Meet Audra, a patient seen by our multidisciplinary team of experts. Learn more about her journey from her mom, Kim, of Frisco, TX.

We adopted Audra from China in September 2017 and our first visit to Scottish Rite Hospital was just a couple of weeks later. Audra was born with amniotic band syndrome, which caused her to have shortened/missing fingers and toes. On her right hand, she had what the doctors called paddle hand, where three of her fingers were twisted and fused together. She was also born with clubfoot.
 
At our first visit, I couldn't believe how amazing the facility, doctors and staff were to us. We, of course, got popcorn in the lobby and Audra was even given a set of fairy wings and a coloring book. Dr. Riccio examined Audra and explained his entire plan to correct her clubfoot. Prior to her surgery, she underwent months of casts with weekly appointments at the hospital. Audra absolutely loved Dr. Riccio's nurses and staff and they always put her at ease during her cast change appointments. 
 
Audra's first procedure was in early 2018. We left the hospital with a full arm cast, full leg cast and a wrap on one foot. The nurses showed me how to use pillows, stuffed animals and a wagon so Audra could be out and about. Her brothers and I took turns pulling her around the house and neighborhood to keep her feeling active and involved. There were still bi-weekly follow-up appointments and
we became close with the staff.

They genuinely love my daughter and care about how she is progressing.

Before the end of 2018, Audra started having appointments with Dr. Stutz to separate the fingers in her paddle hand. We live in Frisco and are able to see Dr. Stutz at the Frisco location. He has always told Audra how pleased he is with her progress.
 
Thanks to Scottish Rite Hospital, my daughter is now in soccer, dance, rides a bike and plays with toys just like any other 5-year-old. In kindergarten, the kids are told to raise their hand and make the number 1, 2 or 3 to let the teacher know if they have a question, need water or need to use the restroom. Audra is able to make the numbers with what used to be her paddle hand!
 

Scottish Rite Hospital truly makes a difference in so many lives. I hope that Audra's story will encourage others to adopt special needs children and know that they will have support and care from an amazing hospital.  

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