Get to Know our SRH Staff: Lisa Gardner, Research

Get to Know our SRH Staff: Lisa Gardner, Research

by | Mar 4, 2019 | Spotlight

What is your role at the hospital? What do you do on a daily basis? 
I provide administrative support to Matt Ferguson, assistant administrator for the Research department and Harry Kim, M.D., director for the Center of Excellence in Hip Disorders.
In addition to Matt’s research responsibilities (I believe we have approximately 60 people in our department), he is also a board member on the Stemmons Corridor Business Association and several times a year, I will assist with events for the association. Dr. Kim is the chair for the International Perthes Study Group (IPSG). This group meets at the hospital annually and I help as I can. When the Research department has people interested in observing, I help with their visits.
 
What led you to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children? How long have you worked here?
My neighbor worked here and everything she told me made me want to become a part of this hospital family. I have been here for 34 years and throughout my time, I have worked in several different areas. I started in security, moved to human resources, then to administration and now, I am in research.
 
What do you enjoy most about Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children?
There are so many things that I love about the hospital! The research that is conducted here is wonderful because it can lead to finding causes and ultimately cures of conditions that many of our patients have. We are all dedicated to doing what is best for the children.  
 
What was your first job? What path did you take to get here? 
My first job was at an M.E. Moses Store, which does not exist anymore. When I started working here, I assumed it would be for a short time, yet 34 years later and I cannot imagine working anywhere else.
 
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love to spend time with my family, especially my granddaughters. I also enjoy reading and traveling.
 
Three words to best describe you:
Compassionate, sincere, loyal
 
What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?
I cannot imagine being anywhere else. Scottish Rite Hospital isn’t really a job, it’s much more. I’m extremely lucky to be a very small part of what we do here. 
 
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
I am the opposite of adventurous! Although, I do love to ride just about any ride at amusement or water parks – my granddaughters inspire me to be brave.

Paving the Way to Bright Futures

Paving the Way to Bright Futures

by | Mar 1, 2019 | Uncategorized

If you are on the grounds of the hospital, take a moment to explore the James F. Chambers, Jr. Youth Fitness Park. The park features a large green lawn surrounded by an inviting walking path, which winds past decorative sculptures and recreational areas.

In this tranquil outdoor setting you will also find a brick pathway. Upon closer inspection, you will discover that these bricks are unique. Many of them are engraved with a name or personalized message to honor a loved one or celebrate a milestone.

But one thing these amber-colored blocks have in common is that each one is a symbol of hope and support for Scottish Rite Hospital patients.

“Participating in our brick program is a meaningful and affordable way for our donors to leave a legacy on the grounds of Scottish Rite Hospital,” says Stephanie Brigger, the hospital’s vice president of Development.

One of the longtime supporters, Dallas-area donor Michael Turner, began creating a legacy when the program started 20 years ago. Since then, he has donated more than 100 bricks to the hospital.

“I give from my heart,” Turner explains. “I give bricks rather than flowers because a brick will last forever.”

Individuals, families, corporations and anyone who wants to create a bright future for the patients of Scottish Rite Hospital can participate in the program. The cost of each brick is $150 and multiple bricks can be purchased, with all funds supporting the hospital.

Remember a loved one, commemorate a milestone or celebrate a special occasion, while benefiting hospital patients. To purchase a brick or receive more information, call 214-559-7618. You may also fill out an engraved brick donation form on our website here.

Share Your Story: Why I Give Back

Share Your Story: Why I Give Back

by | Feb 19, 2019 | Spotlight

Meet Jan and Sam, the chair of 2018 Cookies and Castles and her son, who was treated by our Scoliosis and Spine experts. Learn more about their journey below.

Blog written by Jan, of Dallas. 

At the age of 5, our son Sam was diagnosed with scoliosis. We visited the expert team of specialists at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children and Sam started to receive corrective treatment. 

Corrective treatment consisted of Sam wearing a hard-plastic brace, custom made for him by the Orthotics department. The brace went from his chest down to his hips and he wore it for up to 18 hours a day. As he grew, we would visit the hospital every six to eight months to have new braces made. Sam would be measured and have new X-rays taken. Each and every time, these braces became bigger and heavier.   
 
His appointments were often several hours long and this gave Sam and me numerous opportunities to visit with other patient families. We heard stories about other families driving for hours, or flying from great distances, often involving tremendous travel expenses just to have the opportunity to be treated at Scottish Rite Hospital. 

scoliosis x-ray

We realized just how lucky we were that this renowned hospital was only 20 minutes away from our home in Dallas. 

As Sam’s team of doctors had predicted, his curve became much worse around the age of 16. It became too severe for bracing and corrective surgery would soon be needed. The surgery required placing two titanium rods, held in place with 36 screws, on either side of Sam’s spine to permanently support his back.

Sam beside a woman
As scary as this sounded to us, everyone at the hospital, from the pre-surgery staff, Dr. Sucato and the team of surgeons, and the incredible nursing staff – everyone took great care of Sam. Thanks to Scottish Rite Hospital, Sam now stands 6’5” and is enjoying his sophomore year in college.

After many years of being endeared to Scottish Rite Hospital for everything they did to help our family, an opportunity to give back landed in my lap. The Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Tri Delta Sorority has an incredible annual event called Cookies & Castles, where children and their families come together to kick off the holiday season by decorating gingerbread houses. Families and hospital patients fill the atrium while enjoying the sweet smell of candy and gingerbread. As a member of Tri Delta, I was asked to chair the event in 2018.

I never expected I would have a chance like this to give back to the people that had given so much to my family. Stepping back into the hospital and seeing patients, alongside their parents, energized me to work hard to raise money to support such an incredible place.

 

 

DO YOU HAVE A STORY? WE WANT TO HEAR IT! SHARE YOUR STORY WITH US.

Scottish Rite Hospital Patients Depart For Annual Amputee Ski Trip

by | Feb 13, 2019 | General News, Press Coverage

Fourteen amputee patients from Scottish Rite Hospital received a grand send-off this week at DFW airport as they departed for the hospital’s annual Amputee Ski Trip. Representatives from Scottish Rite Hospital, American Airlines and DFW International Airport threw a party for the patients prior to their flight to Denver. The teenagers will spend a week at the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NCSD) in Winter Park, Colorado, where they will learn to ski and snowboard despite their limb differences.

Several patients discussed their excitement for the trip with local media, while representatives from the hospital offered insight on the benefits the trip provides to the kids. The goal of the trip is to foster a sense of self-confidence, discovery and independence for the patients. Snow skiing is well suited for amputees and, with special equipment, they can quickly become competitive and often excel at the sport.

Watch coverage of the send-off party from FOX 4 and CBS 11.

Dallas Mavericks Players Shoot Baskets With Scottish Rite Hospital Patients

by | Feb 12, 2019 | General News, Press Coverage

Dallas Mavericks players were joined by their mascot, Champ, last week as they visited patients at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. Three players from the Mavs shot baskets and played games with patients on the hospital’s multi-sport court. 

After an hour of shooting-around, the group headed inside to visit the hospital’s in-patient unit. Champ and the players passed out gift bags to each patient and posed for pictures with many of their families. The afternoon left a positive impact on both the patients and the players.

“It’s truly a blessing to get to spend some time with them, because they light up everybody that’s around them with their positive attitudes,” Dwight Powell, one of the Mavericks players on the visit, said.

Watch NBC 5’s coverage of the visit and see the Dallas Morning News’ photos from the day.