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Healing Then, Helping Now: Melissa’s Full Circle Moment

Healing Then, Helping Now: Melissa’s Full Circle Moment

by | May 2, 2025 | Neurology

“I believe my treatment at Scottish Rite for Children helped me become the independent person I am today,” says former patient Melissa, describing what brought her back to Scottish Rite as a volunteer. When she is not volunteering, Melissa can be found making new friends or hanging out with her friends that she made at Scottish Rite in the past.  

Approximately 50 years ago, Melissa received care from Chief of Staff Emeritus J. A. “Tony” Herring, M.D., for cerebral palsy (CP). CP is one of the most common childhood disorders that affects muscles in children and can affect their movement, balance and posture. For Melissa, she underwent multiple surgeries and attended therapy sessions to learn how to navigate her condition.

“When we learned about Melissa’s diagnosis, we were stunned, angry, frightened and confused,” says Ervin, Melissa’s father. “The moments of uncertainty and fear were there. Through her treatment, Melissa was able to build a normal life.”

Despite enduring various challenges on her journey, Melissa discovered her own sense of independence through her daily activities. Since completing treatment, Melissa has accomplished many things, such as graduating with an associate’s degree and moving into her own apartment with her dog, Buddy. As a volunteer, Melissa guides patients and their families to wherever they need to go at Scottish Rite.  

Now, Melissa is using her voice in a new way by joining Scottish Rite’s CP Task Force. Led by Senior Clinical Scientist Angela Shierk, Ph.D., O.T.R., the task force brings together families, patients, clinicians and researchers to connect, share experiences and access valuable resources. Through her role, Melissa is helping shape a more inclusive and informed future for the CP community.

“My daughter’s accomplishments haven’t stopped,” Pam says. “Her dad and I are so proud of her and honored to watch her grow into adulthood. We are so thankful for the many family, friends and medical professionals at Scottish Rite who have become part of her life and helped her in her journey.”

From Patient to Advocate: “The Chosen” Actor Jordan Walker Ross Inspires All

From Patient to Advocate: “The Chosen” Actor Jordan Walker Ross Inspires All

by | Apr 22, 2025 | General News, Neurology, Scoliosis & Spine

Actor, filmmaker and screenwriter Jordan Walker Ross describes Scottish Rite for Children as a place of love and hope. Shortly after Jordan was born, his family brought him to Scottish Rite for cerebral palsy (CP), which affects his muscles and movements. Jordan also developed scoliosis due to his muscle weakness. After years of undergoing multiple hip surgeries, a spinal fusion and recovery in the Inpatient Unit, Jordan recalls only positive memories at Scottish Rite.

“I felt at home at Scottish Rite, even when I was about to undergo a major surgery,” Jordan says. “There was always something happening to help the patients experience something fun and memorable, regardless of whatever pain we were feeling.”

Since age 6, Jordan performed in local theaters and professional productions. However, his condition caused him to develop a limp, which impacted his ability to receive larger roles. This changed in 2018 when Jordan was cast in the TV series “The Chosen,” a historical drama based on the life of Jesus. He plays the role of Little James, who is one of Jesus’ disciples.

“The creator of “The Chosen” made my limp part of my role,” Jordan says. “I used to hide my disability, even feeling embarrassed to call myself disabled. Now, I own it.”

The role of Little James marks a turning point for both Jordan’s career and personal life. Since the success of “The Chosen,” Jordan has received roles in other films and TV shows, like “1883,” “Yellowstone” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” He credits this to a pivotal scene in season three of “The Chosen” between Little James and Jesus, where Little James asks Jesus why he hasn’t healed him of his condition.

“It was cathartic to perform that scene and to express many frustrations that I’ve had in my life,” Jordan says. After the scene aired, he recalls that people — including patients from Scottish Rite — commented how it helped them feel seen. “I was like, ‘Why don’t I see that in myself?’” he says. “I realized that I had stopped loving myself the way I did back then. Now, I am proud of who I am and what I mean to my community.”

Jordan currently uses his platform to advocate for increased visibility of disabilities in all spaces. From his podcast to public appearances, Jordan promotes self-acceptance for all through his endeavors.

“I have no idea where I would be if it wasn’t for Scottish Rite,” Jordan says. “I refer someone any time I get the chance because Scottish Rite literally changed my life.

Juju Displays His Winning Spirit at the 89th Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic

Juju Displays His Winning Spirit at the 89th Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic

by | Jan 21, 2025 | General News, Neurology

Scottish Rite for Children patient Juju, of Mesquite, Texas, cheered on The Ohio State University Buckeyes as their honorary captain at the 89th Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic.

In a 28-14 victory against The University of Texas, football fans across the country gathered to watch the matchup and also learned about Juju’s inspiring story on the jumbotron. Over the last six years, the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic has donated more than $90,000 to Scottish Rite for Children, supporting the ability to provide world-class care for children, like Juju

At age 6, Juju represents resilience. He was born with myelomeningocele, a form of spina bifida, which is a complex condition that occurs when the spine does not close properly during development. He and his family came to Scottish Rite to receive care from the Spina Bifida Program at 2 months old, beginning his care journey with a multidisciplinary team of experts.

Juju is known to light up any room he enters! One of his favorite parts about visiting Scottish Rite is spending time with his occupational therapist Grace Evasco. Better known to him as “Gracey-Grace,” Grace has introduced Juju to new activities that he loves, such as throwing the ball around with friends and family.

As Juju continues to make amazing progress through his care journey, we are here to cheer him on! Watch his exciting Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic experience here.

Lillie’s Leap of Faith: From Cerebral Palsy Patient to Future Journalist

Lillie’s Leap of Faith: From Cerebral Palsy Patient to Future Journalist

by | Nov 15, 2024 | Neurology

As soon as you step through the doors at Scottish Rite for Children, patients and their families are immediately embraced by a culture dedicated to fostering lifelong connections. When a patient completes treatment, staying connected beyond their time at Scottish Rite remains fundamental.

Former patient 20-year-old Lillie, of Arlington, describes her care journey as transformative and miraculous. “I’ve found so many friends who were also Scottish Rite patients,” Lillie says. “We’ve been able to bond as patients and as people living with different abilities.” Lillie was diagnosed with Hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP), a condition that affects the posture, movement and balance on one side. Her case of CP resulted in a limb difference in her left leg.

Lillie started coming to Scottish Rite in 2021 when she was a senior in high school. Her physician referred her for multidisciplinary care after noticing changes in her walking, a symptom of her limb difference that had started causing foot and ankle pain. Orthopedic pediatric surgeon Jaysson T. Brooks, M.D. performed a surgery called gastrocnemius recession – a procedure that lengthens the calf muscles and tendons. Then, Scottish Rite orthotists designed a custom ankle-foot orthosis to stabilize her ankle and foot. “From buying two boxes of the magical popcorn to updating Dr. Brooks on all the fun things I’m up to,” says Lillie. “Scottish Rite is a miracle to me.” 

The support she received from her Scottish Rite care team would ultimately prepare her for her next journey she would embark on – college. Her entire care team was invested in preparing Lillie’s condition for life at her college of choice, Texas Christian University (TCU). As a parting gift, Lillie received Scottish Rite’s Legacy Scholarship to pursue a degree in journalism and confidently chase her dreams. “Cerebral palsy may sound intimidating at first,” says Lillie, “But just know there’s a community of people with cerebral palsy who are scientists, comedians, journalists and more. We are here, we are brave, we are beautiful and we are limitless.”

Lillie has gone from undergoing surgery to now conquering the world of journalism. She aspires to ask questions about the world and write stories based on the answers, much like her fellow TCU alumnus and role model journalist Bob Schieffer. “To kids with CP, you are perfect,” Lillie says. “The way you walk is perfect, your wheelchair is cool, your leg braces are awesome and your surgery scars are epic! Being who you are is the ultimate superpower, and no one take that away from you.” We can’t wait to see the great things you accomplish, Lillie!

Two Paths, One Goal: Twins Take on Tuberous Sclerosis Complex

Two Paths, One Goal: Twins Take on Tuberous Sclerosis Complex

by | Oct 14, 2024 | Neurology

Izzy and Gabby are 7-year-old sisters who have more in common than being twins! They enjoy spending time in the great outdoors and hiking as a family at state parks. While Izzy is more interested in animals, Gabby’s focus is on climbing anything she manage to reach.  With an unbreakable bond, they rely on each other as they take on life with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).

Delivered prematurely, Izzy and Gabby spent a month in the NICU receiving tests, such as CT scans and MRIs. Doctors found brain tumors and rhabdomyomas, a benign tumor that clusters in the heart, in both twins. Izzy and Gabby were quickly diagnosed with TSC.

TSC is a rare genetic disease that causes tumors to grow in various organs, like the brain, heart, kidney, eyes and lungs. Although there is no cure yet, early diagnosis and intervention is proven to help manage the condition effectively.

After researching options, Izzy and Gabby’s family relocated from Montana to Big Sandy, Texas, to receive care from TSC expert Steven Sparagana, M.D., and his team at Scottish Rite for Children. Since TSC varies in each case, creating personalized care plans for Izzy and Gabby were key to helping them reach their goals and get back to enjoying their childhoods. Dr. Sparagana is now retired, but experts in our Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine department continue to conduct research to advancing treatment methods for this condition and have specialized experience in the management of TSC, making care at Scottish Rite a top choice for Izzy and Gabby’s family.

“We acted purely on faith,” says Izzy and Gabby’s mother, Danys. “We felt like this was the best chance to find answers, and this was the best decision we ever made. God answered our prayers with the team at Scottish Rite.”

Izzy’s case of TSC was more strenuous on her health than Gabby’s when the girls were babies. Both sisters started having seizures shortly after their first birthday. However, Izzy averaged between eight to 12 seizures on her worse days, while Gabby experienced around one to two seizures a day.

“While Gabby was developing and learning,” says Danys, “Izzy was sleeping her days and nights away due to the physical exhaustion from the seizures.”

Treatment methods for TSC are continually evolving, and ongoing advancements are improving TSC patients’ quality of life. Gabby’s current treatment includes medication to control her seizures. Izzy’s seizures have also improved with medication after neurologists found her seizures resembled infantile spasms, which are shorter forms of a seizure and are typically seen in infants under 12 months old.

As they continue treatment, Izzy and Gabby rely on their Scottish Rite care team and family for ample support as they grow. Since starting their new medications, the twins have not experienced any more seizures. Through careful monitoring and support, Izzy and Gabby make more and more improvements. While their journey isn’t over, they are on the right track. Now, they focus on exploring new activities! Izzy is part of a cheerleading team, and Gabby is in gymnastics.

“It’s our family’s goal to one day be on the donor wall,” says Danys, “So we can continue supporting the amazing work Scottish Rite does. The care and treatment our daughters received is crucial to how they are thriving in the ways they do now.”

Izzy and Gabby, we are so proud of your growth and cannot wait to see what adventures you two embark on next!

 

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