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!
