Broadcast live from the Friends of Mullen & Mullen charity golf tournament, Scottish Rite for Children Development Officer Betsy Yeckel discussed how generous donors and community partners help make Scottish Rite’s mission possible. Proceeds from the annual tournament will support Scottish Rite’s ability to provide impactful patient care today and in the future.
Listen to the conversation above.
Scottish Rite for Children continues its commitment to advancing care for children with complex spinal conditions by expanding the range of treatment options available to patients with early-onset scoliosis. Pediatric orthopedic surgeon Amy L. McIntosh, M.D., recently performed the first U.S. implantation of the Spring Distraction System™ (SDS) at Scottish Rite for Children. SDS is a spinal implant that was developed in the Netherlands and received FDA clearance earlier this year to treat early onset scoliosis.
Early-onset scoliosis is diagnosed in children younger than 10, during a critical period when the spine and lungs are still developing. Traditional treatment options can require ongoing adjustments throughout childhood. The SDS uses a spring-based mechanism that continuously corrects as a child grows, supporting more natural development of the spine and chest.
“These patients often face years of treatment, multiple procedures and significant disruptions to childhood. A system that provides continuous growth guidance while potentially reducing the burden of repeated interventions represents an important step forward in pediatric spine care,” says McIntosh.
The first patient to receive the implant was a 6-year-old boy with neuromuscular scoliosis and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a genetic condition that causes progressive muscle weakness. His care team selected the SDS because it provides continuous gentle spinal correction, which may reduce the burden of care on him and his family while helping preserve his sitting balance, comfort and respiratory function, all of which are key considerations in children with SMA.
“We are proud to offer another option for children with certain types of scoliosis,” says Scottish Rite for Children Chief of Staff Daniel J. Sucato, M.D., M.S. “This kind of innovation reflects our commitment to moving pediatric orthopedic care forward, helping improve outcomes while making treatment a little easier for children and their families along the way.”
As new treatment options emerge, Scottish Rite for Children remains dedicated to evaluating and advancing innovations that not only improve clinical outcomes but also make care more manageable for the children and families who depend on it.
Visitors to the FIFA Fan Festival at Fair Park can now experience a unique exhibit highlighting the science behind sports and the women helping shape its future.
The newly opened #IfThenSheCan – The Exhibit: Game Changers features 26 life-size 3D-printed statues of women working in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers connected to the sports industry. The exhibit, which runs through July 19, showcases leaders in fields ranging from biomechanics and data analytics to sports medicine, nutrition and athletic performance.
Among those featured is Scottish Rite for Children Division Director of Movement Science Laboratory Sophia Ulman, Ph.D., whose research focuses on understanding how young athletes move and identifying ways to reduce injury risk. Through motion analysis and movement science, Ulman’s work helps physicians, therapists and researchers develop evidence-based approaches to keeping athletes healthy and active.
The exhibit was created by IF/THEN®, an initiative of Lyda Hill Philanthropies, and is designed to inspire the next generation of innovators by spotlighting real women using STEM to solve problems in one of the world’s most influential industries. Located at the FIFA Fan Festival in Dallas, the installation connects the excitement of the World Cup with the science, technology and research that help power modern sports.
Scottish Rite for Children, in partnership with Texas Woman’s University (TWU), has been awarded $285,000 through the Eugene Washington PCORI Engagement Award Program, an initiative of the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI).
The funding supports the launch of the Cerebral Palsy – Training in Research, Assessment and Intervention Network (CP-TRAIN). The initiative includes two years of work focused on improving care and outcomes for children with cerebral palsy.
“The goal of CP-TRAIN is to equip stakeholders with the knowledge and skills needed to participate in patient-centered research that compares different treatments and approaches to advance CP outcomes,” said Angela Shierk, Ph.D., O.T.R., Scottish Rite senior scientist and project lead. “As a collaborative initiative, CP-TRAIN helps patients, families and clinicians better understand comparative clinical effectiveness research so they can actively engage in it.”
Cerebral palsy is a group of conditions that affect movement, balance and posture. Children with CP may have challenges walking, using their hands or engaging in other daily activities. Treatment for the condition varies but typically includes medication, as well as physical and occupational therapy.
CP-TRAIN will work alongside people with cerebral palsy, their families, therapists, clinicians and researchers to create clear, easy-to-use educational resources. These materials will help individuals and families better understand research, feel confident taking part in studies and learn about effective assessments and therapy approaches that support everyday life and participation.
“By working with families and community-based therapists as partners, we are helping ensure that future research reflects real-world needs and can be used in everyday practice,” said Heather Roberts, Ph.D., O.T.R., CP-TRAIN co-lead and associate director in the TWU School of Occupational Therapy.
Together, Scottish Rite and TWU will build on an existing CP Task Force that was formed through a prior PCORI-funded project. “This award allows us to move from identifying priorities to preparing people to actively participate in research,” Shierk said.
The CP-TRAIN program will deliver free, open-access educational content through a hybrid model that includes online learning modules, live virtual sessions and in-person activities. All materials will be co-developed with stakeholders to ensure inclusivity, accessibility and relevance across diverse care settings.
“Pioneering research continues to be a key pillar that is foundational to our institution,” said Robert L. Walker, President and CEO of Scottish Rite for Children. “This generous award from PCORI will enhance our ability to advance care for children with cerebral palsy.”
Scottish Rite’s project and the other projects approved for funding by the PCORI Engagement Award Program were selected through a highly competitive review process in which applications were assessed for their ability to meet PCORI’s engagement goals and objectives, as well as program criteria.
“This project was selected for Engagement Award funding because it will build a community equipped to participate as partners in comparative effectiveness research and develop partnerships and infrastructure to disseminate PCORI-funded research results,” said Greg Martin, PCORI’s Chief of Engagement, Dissemination and Implementation. “We look forward to working with Scottish Rite throughout the course of their two-year project.”
Kenneth, also known as “KJ,” of Longview, Texas, is 6 years old and full of life. He plays baseball with The Miracle League of East Texas and spreads happiness wherever he goes. Though he needs assistance to walk, not much slows him down. Thanks to Scottish Rite for Children, he is gaining independence with the support of his custom hip-knee-ankle-foot orthosis (HKAFO).
Born with spina bifida, KJ has been a patient at Scottish Rite since he was 6 weeks old. His mother, Melissa, remembers how her family’s connection to the Scottish Rite Masons made Scottish Rite the clear choice for KJ’s care. “We knew from the very beginning that it was the right place for him,” Melissa shares. “Scottish Rite has always felt like family to us.”
KJ’s treatment has included years of physical therapy and a series of orthopedic orthoses to support his growth and mobility. He has used a wheelchair, ankle-foot orthoses and now a customized HKAFO to get around. Pediatric orthotist and prosthetist Reagan Bratten, C.P.O., L.P.O., specializes in fitting custom braces and supportive devices. She notes KJ’s determination drives his progress.
“The HKAFO is like an external Iron Man suit,” Reagan explains. “It locks out his knees and feet, giving him the support he needs to stand and walk with a walker. KJ has the core and hip strength, and this device helps him use it to move forward.” Above all, his enthusiasm stands out. Reagan says, “He never gives up, and he always brings joy and determination to every step he takes.”
Though his progress hasn’t always been easy, KJ’s persistence shines through. “At first, when he began using the HKAFO, completing a single lap was a big achievement,” Reagan recalls. “Now, he’s up to four laps, and I’m just there to cheer him on.”
KJ’s dedicated family drives two and a half hours to Scottish Rite. The care they receive between appointments makes all the difference. “We do not live close, so having a team that responds quickly whenever we have a question is so helpful,” Melissa says. “Knowing we have that kind of support, even from far away, gives us so much peace of mind.”
For KJ, walking with his HKAFO means more than just mobility. He grows in independence and can see eye to eye with his friends. “Scottish Rite gives children back their childhood and makes possibilities happen,” Reagan says. “KJ is proof that with the right support, kids can do amazing things.”