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.

Kamryn Serves A Comeback After Knee Injury

Kamryn Serves A Comeback After Knee Injury

Kamryn spends most of her time on the volleyball court, a sport she has loved since high school. She makes an impact at the net as a server for her college’s volleyball team. The talented 19-year-old was recently recognized as an all-conference player, an honor voted on by her teammates and coaches to celebrate her standout performance and presence on the team. Kamryn reflects on her journey back to the sport, highlighting the support she received at Scottish Rite for Children as key to her healing.

During a volleyball game in high school, Kamryn felt a painful sensation in her left knee. Later, her knee began to swell, prompting Kamryn and her family to seek medical attention at a nearby facility in Fort Worth, Texas. Their family decided to seek a second opinion at Scottish Rite for Children Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center in Frisco, Texas. Certified pediatric nurse practitioner Chuck Wyatt, M.S., CPNP, RNFA, evaluated Kamryn’s knee, unveiling her true diagnosis. “I was expecting an injury to my meniscus,” Kamryn says. “When the MRI showed that I had OCD, I remember saying, ‘OCD, what is that?’”

OCD, or Osteochondritis dissecans, is a condition that affects the joint, or the place where two bones meet. OCD in the knee occurs when a part of the bone and the cartilage covering it begins to soften, crack or even separate due to a lack of blood supply. This often causes knee pain, joint weakness and swelling. Though it can happen to anyone, OCD is seen frequently in children and teens who participate in sports that require a lot of running or jumping, like volleyball.

After learning the news, Kamryn and her parents discussed a treatment plan with Assistant Chief of Staff Philip L. Wilson, M.D., pediatric orthopedic surgeon and director of the Center for Excellence in Sports Medicine. Together, they decided that surgery was the best option to heal Kamryn’s knee. “I knew if anyone could help me get the best outcome, it would be with Dr. Wilson,” she says.

Dr. Wilson performed surgery to repair the damaged area of cartilage and bone in Kamryn’s knee. After surgery, Kamryn and her family drove from their home in Fort Worth to Frisco weekly for physical therapy. During her sessions with sports physical therapist Rushi Patel, P.T., D.P.T., SCCE, Kamryn did aquatic therapy to regain strength in her knee. She used the therapy pool to regain her range of motion and mobility, as well as completing at-home exercises.

After several months of healing, Kamryn returned to the court to finish her high school years of volleyball. Now, Kamryn majors in nursing with the goal of providing the same level of care that she received to patients in the future. “I never felt fearful that my injury would stop me because I had the best team at Scottish Rite,” Kamryn says. “They gave me the hope and chance to play the sport I love. Now, I hope I can pay it forward to others.”

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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.

Get to Know Our Staff: Adrian Johnson, Communications

Get to Know Our Staff: Adrian Johnson, Communications

What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite?
I am a communications specialist with a focus in online reputation. I assist in expanding our digital footprint by highlighting the incredible care we provide. I manage the online reputation for our physicians and nurses by updating their websites and listing profiles, monitoring their feedback on NRC Star Ratings and responding to Google reviews. I also manage our YouTube channel, sharing the engaging stories that the Communications team creates. Through my work, I help ensure patient families have access to accurate and inspiring information about Scottish Rite.

What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
The most fulfilling part of my job is using my skills to advance Scottish Rite’s mission and make a positive difference in the lives of children and their families.

What makes Scottish Rite a special place to you?
I have never felt so at home at work. Scottish Rite is truly a place where the people and culture make you feel like you are part of a family from day one.

What made you choose a career in health care?
I have always worked in digital marketing across nonprofit, primary care and pediatric settings. Joining Scottish Rite has been a true blessing because I can combine my professional experience to support children and their families in navigating their health journeys.

What is something unique you get to do in your position?
I help families find the care or resources they need online.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I love to create new memories with family and friends, explore new hobbies and practice self-care.

Where are you from, and what brought you to DFW?
Columbus, O-H-I-O. My parents relocated here years ago, and as an only child, I wanted to stay close to them. Plus, I was definitely over shoveling snow!

If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would go to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to see Christ the Redeemer. I would love to visit as many of the Seven Wonders of the World as possible.

If you had to pick one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Donatos Pizza. They were founded in my hometown, and they surprisingly just opened their first locations in Texas last year. I don’t think I have ever been this excited for a restaurant opening!

What movie do you think everyone should watch at least once?
“The Pursuit of Happyness”

What is the first concert you attended?
I think it was Lil’ Bow Wow.

What Is your favorite DFW hidden gem?
For Vietnamese street food, I would recommend Cris and John. For all the sweets lovers, I would recommend Cookie Society. You won’t regret trying these places!

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

What is some advice you would give your younger self, OR what’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Comparison is the thief of joy.