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When Clinical Care Feels Like Family, De’Vaun Rediscovers His Stride

When Clinical Care Feels Like Family, De’Vaun Rediscovers His Stride

by | Oct 22, 2025 | Limb Lengthening

Previously published in Rite Up, 2025 – Issue 3

Family means everything to 6-year-old De’Vaun, of Forney, Texas. Most of De’Vaun’s favorite activities, like watching movies or playing with Legos, are enjoyed best with his parents and older sisters. What he did not know is that his family would grow because his care team at Scottish Rite for Children would become an extension of home.

When De’Vaun’s parents noticed his left leg had bumps on the skin and was curving inward, they came to Scottish Rite’s Center for Excellence in Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction (CELLR). De’Vaun has Ollier disease, a rare condition in which masses of benign cartilage, or enchondromas, grow in the bones. De’Vaun also developed genu valgum, or knock-knee, which caused his left leg to curve inward and become shorter than his right leg.

“We had no idea what Ollier disease was,” says Kristen, De’Vaun’s mother. “We felt shocked and scared, wondering how this happened or what we did to cause this. However, we knew Scottish Rite could help us.”

A multidisciplinary approach is key to supporting De’Vaun’s physical and emotional well-being. His care team includes CELLR Clinical Director David A. Podeszwa, M.D., Emily Elerson, R.N., pediatric psychologist Whitney M. Herge, Ph.D., and physical therapist Stephanie Conti, P.T. After many discussions with De’Vaun and his family, Dr. Podeszwa treated his condition by applying an external fixator to De’Vaun’s left thigh bone. The device helps gradually straighten and lengthen his thigh bone over time.

“Correcting a deformity or lengthening a limb with an external fixator is a process in which the surgery is just one part,” Dr. Podeszwa says. “The CELLR team takes the time to explain what we are doing and how we will treat the child and their family. A child won’t know what an external fixator feels like until we apply it, so the key is preparing them for it.”

Since getting his external fixator applied, De’Vaun’s family shares that his confidence has returned. He is always excited to visit his care team to show how strong he has gotten. With the help of physical therapy, De’Vaun has progressed from using a wheelchair to using a walker to walking independently. Now, De’Vaun looks forward to getting his fixator removed!

“The whole team is literally our family,” Kristen says. “They have given us a level of support we cannot believe. They genuinely care for De’Vaun as if he is a child of their own. I couldn’t have asked for a better set of people to be in our lives.”

Chloe Races Toward Her Future

Chloe Races Toward Her Future

by | Apr 29, 2025 | Limb Lengthening, Prosthetics & Orthotics

Previously published in Rite Up, 2025 – Issue 1

“This is me, this is who I am, and I am not ashamed of it,” says 17-year-old Chloe, of Panhandle, Texas. She lives by this motto. With hopes of competing in the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, she is a rising star in adaptive track and field.

Chloe was born with fibular hemimelia in her left leg. Her fibula, the small bone in her shin, was missing. Before her first birthday, she underwent a Syme’s amputation to remove her foot and ankle joint. Chloe began learning how to walk with a prosthesis.

“We did a lot of research before deciding to amputate her leg,” says Sheryl, Chloe’s mother. “We made a decision Chloe would live with for the rest of her life, not us. Whatever decision we made was never going to be an easy one, but it was whatever would make Chloe’s life easier.”

At age 14, Chloe began receiving multidisciplinary care at Scottish Rite for Children from pediatric orthopedic surgeon Corey S. Gill, M.D., M.A., and Orthotist and Prosthetist Manager Kelsey Thompson, C.P.O., L.P.O. As her care team worked alongside her to address her specific needs, Chloe transitioned from being a multisport athlete to dedicating her talents in adaptive track and field. 

She excels in running, throwing and long jumping, earning recognition as one of the 2024 U.S. Paralympics Track & Field High School Athletes of the Year.

On and off the field, Chloe’s care team supports her diverse interests. Scottish Rite prosthetists have created numerous state-of-the-art prostheses for her, including an everyday walking leg and a running blade for sprinting track events, designed to mimic the natural motion of a foot for running or jumping. Recently, the team produced a specialty prosthesis designed for long jumping, supporting her dream to go the distance and in her pursuit of Paralympic success. They also developed an adjustable heel height prosthesis to match the height of whatever shoes she chooses to wear — from cowboy boots to high heels. Chloe plans to major in kinesiology, continue adaptive track and field, and inspire other young athletes.

“Dr. Gill and Kelsey always believed in me,” Chloe says. “It feels amazing to run with kids who look like me. As long as I have my two legs, I’ll keep pushing forward and never let anything hold me back.”

Read the full issue.

How Ryan Lives Life to the Fullest With A Limb Difference

How Ryan Lives Life to the Fullest With A Limb Difference

by | Apr 28, 2025 | Limb Lengthening

“Because of his care, Ryan can run and play like a normal kid his age with no problems,” says Jessica, describing what Scottish Rite for Children means to her family and her son, Ryan. From San Augustine, Texas, 7-year-old Ryan enjoys the great outdoors. From fishing to camping, he is always on the move with his younger sister, thanks to the treatment he receives from his care team.

At birth, Ryan was diagnosed with clubfoot, a condition that caused his right foot to turn inward and point downward. However, he was required to wear a custom brace with a lift due to an undiagnosed limb difference. After receiving care at outside insitutions, Ryan’s parents began researching their options, and in 2022, they came to Scottish Rite for solutions.

 

Upon arrival for their first visit, Ryan and his family met experts from the Center for Excellence in Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction. Chief of Staff Emeritus J. A. “Tony” Herring, M.D., found that Ryan has tibial hemimelia in his right leg, specifically an atypical type 4 variant. This type of tibial hemimelia is rare and can cause significant foot and ankle deformity. After several X-rays and exams, they determined a Syme’s amputation would be the best option.

“The care team was so thorough that we had already made our decision before even leaving,” Jessica says. “They even explained everything to Ryan at a kid’s level. Now, Ryan feels comfortable answering all the doctor’s questions without me talking for him.”

A Syme’s amputation is a surgery that is done through the ankle joint, which prepares the leg for a prosthesis. After his amputation, Ryan worked with prosthetists and physical and occupational therapists to learn how to move around with his new prosthesis. Prosthetist Sara Martinson, L.P.O., C.P.O., created a custom-fitted prosthesis for Ryan while also forming a friendship with him.

“Ryan’s favorite person at Scottish Rite is Sara,” Jessica says. “Even if we are with another team member that day, Sara will stop by to greet and check on Ryan. She has been a godsend for sure.”

Now under the care of pediatric orthopedic surgeon Corey S. Gill, M.D., M.A., Ryan is thriving. Dr. Gill continues to monitor his limb difference, ensuring that Ryan can run, jump and play as much as he wants. “I wish we would have found Scottish Rite sooner,” Jessica says. “Everyone has been like family, and that means more than you will ever know.”

Calling All Nurses: Volunteer at Scottish Rite for Children Camps

Calling All Nurses: Volunteer at Scottish Rite for Children Camps

by | Apr 8, 2025 | Hand Conditions, Limb Lengthening, Pediatric Developmental Disabilities, Rheumatology, Therapy Services

Scottish Rite for Children’s patient-centered care stems from its focus on helping patients navigate their conditions outside of the clinic. The Therapeutic Recreation department offers multiple specialized camps throughout the year, which are designed to teach patients how to live active and independent lives.

Camps bring together children with similar conditions in an environment that fosters friendships and lifelong memories through outdoor activities and games. The following camps are offered at Scottish Rite: 

  • Camp Joint Adventure: For patients between the ages of 7 to 15 who are diagnosed with arthrogryposis, multiple limb loss or various rheumatic conditions.
  • Camp TLC: For patients between the ages of 9 to 16 who are diagnosed with spina bifida.
  • Hand Camp: HD 1 is for patients between ages 5 to 9 who have upper limb differences. HD 1.5/2 is for patients between the ages of 10 to 17 with hand differences. 

What makes Scottish Rite camps special are not only the uniqueness each child brings but also each volunteer’s commitment to providing a “can do” environment. Camps are supervised by counselors, which includes Scottish Rite staff members and volunteers.

“A week at camp is not like any typical week as a nurse,” says Sheila Maldonado, R.N., who volunteers at Camp TLC. “On top of providing the fun for all our campers, counselors make sure they are healthy and safe during the entire experience. For nurses, it’s the best way to sharpen the skills we might not have used since school, while creating the most rewarding memories.”

All campers must be active patients of Scottish Rite. For staff members, many find that volunteering as a counselor is a unique way to interact with patients in a nonclinical setting.

“The best part about camp is seeing the connections made,” says R.N. Manager Alejandra “Alex” H. Medrano, M.S.N., R.N., who has volunteered for more than 20 years at Camps TLC and Joint Adventure.  “They get a chance to build peer support networks. They also become more comfortable with their care team during appointments.”

The camps offered by Scottish Rite serve its mission of giving children back their childhood, allowing them to experience the joy of summer camp with their peers. “My favorite part is how inclusive these camps are and watching kids just be kids, including all the smiles, laughs, friendships and fantastic activities,” says Karol Yeager, R.N. “Out of all the activities, I think either the Slip ‘N Slide® or the zip line was my favorite to watch. The sheer joy from these kids that possibly have never done these things before was priceless!”

Camp TLC is currently accepting applications for campers and medical volunteers (cabin nurses). If you are interested in volunteering, please view the Camp Volunteer application process for more information.

To learn more about the application process, camp dates and more for Camp Joint Adventure and Hand Camps, please view our Camps page here. 

Bodhi Walks His Own Path Despite His Limb Difference

Bodhi Walks His Own Path Despite His Limb Difference

by | Mar 7, 2025 | Limb Lengthening

Bodhi, of Garland, Texas, has a resilient spirit that is almost as bright as his smile. Described as a happy, cheerful and loving son, Bodhi’s limb difference was discovered at his 18-week ultrasound. He was born with fibular hemimelia of his right leg, meaning his fibula, or calf bone, was missing.

“When something like this happens to your child, your whole world is flipped upside down,” says Camrin, Bodhi’s mother. “You want your child to be like everyone else. We were told you will never make the wrong decision for your child, so we made decisions by trusting our intuition.”

Bodhi and his family came to Scottish Rite for Children Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center in Frisco to receive care from pediatric orthopedic surgeon Corey S. Gill, M.D., M.A. After discussing their options, Bodhi’s family decided to proceed with a Syme’s amputation to remove his right foot and be fit for a prosthesis.

“We decided to go forward with the amputation to give Bodhi a better chance at being just like everyone else when he grows up,” Camrin says. “Scottish Rite has not only taught him but also us as parents so much about his condition. I’ve never met a kinder and more willing staff. They are truly a gift from God.”

When Bodhi received his prosthesis, he began physical therapy to start learning how to move around comfortably. His physical therapists taught him exercises to help him get adjusted to his prosthesis. Some of Bodhi’s exercises included walking while pushing a stool and learning how to stand and move around without support.

“Our favorite part about coming to Scottish Rite is the staff because they all genuinely care,” Camrin says. “Bodhi’s physical therapists always gave so much advice and resources. We formed such a fun relationship with them.”

After several months of physical therapy, Bodhi is walking, running and even climbing confidently. His favorite activities include climbing on furniture at home and throwing or kicking toy balls. As he approaches his second birthday, Bodhi’s family continues to connect with community groups to keep him engaged with other kids his age.  

“Scottish Rite knew Bodhi’s disability wouldn’t slow him down,” Camrin says. “As a family, we have so much confidence in his care knowing that. Bodhi may be different, but that is what makes him special. We are so blessed that God put Scottish Rite in our path.”

 

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Aurora’s Energy Shines Bright with Her Limb Difference

Aurora’s Energy Shines Bright with Her Limb Difference

by | Feb 24, 2025 | Limb Lengthening, Prosthetics & Orthotics

Aurora, age 2, is bursting with energy and enjoys playing with dolls and having tea parties with her family. She was born with fibular hemimelia, a rare condition that caused her fibula, or calf bone, to be missing in her right leg.

Aurora and her family came to Scottish Rite for Children to determine whether they should keep or amputate Aurora’s foot. After discussions with pediatric orthopedic surgeon Corey S. Gill, M.D., M.A., they decided amputation was the best option, which prepared Aurora for a prosthesis. Since receiving her custom-made prosthesis, Aurora is unstoppable and is enjoying the ability to walk, run and play with her siblings.

Watch Aurora’s full care journey down below!