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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.”

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

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.”  

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

WFAA: How Kaliyah Navigates Life Confidently With Lupus

WFAA: How Kaliyah Navigates Life Confidently With Lupus

by | May 12, 2025 | Press Coverage, Rheumatology

Often described as the life of the party, 11-year-old Kaliyah does not let her condition slow her down. At age 4, Kaliyah was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation, swelling and pain. Kaliyah’s mother has the same condition and understands how important it is for Kaliyah to get quality care. This led Kaliyah and her family to Scottish Rite for Children’s Rheumatology clinic where she receives treatment led by pediatric rheumatologist Lorien A. Nassi, M.D.

Throughout her care journey, Kaliyah’s positive spirit has continuously inspired her care team and her mother. Now, Kaliyah is determined to keep fighting through her condition by competing in sports, such as cheerleading, dance and soccer.

Watch her segment on WFAA. 

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. 

Lexie’s Journey of Unbreakable Bonds and Unstoppable Dreams

Lexie’s Journey of Unbreakable Bonds and Unstoppable Dreams

by | Dec 19, 2024 | Rheumatology, Scoliosis & Spine

At Scottish Rite for Children, every patient’s journey is as unique as they are. Each experience, story and moment shared at Scottish Rite creates an unbreakable bond between the patient and their clinical team. It’s not just about delivering world-class care — it’s about being a vital part of offering children hope that extends far beyond treatment.

21-year-old Lexie spent much of her youth receiving care from a multidisciplinary team of experts at Scottish Rite. At age 13, Lexie was diagnosed by an outside provider with oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), a common condition that causes joint swelling, stiffness and limited movement in children. Oligoarticular JIA affects four joints or less, and, for Lexie, her pain was in her left knee.

Lexie came to Scottish Rite at age 16 to see pediatric rheumatologist Julie M. Fuller, M.D., to alleviate her knee pain. After prescribing her the necessary medication, Lexie saw a major improvement to her once debilitating pain.

“My family had just moved to Oklahoma where there were no pediatric rheumatologists in the area,” says Lexie. “Dr. Fuller was highly recommended by other doctors in the area, and the care I received with Dr. Fuller’s team was unmatched.”

As she began preparing to go to college at Oklahoma State University, Lexie’s routine wellness exam resulted in a diagnosis of scoliosis and put a halt to her daily life.

“To be completely honest, this was a terrifying time in my life of not knowing what the next day would hold in regard to my health,” Lexie says. “I had big aspirations of graduating college with honors and applying to law school, but those dreams were threatened. I just decided to put my health in Dr. Sucato’s hands, and that turned out to be one of the best choices I ever made.”

Chief of Staff Daniel J. Sucato, M.D., M.S., prepared Lexie for surgery to correct the curve in her spine. Together, they coordinated the best time to schedule surgery, with an effort to minimize any disruptions to her school year. Though the recovery process was challenging, Lexie shares that her clinical team made an everlasting impact.

“The team was fully transparent with me and walked me through every step of my journey,” Lexie says. “They have prayed with me, learned my story and inspired me in more ways than they could possibly imagine. The people at Scottish Rite genuinely care.”

After her treatment, Lexie is focusing on a new chapter in her life. This December, she will graduate summa cum laude from Oklahoma State University and will begin applying to law schools. She also shined as her university’s homecoming queen this year.

“Being surrounded by such a positive care team that cheered me on throughout my journey was such a blessing,” Lexie says. “There’s not a day that goes by where I don’t think about my time at Scottish Rite. Dr. Sucato’s team not only changed my life, but they gave me the chance to go out and live one.”

Get to Know our Staff: Melanie Dally, R.N., Rheumatology

Get to Know our Staff: Melanie Dally, R.N., Rheumatology

by | Nov 6, 2024 | Rheumatology, Spotlight

What is your job title/role at Scottish Rite?
I am a registered nurse in the Rheumatology/Infusion clinic and as needed in the Inpatient Unit. When I am working in Infusion, I help the patients get settled and comfortable, start their IV’s and monitor the patient until they are discharged after receiving their medications. When I work in Rheumatology, I room the patient, get them ready to see the provider, do medication teachings for the families and whatever else the provider needs for the patient.

What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
I enjoy getting to know the families that come in, sometimes even seeing them weekly, and watching their child get better.

What makes Scottish Rite a special place to you?
What makes Scottish Rite so special is the patients and their families. I adore getting to know them and watching their progress. There is nowhere else with this specialized pediatric patient population, so it is truly special! I also have some amazing coworkers who keep me laughing and smile every time I work!

What made you choose a career in health care?
I read the autobiography of Clara Barton in the 6th grade and how she founded the American Red Cross. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to become a nurse.

What is something unique you get to do in your position?
We start the process of transitioning the patient to adult care, and as a result, we get to see them grow into young adults managing their disease. I still hear back from a few after they graduated.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
My favorite thing to do outside of work is hang with my family. I have three boys. The oldest is 18 years old and at Texas A&M University, my middle son is 14 years old and youngest is 12 years old. I am usually busier on my days off with my younger sons’ activities. 

Do you have any hidden talents?
I wouldn’t call this a hidden talent, but I have become a pretty good cook these past few years.

Where are you from and what brought you to DFW?
I am from Waxahachie, Texas.

If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
If I could travel anywhere, I would travel to Spain. I have been before, but I want to go for extended vacation to study the architecture and art.

If you had to pick one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
I am a big fan of all sorts of dips, so I could probably live off chips and dips!

What was the first concert you attended?
My first concert was George Strait. My mom would take her friends, my sisters and I to George Strait concerts on New Year’s Eve at the Reunion Arena.  I have the fondest memories of those concerts.

What movie do you think everyone should watch at least once?
I am partial to comedies, and my favorite – no matter what time of year it is – is Christmas Vacation.

If you were to have a movie based on your life, which actress/actor would you choose to play your character?
I would probably choose Leslie Mann; she is funny to me and a little crazy.

What is some advice you would give your younger self OR what’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
I would tell my younger self to pay better attention in high school and stop getting distracted!