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The Pattern of Perseverance: How Scoliosis Fueled Gabbi’s Passion for Fashion

The Pattern of Perseverance: How Scoliosis Fueled Gabbi’s Passion for Fashion

by | Jun 6, 2025 | Scoliosis & Spine

Hidden in every seam of a garment is a unique story, as 21-year-old Gabbi would discover. While she has always loved fashion, Gabbi’s appreciation for design would develop in the most unexpected places — from her own scoliosis journey. “I always follow the wise words of Coco Chanel that beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself,” Gabbi says. “Fashion is where individuals can express themselves through their own ideas of creativity.”

At age 15, Gabbi and her family were referred to Scottish Rite for Children for a scoliosis evaluation. Certified physician assistant Jessica Landson, P.A.-C., diagnosed her with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) of the thoracic, or upper spine, region. AIS is the most common form of scoliosis that affects children and teens between the ages of 10 to 18 with no known cause.

In Gabbi’s case, her diagnosis affected more than just her physical well-being. While she had asymmetry in her waist and shoulders, she also developed a sense of body dysmorphia. Body dysmorphia is a mental health symptom that occurs when someone experiences negative emotions and/or hyper focuses on a real or perceived flaw in their appearance.

“Not only was I struggling on the inside, but I also struggled on the outside,” Gabbi says. “I was in constant pain because of how my scoliosis affected my ribs. I felt ‘big’ because of the way my back lumped from my curved spine.”

To correct Gabbi’s curve that had grown to 51 degrees, pediatric orthopedic surgeon and Assistant Chief of Staff Brandon A. Ramo, M.D., performed a spinal fusion. The procedure kick-started her healing journey from the inside out, helping not only her condition but also her body dysmorphia.  

“My experience at Scottish Rite was incredible,” Gabbi says. “Dr. Ramo is one of my favorite surgeons of all time. He has this calming aura around him, and he made my surgery a breeze in all aspects.”

After surgery, Gabbi explored her passion for fashion through her studies. She majored in apparel design and marketing at the University of Arkansas. For her school’s final project, Gabbi showcased her care journey with scoliosis through fashion in the form of creating a dress.

“The idea of the dress came to me because we had to create something that impacted our lives,” Gabbi says. “The significance of this garment is very important to me because I didn’t know the full extent of my body dysmorphia until after my surgery.”

Gabbi’s project consisted of a long formfitting dress to display the curve of her spine. The garment incorporated personal touches of herself, from the ruffles that represent the preoperative curve of her spine to the green accessories that represent the honorary color of Scoliosis Awareness Month. After a semester of hard work, Gabbi walked down the runway at her school’s fashion show. In that definitive moment, she describes feeling powerful.

“Designing this dress went beyond my everyday love for fashion,” Gabbi says. “I felt like I was bringing light to something that is a struggle behind closed doors. It truly was a life-changing moment because I realized that my journey was not for nothing. I knew that night that this was truly an impact — not just for myself, but others.”

Today, Gabbi is looking forward to where the fashion design industry will take her. She shares that the care she received at Scottish Rite is paramount to building her self-confidence. “Scottish Rite means the world to me,” Gabbi says. “Not only did my care change a physical issue I had, but it changed my life. Scottish Rite helped me become the best version of myself.”

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Get to Know Our Staff: Julia Kinard, Property Management

Get to Know Our Staff: Julia Kinard, Property Management

by | Jun 5, 2025 | Spotlight

What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite?
I am the property management assistant, and I facilitate and support the activities of our Property Management department. Our team manages the real estate and mineral assets that have been generously donated to Scottish Rite.

What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
The most fulfilling part of my job is being able to support my team by providing excellent assistance in whatever capacity needed.

What makes Scottish Rite a special place to you?
I believe what makes Scottish Rite so special to me are the people who work here. They are the best folks ever!

What made you choose a career in health care?
In my position, I do not have direct patient contact. However, I take pride in knowing the work that we do contributes to the overall mission of the organization.

What is something unique you get to do in your position?
I assist the process and completion of various contracts and leases with gas and oil operators.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my grandsons who are ages 2 and 4. They are such a blessing, and I am so thankful for them.

Where are you from, and what brought you to DFW?
I was born and raised in Dallas. I am a true Texan.

If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I have no desire to travel because as Dorothy in the “Wizard of Oz” said, “There is no place like home.”

If you had to pick one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
If I could only pick one cuisine, it would have to be Mexican food. I don’t ever seem to get tired of it.

What movie do you think everyone should watch at least once?
I enjoy love stories and happy endings in movies. I would pick “The Notebook” because it is one of my favorites. Be sure to have a box of tissues nearby.

What was the first concert you attended?
My first concert was with my brother, and we saw Hall & Oates.

If you were to have a movie based on your life, which actress/actor would you choose to play your character?
I would choose Meg Ryan to play me.

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 would give my younger self is to enjoy your youth while it’s still around.

Get to Know Our Staff: Grace Evasco, Occupational Therapy

Get to Know Our Staff: Grace Evasco, Occupational Therapy

by | Jun 4, 2025 | Spotlight, Therapy Services

What is your job title at Scottish Rite?
I am primarily an outpatient occupational therapist (OT). I meet with patients weekly to work on specific goals related to upper extremity function. I also guide them through activities that support their ability to do the things they need and want to do each day. I primarily work with patients who have arthrogryposis, spina bifida, cerebral palsy and various upper extremity differences.

What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
I love building relationships with families and their children to help them achieve their goals. I have worked at Scottish Rite long enough that now I get to see patients through the different stages of their lives. It’s so fun being able to see these kids grow and succeed.

What makes Scottish Rite a special place to you?
It’s truly the people. Everyone that works here embodies the mission and vision of Scottish Rite, and it’s evident in the care we provide to children.

What made you choose a career in health care?
I started out as an accounting major, but I quickly found out I don’t fit in very well with the business world. The majority of my family works in health care, so I saw firsthand how they impact their patients and wanted to do the same.

What is something unique you get to do in your position?
What I am most proud of is creating custom, adaptive devices and equipment for children with unique anatomy. Many of the options on the market for this are great, but they don’t always work for patients who have muscle, joint or limb differences. To bridge this gap, I collaborate with Eddie in the Orthotics and Prosthetics department and Brad in the Bioengineering department to create innovative devices to help children become as independent as possible.

With help from my collague Amy Sitabkhan, I started a program where we see our children who have arthrogryposis for weeklong bouts of care to work on specific activities of daily living. This also includes creating and testing different adaptive devices and techniques for independence. This type of treatment plan is very specialized and not always plausible outside of Scottish Rite, so I’m lucky to be in an institution that allows me to do this for our patients.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I enjoy playing music. I have been a classically-trained pianist since I was 4 years old, and I can play the guitar, ukulele and cello. Recently, I have also been into Formula 1.

Do you have any hidden talents?
I can fall asleep anywhere, including in front of the Eiffel Tower. My co-workers would also say I’m pretty good at Photoshop.

Where are you from, and what brought you to DFW?
I was born and raised here in DFW. I moved away for school, but Dallas will always be my home!

If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would go to Ecuador. I was supposed to teach therapists there, but the trip got canceled during the pandemic. I would love to explore the Amazon Rainforest and Galápagos Islands as well!

If you had to pick one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I would eat a spicy Chick-fil-A sandwich and waffle fries. I would pair it with the Chick-fil-A sauce and Texas Pete hot sauce. I can’t tell you why other than it is good, but I like it.

What was the first concert you attended?
I don’t remember my first concert, but the best concert I have ever attended was the Backstreet Boys reunion concert. I lost my voice for days!

Favorite DFW hidden gem?
It’s not really a hidden gem anymore, but the Potpourri Boulangerie in Bishop Arts District has the best high tea in Dallas. I also really love JingHe Japanese Restaurant on Mockingbird for all you can eat sushi.

If you were to have a movie based on your life, which actress/actor would you choose to play your character?
They look nothing like me, but I think Kristen Bell or Keke Palmer would probably play me pretty accurately. They are both funny and snarky, and I think they would break into song at random times of the day like me.

What is some advice you would give your younger self, OR what’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Always do everything you’re afraid of.

Scoliosis Awareness Month: What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis Awareness Month: What is Scoliosis?

by | Jun 2, 2025 | Scoliosis & Spine

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is not a disease. It is an abnormal curvature of the spine. In addition to the spine curving sideways, it also twists, making the ribs (which are attached to the spine) look uneven. This may cause a prominence or a “bump” on the back. Other signs include a shoulder or hip that looks higher than the other or the chest may appear uneven. Scoliosis is usually a painless condition. Children with scoliosis are no more likely than kids without scoliosis to have back pain.

The diagnosis of scoliosis is confirmed by taking an X‐ray of the spine. If a curve measures more than 10 degrees, it is called scoliosis.

Who has it?

Scoliosis usually occurs in early adolescence and becomes more noticeable during a growth spurt. Approximately 0.5 percent of young people develop scoliosis that requires treatment. Girls have scoliosis eight times more often than boys. Sometimes scoliosis can be found in several family members, for several generations.

Why does it happen?

There are several different types of scoliosis that affect children.

Idiopathic Scoliosis
The most common type of scoliosis is idiopathic, which means the exact cause is not known. Idiopathic scoliosis can occur in infants, toddlers and young children, but the majority of cases occur from age 10 to the time a child is fully grown. Scoliosis tends to run in families. It is not a disease that is caught from someone else like a cold. There is nothing you could have done to prevent it. It is not caused by carrying heavy books, backpacks or purses, slouching, sleeping wrong or from a lack of calcium.

Congenital scoliosis
Congenital means that you are born with the condition. Congenital scoliosis starts at the spine forms very early in pregnancy. Part of one or more of the vertebra does not form completely, or the vertebra does not separate properly. Other abnormalities may also be present such as ribs may be missing or there can be ribs that are fused together. This type of scoliosis can be associated with other health issues including heart and kidney problems.

Neuromuscular scoliosis
Any medical condition that affects the muscles and the nerves can lead to scoliosis and this is known as neuromuscular scoliosis. This is most commonly due to muscle imbalance and/or weakness. Examples of neuromuscular conditions that can lead to scoliosis include cerebral palsy, spina bifida and muscular dystrophy.

How is it found?

Finding scoliosis is easy when the back is examined closely but it can be missed if someone isn’t looking for it. Parents or friends might notice the curve, but most curves are found through a school screening program or by a pediatrician. A trained examiner can detect even a slight curve when a person bends over to touch her or his toes. If a curve is suspected, a referral is often made to an orthopedic doctor. Print this PDF.

What may be noticed on someone who has scoliosis:
  1. One shoulder may be higher than the other.
  2. One scapula (shoulder blade) may be higher or more prominent than the other.
  3. When the arms hang loosely at the side of the body, there may be more space between the arm and the body on one side.
  4. One hip may appear to be higher than the other.
  5. The head may not be centered exactly over the pelvis.
  6. The waist may be flattened on one side; skin creases may be present on one side of the waist.
What are the types of curves?

Curves occur in the spine between the neck and the pelvis. They are named depending on their location. The most common type is in the upper back (thoracic) and tends to curve to the right. Other curves are in the lower (lumbar) spine. Many children have both types of curves.

How are curves treated?

Treatment depends on how big the curve is when it’s detected and how much growth is left. Curves can worsen during the major growth spurts. Curves less than 20 degrees may not need any treatment except to be checked by the doctor from time to time until the child has stopped growing.

If a child is still growing and the curve is greater than 20 degrees, the doctor might recommend wearing a brace. Bracing will not correct a curve. The goal of bracing is to help prevent the curve from getting worse during growth. Braces must be worn as prescribed by the doctor during the growing years in order to be effective. After growth is completed or if the curve does not respond to bracing, the brace is no longer worn.

If a curve is advanced, the doctor may suggest an operation to correct the scoliosis. Allowing a large curve to progress could interfere with heart and lung function in later years. The most common type of operation is called posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion. Instrumentation refers to metal rods and screws that are attached to the spine to hold it in the corrected position. Fusion refers to the bone graft that is placed along the spine making the vertebrae one solid piece.

Learn more about the importance of scoliosis screening.

Hand in Hand, Kam Embarks On a Healing Journey Through Treatment

Hand in Hand, Kam Embarks On a Healing Journey Through Treatment

by | May 19, 2025 | Hand Conditions

Kamran, better known as “Kam,” is always on the move! Whenever his family takes a break away from the city, Kam enjoys spending time on a swing set or riding up and down hills in golf carts. Though he is full of energy and curiosity, 2-year-old Kam has endured many challenges to be able to enjoy his favorite activities.

When Kam was born, his parents noticed contractions in his hands, which led them to seek solutions at other facilities near their home in Fort Worth, Texas. Kam was diagnosed with congenital contractures of the limbs and face, hypotonia and developmental dysplasia (CLIFADD) syndrome. CLIFADD is a rare, congenital condition that causes various limbs to contract. Kam was also diagnosed with distal arthrogryposis, a symptom of CLIFADD. Distal arthrogryposis affects Kam’s hands, causing them to curve inward, which limits his range of motion.

“We were completely in shock and even fearful when we heard the news,” Caroline says. “We immediately sought as much information as we could find, even though there wasn’t much.”

Seeking a second opinion for treatment options, Kam and his family came to Scottish Rite to be evaluated by Director of the Charles E. Seay, Jr. Center for Excellence in Hand Scott Oishi, M.D., FACS, and occupational therapist Amy Sitabkhan. “Within minutes of our appointment, we felt at ease and knew that we had made the right decision to come to Scottish Rite,” Caroline says. “The team was so caring and patient, even taking the time to talk to us as parents and understand our needs better for our son.”

Together, Dr. Oishi and Amy tailored a treatment plan that focuses on improving Kam’s mobility. With demonstrations led by Amy, Kam’s family learned exercises to continue stretching his fingers to advance his progress at home each day. Kam’s family learned proper nighttime bracing technique, which stretches his fingers to improve his range of motion. After a few months, Kam began grasping his toys with his hands.

“We haven’t felt the same care and support from anywhere else since coming to Scottish Rite,” Caroline says. “It’s because Scottish Rite treats Kam like a child first and a patient second. Our family feels so taken care of whenever we are here.”

Kam and his family recently began attending the Hand in Hand Support Group, where they found a sense of community at Scottish Rite. This specialized group connects families of children with hand or upper limb conditions with resources and provides a forum to share their experiences. While Kam’s care journey continues, his family remains committed to progress not only for Kam but also for his older sister. Now, they’re focused on teaching their Kam’s sister daughter the importance of acceptance and understanding of those with different conditions.

“Hand in Hand Support Group has been so special for our family,” Caroline says. “I recognize the importance of connecting with others to share similar experiences, as well as hope. To our family, Scottish Rite has been a light on this unknown path.”

 Do you have a story? We want to hear it! Share your story with us.