SHORTY AWARDS ONLINE

Website: www.shortyawards.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shorty-awards

Twitter: @shortyawards

Instagram: @shortyawards

YouTube: www.youtube.com/shortyawards

CONNECT WITH MARTA ELIZA MILLER FOUNDATION

Website | Instagram | Facebook

CONNECT WITH MARTA ELIZA MILLER

Website | Instagram

CONTACT

Jade Nguyen

Shorty Awards

[email protected]

MEMF PR CONTACT

Shore Fire Media

[email protected]