For Ivette, Healing and Hope Are in Full Bloom

For Ivette, Healing and Hope Are in Full Bloom

by | Aug 24, 2026 | Rheumatology

Published in Rite Up, 2026 – Issue 2. 

Much of life is about blossoming into the person you are meant to be. For 17-year-old Ivette, her experience with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) has shaped that journey. JIA is a condition that can cause persistent joint pain, swelling and stiffness.

“I remember turning 14 and feeling a pain in my wrist,” Ivette says. “After that, it wasn’t just my hand anymore. It was my fingers and my feet. I was scared.”

Determined to understand what was causing her pain, Ivette’s parents found answers when they were referred to Lorien A. Nassi, M.D., pediatric rheumatologist at Scottish Rite for Children.

“Before, we felt like no one was really listening,” Ivette says. “We got to Scottish Rite and finally felt heard. I didn’t think it was possible to have arthritis at such a young age.”

Each year, JIA is diagnosed in about 4 to 14 out of every 100,000 children. For her parents, Ivette and Jaime, the diagnosis validated the concerns their daughter had for years. “It was strange — it almost felt like happiness because at least now we knew there was a treatment,” her mother, Ivette, says.

Today, Ivette manages her pain with injectable treatments, including naproxen and methotrexate. The pain from JIA is not just physical though — it has taken a toll on Ivette’s emotional well-being, too.

“Mental health is a vital part of overall health, especially for patients navigating chronic medical conditions,” says pediatric psychologist Caroline M. Roberts, Ph.D. “I’m so proud of Ivette’s strength and resilience throughout her journey. Watching her grow has been truly inspiring.”

With guidance from Dr. Roberts, Ivette has planted seeds of resilience that are already blooming, as her treatments have allowed her to run a flower business.

“Flowers are a special thing,” Ivette says. “For me, it’s not about the money. I just love seeing how happy people get.” What started out as a thoughtful gift to one friend, turned into a passion project. Now, Ivette creates dozens of unique bouquets each year. “Even though I have this condition, I now have the ability to work,” she says. “That’s something I didn’t have before.”

Looking ahead, she is eager to graduate high school and pursue a degree in business so she can dedicate herself to creating bouquets full time — a dream her family knows is entirely within reach. “She has no limits,” says her father, Jaime. “If she wants to do something, she will.”

CBS News Texas: Young Dallas Stars Fan With Rare Bone Disease Shows Remarkable Resilience

CBS News Texas: Young Dallas Stars Fan With Rare Bone Disease Shows Remarkable Resilience

by | Mar 9, 2026 | Press Coverage, Rheumatology

The Dallas Stars visited patients at Scottish Rite for Children where they met Jacob, a young fan being treated for a painful bone condition. Jacob and his family shared how difficult the diagnosis was to receive and how much joy hockey brings him. Jacob’s resilience — and love for the Dallas Stars — keeps him going.

Watch the full story here.

Telemundo 39: Despite Her Arthritis Pain, Metroplex Teenager Lives Positively

Telemundo 39: Despite Her Arthritis Pain, Metroplex Teenager Lives Positively

by | Feb 13, 2026 | Press Coverage, Rheumatology

A local teen is turning pain into purpose after being diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Ivette, a patient at Scottish Rite for Children, continues to pursue her creative passions — from playing music to running her own floral business — learning when to rest but refusing to give up what she loves.

Lorien A. Nassi, M.D., pediatric rheumatologist at Scottish Rite for Children, shares her expertise, explaining that with proper treatment many young patients can live active, unrestricted lives.

Ivette’s message to other young people is simple: Speak up, take care of your health and don’t let a diagnosis control your life.

Watch her story on Telemundo 39.

For a full English translation, click here.

How Healing Sparked Jasmine’s Future In Medicine

How Healing Sparked Jasmine’s Future In Medicine

by | Sep 17, 2025 | Rheumatology

What begins as a chapter of healing can sometimes become the foundation for a lifelong calling. For some patients, like Jasmine, the care they once received becomes the very reason they find their own unique way to give back in the future.

In her hometown of Lubbock, Texas, Jasmine was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) at age 1. JIA causes stiffness and swelling in the joints. In Jasmine’s case, she experienced painful symptoms initially in her wrists, one ankle and one knee. Later on, she developed symptoms in 20 of her joints. Jasmine and her family traveled from Lubbock to Dallas for her monthly appointments with Scottish Rite for Children’s pediatric Rheumatology team — a memory she remembers positively.

“Scottish Rite has always been a welcoming place,” Jasmine says. “I remember the welcoming environment, from the popcorn to the cafeteria and more.”

Having JIA means living with an unpredictable condition, with flare-ups that can worsen symptoms without warning. Throughout these challenges, Jasmine’s care team has been a steady source of support. Her team of rheumatologists collaborated with Jasmine and her family to adjust medications and injections as needed. Together, they helped her navigate the uncertainty of JIA and strive toward a life with less pain.

“Scottish Rite taught me to focus on the positive aspects of life and continue making the best out of any circumstance,” Jasmine says. “The doctors, nurses and staff members gave me such a wonderful experience.”

As a patient, Jasmine found community at Scottish Rite through programs like Camp Joint Adventure and Learn to Golf, which are designed to bring patients together in a positive, “can-do” environment. In gratitude, Jasmine has returned for the past three years to give back to the same programs that once gave her so much.

“The memories and lifelong friends I have gathered through these programs are something I will be forever grateful for,” Jasmine says. “These are friends that I will invite to my future wedding. I also developed valuable connections with my care team who never gave up on me and shared meaningful experiences with current patients through the camps.”

Jasmine’s journey has inspired her to take her passion for giving back even further. She will graduate from Texas Tech University in December and will apply to medical school in the spring. With her goal set on becoming a pediatric rheumatologist or orthopedic surgeon, Jasmine carries the values and principles she learned from her care team at Scottish Rite along the way.

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

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.