![patient sitting in bed](/cmsctx/pv/mdingwell/culture/en-US/wg/71a92893-5b8e-48dc-813c-8d73583ca087/readonly/0/ea/1/h/a65c3bb1dc04b5d1c13964073490033f6b5f7be901ff95d445b62d0ef33a7b57/-/getmedia/fd3f25f0-7753-4457-86c9-09301d5103eb/mary-header-copy?width=1200&height=619&ext=.jpg&uh=5173addf45c951bd826ab763c0a7f9e5bf23b585e8e5942f257af72ac0a29299&administrationdomain=https%3A%2F%2Fcms.scottishritehospital.org)
Oct 08, 2021 / Centennial
Share Your Story: Thank You, Scottish Rite
Meet Mary, a patient who was treated by our orthopedic experts.
![](/cmsctx/pv/mdingwell/culture/en-US/wg/71a92893-5b8e-48dc-813c-8d73583ca087/readonly/0/ea/1/h/a65c3bb1dc04b5d1c13964073490033f6b5f7be901ff95d445b62d0ef33a7b57/-/getmedia/fdef58eb-374d-40e9-9d73-1a4e31c66a77/Screen-Shot-2021-10-08-at-11-31-49-AM.png?width=200&height=355&uh=5015de14b84a6e9645a98eb16115056f996bfef562abf36367d062273f378c13&administrationdomain=https%3A%2F%2Fcms.scottishritehospital.org)
Blog written by Mary.
My name is Mary, and I was a patient at Scottish Rite for Children almost 70 years ago. I was just 1 year old when I was diagnosed with polio. After surviving the initial disease, I was left with physical developmental issues, and my parents were told that I needed orthopedic help at Scottish Rite. Back then, a person needed a Mason to sponsor a patient in order to receive admission. My mom found a Mason, and for the next 12 years, Dr. Carrell and the staff provided extensive treatment, including numerous surgeries, to correct issues with my legs and feet. My family and I met a lot of wonderful and dedicated staff during my treatment there.
During my early time at the hospital, I only spoke Spanish and communicating with the staff was difficult at times. During the next few years, I learned English and became very close with the wonderful staff. My legs and feet never completed “normal” development, but Scottish Rite’s treatment allowed me to lead a wonderful life. From 1 year old to my early teens, I frequently wore casts or braces on my legs and feet.
In addition to helping me as a young child, Scottish Rite has helped my grandson. He was diagnosed with dyslexia during the fourth grade and began a special program provided by the Allen School District. We were told the techniques used by the school were developed by Scottish Rite.
![](/cmsctx/pv/mdingwell/culture/en-US/wg/71a92893-5b8e-48dc-813c-8d73583ca087/readonly/0/ea/1/h/a65c3bb1dc04b5d1c13964073490033f6b5f7be901ff95d445b62d0ef33a7b57/-/getmedia/055145d4-aa5a-4be3-bd5f-8180c625d4e2/mary-recovert_1.jpg?width=200&height=355&uh=f4b24981bacbe00cd9f6537e31d6b3a171fe4019c5cbd7d18b922ccac398af17&administrationdomain=https%3A%2F%2Fcms.scottishritehospital.org)
Throughout the years, my family and I have given back to Scottish Rite in different ways. From donating stuffed animals to sponsoring an engraved brick in Chambers Park, we love to stay connected any way we can. I really love the annual holiday ornaments, and when I unpack them each year, they bring back many memories. The popcorn machine has been my favorite. I look forward to receiving the magazine and always read it as soon as I receive it.
As a senior, my activities have become limited, but I enjoy playing bingo at our senior center and going to casinos. Without Scottish Rite for Children, I would not have been able to lead the life that I’ve had.
![](/cmsctx/pv/mdingwell/culture/en-US/wg/71a92893-5b8e-48dc-813c-8d73583ca087/readonly/0/ea/1/h/a65c3bb1dc04b5d1c13964073490033f6b5f7be901ff95d445b62d0ef33a7b57/-/getmedia/fdef58eb-374d-40e9-9d73-1a4e31c66a77/Screen-Shot-2021-10-08-at-11-31-49-AM.png?width=200&height=355&uh=5015de14b84a6e9645a98eb16115056f996bfef562abf36367d062273f378c13&administrationdomain=https%3A%2F%2Fcms.scottishritehospital.org)
Blog written by Mary.
My name is Mary, and I was a patient at Scottish Rite for Children almost 70 years ago. I was just 1 year old when I was diagnosed with polio. After surviving the initial disease, I was left with physical developmental issues, and my parents were told that I needed orthopedic help at Scottish Rite. Back then, a person needed a Mason to sponsor a patient in order to receive admission. My mom found a Mason, and for the next 12 years, Dr. Carrell and the staff provided extensive treatment, including numerous surgeries, to correct issues with my legs and feet. My family and I met a lot of wonderful and dedicated staff during my treatment there.
During my early time at the hospital, I only spoke Spanish and communicating with the staff was difficult at times. During the next few years, I learned English and became very close with the wonderful staff. My legs and feet never completed “normal” development, but Scottish Rite’s treatment allowed me to lead a wonderful life. From 1 year old to my early teens, I frequently wore casts or braces on my legs and feet.
In addition to helping me as a young child, Scottish Rite has helped my grandson. He was diagnosed with dyslexia during the fourth grade and began a special program provided by the Allen School District. We were told the techniques used by the school were developed by Scottish Rite.
![](/cmsctx/pv/mdingwell/culture/en-US/wg/71a92893-5b8e-48dc-813c-8d73583ca087/readonly/0/ea/1/h/a65c3bb1dc04b5d1c13964073490033f6b5f7be901ff95d445b62d0ef33a7b57/-/getmedia/055145d4-aa5a-4be3-bd5f-8180c625d4e2/mary-recovert_1.jpg?width=200&height=355&uh=f4b24981bacbe00cd9f6537e31d6b3a171fe4019c5cbd7d18b922ccac398af17&administrationdomain=https%3A%2F%2Fcms.scottishritehospital.org)
Throughout the years, my family and I have given back to Scottish Rite in different ways. From donating stuffed animals to sponsoring an engraved brick in Chambers Park, we love to stay connected any way we can. I really love the annual holiday ornaments, and when I unpack them each year, they bring back many memories. The popcorn machine has been my favorite. I look forward to receiving the magazine and always read it as soon as I receive it.
As a senior, my activities have become limited, but I enjoy playing bingo at our senior center and going to casinos. Without Scottish Rite for Children, I would not have been able to lead the life that I’ve had.
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