CBS11: BMW Dallas Marathon Spotlights Children’s Resilience

CBS11: BMW Dallas Marathon Spotlights Children’s Resilience

As runners prepare for the BMW Dallas Marathon, organizers highlight that not all victories happen on the course. Proceeds benefit Scottish Rite for Children, which is spotlighting young patients whose resilience inspires participants. One patient, Bella, shared her journey with scoliosis surgery, describing the fear, support and recovery that turned a daunting challenge into triumph. Her strength serves as a reminder that true champions are found far beyond the finish line.

Watch the full story on CBS11.

Becker’s: Leading Pediatric Orthopedics at Scottish Rite with Dr. Daniel Sucato

Becker’s: Leading Pediatric Orthopedics at Scottish Rite with Dr. Daniel Sucato

Chief of Staff Daniel J. Sucato, M.D., M.S., speaks with Scott Becker on the Becker’s Hospital Review Podcast about Scottish Rite for Children, ranked No. 1 in the nation for pediatric orthopedics by U.S. News & World Report. He discusses Scottish Rite’s more than 100-year legacy in pediatric orthopedics, its world-renowned reputation in academics with the largest pediatric orthopedic fellowship in the U.S., as well as its pioneering research. Dr. Sucato touches on Scottish Rite’s award-winning research over the past year that received three of the most prestigious awards from the fields’ top research societies, including POSNA, SRS and PRiSM. Dr. Sucato shares his insight on AI — applying it both clinically and in research in areas such as the electronic medical record, big data using predictive analytics, diagnostically and in molecular genetics. He concludes by sharing his advice on leadership for emerging leaders.

CBS11: North Texas Teen Overcomes Spinal Surgery to Run in BMW Dallas Marathon

CBS11: North Texas Teen Overcomes Spinal Surgery to Run in BMW Dallas Marathon

Seventeen-year-old Riley is preparing for the BMW Dallas Marathon, an achievement she once thought impossible. Diagnosed with scoliosis in seventh grade, Riley endured worsening pain until spinal surgery at Scottish Rite for Children straightened her 60-degree curve. After months of recovery, she began running a mile a day, eventually completing a half marathon in February. Now, less than two years after surgery, she’s training for her first full marathon, determined to show herself just how far she has come.

Watch the full story on CBS11.

NBC 5: ACL Injuries Among Girls Are on the Rise

NBC 5: ACL Injuries Among Girls Are on the Rise

Movement science researchers at Scottish Rite for Children received a $1 million grant from Lyda Hill Philanthropies to fund, in part, a project that will tackle why teen girls tear their anterior cruciate ligaments (ACLs) far more often than others, and it turns out the menstrual cycle may play a big role. Early results show that hormone shifts throughout the cycle can make ligaments looser or muscles less flexible, which can seriously raise the risk of injury.

To help prevent this, athletes are engaging in training sessions that sync with their cycles, while researchers use high-tech motion capture tracking to spot risky movement patterns. The aim is to create smarter injury-prevention and rehab programs and eventually bring this approach to schools across the country.

Watch the full story on NBC 5.

Building Connections Through the Hand in Hand Support Group

Building Connections Through the Hand in Hand Support Group

When the first Hand in Hand Support Group met in April 2024, about 60 people gathered to connect, share stories and support one another. A little over a year later, that number has more than doubled.

Families primarily come from the Dallas–Fort Worth area, but some travel from San Antonio and Lubbock and even from neighboring states like Oklahoma and Louisiana. This incredible growth reflects the power of community.

Founded and directed by Scottish Rite for Children occupational therapist Amy Sitabkhan, O.T.R., O.T.D., the group offers a welcoming space for children with congenital hand differences and their families to connect, including children from birth to 8 years old.

“Typically, when families come into clinic, they’re asking similar questions,” Amy says. “They want the best for their child, and they are curious about how life will look as their child grows older — if they’re going to make friends, if they will be able to play sports and whether they’ll face bullying. I created the support group alongside my fellow occupational therapists and nurses as a way for families to build a community and have an opportunity to ask those questions, seek resources and normalize having an upper limb difference.”

The Hand in Hand Support Group also helps bridge the gap for parents of younger children and babies, offering an opportunity to network and find encouragement even before their children are old enough for Hand camp.

Between guest speaker sessions, families enjoy coffee chats and small group discussions, connect with adults who have hand differences and share their lived experiences.

For occupational therapist Lucy Ericson, O.T.R., C.H.T., the support group provides a meaningful way to connect with families beyond the clinic walls.

“It’s a rewarding opportunity to learn from others, share resources and empower families,” Lucy says.

From its humble beginnings to its rapid growth, Hand in Hand is more than just a support group — it’s a community of hope, learning and shared strength.