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Adaline’s Courage Outpaces Stiff Skin Syndrome

Adaline’s Courage Outpaces Stiff Skin Syndrome

by | Aug 26, 2025 | Other Conditions, Rheumatology

The motto 14-year-old Adaline follows is to live life to the fullest. “That’s what I try to do with every activity I have the ability to do,” she says. Adaline’s courage grew over the years, beginning in infancy when her parents noticed skin tightness and limited mobility in her hips.

While living in Colorado, Adaline was diagnosed with stiff skin syndrome, a rare condition in which hard, thick skin forms on various parts of the body. This condition causes joint stiffness and limited range of motion. According to the National Institutes of Health Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, less than 1,000 people in the U.S. have this condition.

When Adaline and her family moved to Texas, they were referred to Scottish Rite for Children. Adaline began receiving treatment from pediatric rheumatologist Julie M. Fuller, M.D. She has used various immunosuppressive medications, like injections, to soften her skin.

Stiff skin syndrome causes flexion contractures, or joints that get stuck in bent positions. Adaline’s condition requires a team approach to treat her multiple contractures. In addition to Dr. Fuller, Director of the Center for Excellence in Foot Anthony I. Riccio, M.D, and Medical Director of Movement Science Lane Wimberly, M.D., work together to manage the multiple contractures in Adaline’s hips and feet.

“My favorite part about Scottish Rite is the continuity of care,” says Mary, Adaline’s mother. “Adaline is surrounded by an amazing care team, friends and family who are all there to help her achieve her goals. People truly care at Scottish Rite.”

With the new school year underway, Adaline will begin her role as an athletic trainer for her high school’s sports teams. She looks forward to learning more about the medical field, an interest enhanced by her treatment. “Scottish Rite holds a special place in my heart,” Adaline says. “This place makes sure every kid receives amazing care, opportunities and kindness.”

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Get to Know Our Staff: Shannon Woods, Orthopedics

Get to Know Our Staff: Shannon Woods, Orthopedics

by | Aug 21, 2025 | Spotlight

What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite?
I am a medical assistant. I am the person who takes the patient’s vitals, obtains their medical history, removes any splints, updates their chart and requests images, among other administrative tasks.

What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
The most fulfilling part of my job is interacting with patients and their families. I love being able to get to know our patients who come in frequently and talk to them about all the fun things going on in their lives. Being around these patients has made such a positive impact on my life and has inspired me in many ways.

What makes Scottish Rite a special place to you?
Scottish Rite is special to me because of the people I get to work with. I think anyone would tell you Scottish Rite has such a great work culture. I feel like I am coming to work and hanging out with friends, all while I get to do what I love. I am lucky to work somewhere that has such kind people!

What is something unique you get to do in your position?
I really like that my position is so versatile and hands-on. I get to remove splints and take vitals, but I also get to do tasks like brainstorm ways to make clinic run more efficiently and implement those ideas.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I love spending time with my two cats, Cami Anne and Penelope Anne. I take them out on walks in their pet stroller, and they love it! I also love spending time with my friends and going to different events. When I get in an artsy mood, I like to color or scrapbook.

Where are you from, and what brought you to DFW?
My dad was in the military, so my family moved every three to four years. When I was in eighth grade, we moved to Texas, and my dad ended up retiring here.

If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would love to go to Costa Rica. I want to hike and explore their beautiful rainforests and beaches. I love nature, so I think Costa Rica would be the perfect place to be immersed in nature. I have also heard the people are friendly and welcoming. I am hoping to go next year.

If you had to pick one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
If I had to choose just one, I would say sushi! There are so many different sushi rolls to try. I usually stick to my three favorite rolls, which is a yellowtail roll, shrimp tempura roll and a tuna roll. I am simple when it comes to sushi, but sushi is so versatile!

What movie do you think everyone should watch at least once?
I think everyone should watch this documentary called “My Octopus Teacher.” It is about a filmmaker who forms a friendship with an octopus in the South African kelp forest. It was such a beautiful story and was so moving. Don’t forget to bring tissues when you sit down and watch it because you may cry!

What is the first concert you attended?
The first concert I ever attended was a Ryan Cabrera concert when I was 13. After the show, he did a meet and greet. I was so nervous because I had the biggest crush on him. I was so excited to get his autograph! He only made music for a short period of time, but I loved all his music.

Favorite DFW hidden gem?
The only place I could think of is my favorite sushi restaurant, Fujiyama. The owner is really sweet, and the sushi is delicious! They also have great specials. I love going for their handroll specials.

If you were to have a movie based on your life, which actress/actor would you choose to play your character?
I would choose Nicole Richie. Some people would argue and say she is not an actress, but I think that she is so underrated and could have been a wonderful actress. She has a silly personality that I feel like is like mine. She is also mixed race like me, so I think that is a bonus!

What is some advice you would give your younger self, OR what’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
If I had to give my younger self one piece of advice, I would tell myself, “Shannon, you will figure it out. Everything will go the way that it is supposed to go, so just sit back and ride the wave.”

Stroke by Stroke, Courtney Swims to a Pain-Free Future 

Stroke by Stroke, Courtney Swims to a Pain-Free Future 

by | Aug 13, 2025 | Rheumatology

Since elementary school, Courtney, of McKinney, Texas, has swum competitively and recreationally. She specializes in freestyle swimming, which allows her to pick the stroke she wants for speed and efficiency. Recently, the freshman competed at her 5A state championship competition. With swiftness, Courtney earned second place in the 200-meter freestyle and third place in the 500-meter freestyle — accomplishments made possible by her treatment from Scottish Rite for Children’s Rheumatology team.

At 18 months old, Courtney was diagnosed with oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Oligoarticular JIA is characterized by swelling, stiffness and limited mobility in four or fewer joints. Courtney experienced swelling in her right knee and left ankle. Since 2016, her care team has included pediatric rheumatologists who created a treatment plan of medications and injections to reduce inflammation of Courtney’s joints.  

“Scottish Rite will always have a place in my heart,” Courtney says. “Everyone at Scottish Rite treats you with kindness, and it is a place where pain is met with compassion, care and hope.” 

With each visit, Courtney and pediatric rheumatologist Julie M. Fuller, M.D., grew closer and built a bond rooted in trust, encouragement and shared determination of navigating her condition. “Dr. Fuller is always so upbeat and caring,” Courtney says. “Even when my arthritis was being mean to me, she was always optimistic about treatment. I looked forward to coming to Scottish Rite because I knew Dr. Fuller was willing to do anything to get my condition under control.” 

Over the years, Courtney has made plentiful memories around Scottish Rite. She enjoys visiting Falco, the Frisco campus therapy dog. Additionally, Courtney recalls positive memories of Camp Joint Adventure, a camp she has attended since she was 9. Camp Joint Adventure unites patients who have a variety of conditions in a safe “can do” environment.  

“I met really good friends through Camp Joint Adventure, and I still keep in touch with many of them,” Courtney says. “I also am a huge dog lover, so to have Falco at camp with us made it even better! Scottish Rite has just done so much for me.”  

Now, Courtney describes Scottish Rite as her second home. She began swimming to provide relief to her oligoarticular JIA symptoms, and it has become a passion she will continue in the future. “For anyone who struggles with arthritis, I want you to know you can do whatever you set your mind to,” Courtney says. “With every memory I have made at Scottish Rite, it has changed my life for the better. My family could not have picked a better place for me to go.”  

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People and NBC 5 Cover Sadie’s Strength After Rattlesnake Bite

People and NBC 5 Cover Sadie’s Strength After Rattlesnake Bite

by | Aug 7, 2025 | Hand Conditions, Press Coverage

Last year, Sadie, age 5, was bitten by a rattlesnake on her right hand during a trip to her family’s ranch in West Texas.

“They were throwing rocks in the pond,” says Dillon, Sadie’s father. “She was standing right next to me, and she reached down to pick up a rock, and apparently, there was a rattlesnake under a leaf, and when she reached down to pick it up, the rattlesnake bit her on top of her hand.”

After receiving antivenom and emergency surgery at another facility, Sadie and her family were referred to Scottish Rite for Children to begin treatment with pediatric orthopedic hand surgeon and Director of the Center for Excellence in Hand Scott Oishi, M.D., FACS.

“How quickly they were able to get somewhere and get it treated is really why she has as much function in her hand as she does,” says Lindsey Williams, occupational therapist and certified hand therapist at Scottish Rite for Children Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center in Frisco.

Dr. Oishi performed a surgery to release Sadie’s tendons and ligaments to improve the mobility of her fingers and hand. Since then, Sadie attends occupational therapy sessions in Frisco to work on regaining full function in her hand by doing fine motor activities, like making sand art. While her treatment is not over, Sadie is on the path to recovery and is preparing for her first day of kindergarten.

Watch the full story on NBC 5.

Read this story on People.

Get to Know Our Staff: Nerissa Escoto, Surgery

Get to Know Our Staff: Nerissa Escoto, Surgery

by | Aug 7, 2025 | Spotlight

What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite?
I’m a certified medical assistant in the Surgery department. I help guide patients to their surgery areas in the back and assist them to their vehicles once they are discharged. I also help the doctors with various tasks in the Orthopedics department.

What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
It is rewarding to see how happy the kids are after their surgery. Knowing they can return to the activities that makes them happy brings me joy.

What makes Scottish Rite a special place to you?
Scottish Rite is a special place because of the people. Everyone always has a smile on their face!

What made you choose a career in health care?
I grew up knowing I wanted to help people. I always enjoyed working with kids so working in pediatric care was just the perfect fit for me.

What is something unique you get to do in your position?
While bringing patients to the back before surgery, I am the first face they see, and I get the chance to set the tone for how their day will go!

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I really like to read and am a member of a book club. I also enjoy attending concerts and comedy shows.

Where are you from, and what brought you to DFW?
I am from Amarillo, Texas. I worked at another hospital for children, and then I found my way to Scottish Rite shortly after.

If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Scotland. I want to see the plot of land I received as a joke for Christmas.

If you had to pick one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I would choose tamales, chicken fried steak or mashed potatoes.

What movie do you think everyone should watch at least once?
“Iron Jawed Angels”

What is the first concert you attended?
Sugar Ray

Favorite DFW hidden gem?
The Addison Improv. It does not get enough attention, and so many great comedians have shows there.

If you were to have a movie based on your life, which actress/actor would you choose to play your character?
America Ferrera

What is some advice you would give your younger self, OR what’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
The best advice I received was to love louder. Love louder than the hate, the noise and anything that would destroy your peace.