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Share Your Story: Connor’s Comeback

Share Your Story: Connor’s Comeback

by | Sep 1, 2023 | Scoliosis & Spine

Meet Connor, a strong and determined athlete whose journey with Scottish Rite for Children began when he was just 10 years old. His scoliosis was first noticed by his mom when she noticed his clothes hung differently. She asked his pediatrician, who referred them to Scottish Rite spine experts. Visiting Chief of Staff Dr. Dan Sucato, Connor’s scoliosis was identified as a 30-degree curve at the time, prompting regular monitoring every six months.

As Connor grew and got more into school sports, his scoliosis curve increased too. His curve was 60 degrees, causing him discomfort. Frustrated with the limitations his condition imposed, Connor decided at 15 that he was ready for a change and opted for surgery.

Last summer, Connor underwent spinal fusion surgery. He spent three nights recovering in our inpatient unit. The support he received from our medical team eased his worries, making him feel at ease about the surgery. His quick recovery amazed everyone, allowing him to celebrate his 16th birthday with friends just two weeks later.

The transformation was remarkable. His shoulders were even, and his T-shirts fit properly. His dedication to recuperation and determination to regain his active lifestyle paid off. With his scoliosis corrected, Connor joyfully rejoined the high school junior varsity football team and played in his first game after taking a year off.

But it wasn’t just the surgery. Connor found comfort at Scottish Rite, from our yummy popcorn to our caring staff who he says felt like family to him. Dr. Sucato didn’t just fix his scoliosis; he brought back normalcy. With no more limping due to his hip pain, Connor got his life back. He’s loving football, golf, hiking and rafting. Watching sports and eating out with friends now brings him joy, as he embraces his new freedom without limitations.

DO YOU HAVE A STORY? WE WANT TO HEAR IT! SHARE YOUR STORY WITH US.

Share Your Story: Bria’s Big Break

Share Your Story: Bria’s Big Break

by | Aug 25, 2023 | Sports Medicine

Bria is a 12-year-old girl who stays busy with a variety of activities. From cheerleading, playing on her trampoline, hanging out with her friends and swimming, she is always on the move. After being diagnosed with Osgood-Schlatter disease, a condition that causes inflammation of the patellar ligament and creates a painful bump just below the knee, Bria and her family came to the Scottish Rite for Children Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center for treatment. Bria’s mom, Krista, shares their experience in this Share Your Story:

Written by mom – Krista Cardenas

We came to Scottish Rite for Children’s Center for Excellence in Sports Medicine a few years ago for treatment of Osgood-Schlatter disease in Bria’s knee and various cheer-related aches and pains. We really loved Stephanie De Jager, M.S.N., CPNP, and she became our go-to “person” when Bria had injuries.

Last year at an open gym one evening, Bria was tumbling and broke her tibia and had emergency surgery at another Dallas hospital. She fractured it through the growth plate and had compartment syndrome to make things worse. Once she was finally discharged, as the mom, I fell apart when we got home. I didn’t have our “people” to tell me everything was going to be ok, so I called Stephanie. She called me and talked to me at length, reassuring me that we could always switch and follow up later at Scottish Rite. We tried to give the other hospital a chance, but our heart was at Scottish Rite.

At our follow up, their plan of care was hasty, and they didn’t listen to me in discussing her projected growth before scheduling surgery, so we transferred Bria to Scottish Rite for further care. Thank goodness we did, because we got to meet Dr. Ellis, and we absolutely adored him. He really listened and took the time to look at Bria’s realistic growth based on our family heights and her puberty. We watched and waited for almost a year, and each appointment he was conservative and not quick to operate.

Finally, almost a year later, we pulled the trigger and had to do some growth plate modification for limb inequality and to correct a valgus. Our experience was completely different from the first surgery at the other facility. They took the time to explain at length every detail and answer all my million questions, never judging me for my hesitation. Child life specialist Marissa Willis sat with Bria and acknowledged the trauma of her first experience last year. She reassured her that this would be so much different, explaining every step she would experience on surgery day.

Finally on surgery day, we were impressed by every single person we encountered. From Nancy at the desk with her calming and friendly personality, to the volunteer cooking up fresh cookies and tending to my son and Bria’s grandfather, to each nurse we encountered having a kind and reassuring demeanor. Everyone put us so much at ease that we as a family were completely confident in sending her off. We really appreciated Falco’s visit, and he went straight to Bria’s dad to put his head in his lap because Dad was the most anxious. Wow! What an amazing dog! The facility was impeccably clean, updated and everything was so organized.

I can’t say enough about how amazing Scottish Rite is, and we will forever sing your praises. My husband and I both said we want to work at Scottish Rite! Bria’s grandfather couldn’t stop talking about how impressed he was with the facility. He kept saying, “This place is FIRST CLASS!” From the smell of popcorn the moment we walked in, to the kind nurses helping her into the car, this day could not have been any more perfect (for a surgery day that is!).

Learn more about our Center for Excellence in Sports Medicine.DO YOU HAVE A STORY? WE WANT TO HEAR IT! SHARE YOUR STORY WITH US.

Share Your Story: Exceptional Care

Share Your Story: Exceptional Care

by | Jun 16, 2023 | Hip Disorders

Meet Sam, a patient who is treated by our experts in the Center for Excellence in Hip. Sam and Dr. Kim have formed a special bond through the years, as Sam was just 9 years old when he first became Dr. Kim’s patient. Sam has a childhood disorder of the hip called Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, also known as Perthes disease.

Perthes is a condition in which a child’s hip joint is abnormal, and the blood supply to the head of the thighbone is temporarily stopped. Perthes is uncommon — approximately five to 10 children per 100,000 will be diagnosed each year — and it more commonly affects boys — one in 760 boys.

Nonsurgical treatments might include reducing physical activity and weightbearing on the affected legs using crutches, wheelchairs, casting and/or bracing. In Sam’s case, a surgery called an osteotomy was necessary. Surgical treatments for Perthes might include pelvic or femoral osteotomy, a process that reorients the pelvis or femur. In older children, another treatment option is to make bone channels to speed up healing and to inject bone marrow stem cells.

Perthes disease is a very uncommon condition that few doctors have experience in diagnosing and treating. It is important for parents to find a pediatric orthopedic specialist with a special interest in Perthes disease that cares for children with the condition regularly. 
 
Under the direction of Harry Kim, M.D., M.S., researchers in our Center for Excellence in Hip are dedicated to studying the progression of Perthes and other hip conditions, in kids just like Sam. Scottish Rite for Children is the leading center for the International Perthes Study Group (IPSG). 

IPSG includes more than 50 pediatric orthopedic surgeons and researchers from 10 different countries who are dedicated to improving the care of patients with Perthes disease. Their research provides important insight into this condition and will lead to the development of new treatment methods. As a long-time patient at Scottish Rite, Sam also participated in clinical research studies and understands the impact of quality patient care and the importance of research on a patient’s life.
 
It’s been a couple of years since your last surgery. How are you doing?  
I am currently in high school, and in the summer, I work as a lifeguard at our local pool. I think my life is pretty normal. My friends understand it can sometimes hurt when I walk for too long, so I use my bike to ride when my friends are walking, or we all take the golf cart. 
 
Can you talk about your connection with Dr. Kim?  
Dr. Kim and his staff have always explained everything to me in ways that I can understand. As a teenager, they talk to me about my disease and include me in everything. I really appreciate the effort they make to keep me involved in my care.
 
Do you have any specific memories about your time spent at Scottish Rite? 
Scottish Rite helped me stay active when I couldn’t walk. I learned how to do special stretches and started doing activities that allowed me to stay active and strong during treatment. I’m thankful I was able to keep moving, and I continue to swim and play sled hockey. Because of the treatment I received from Scottish Rite, I can walk, hike, play and have fun with my friends! 
 
Also, when I had my different surgeries, I loved spending time in the Child Life Playroom. Everyone was really nice and helped make things seem less scary. 

What would you tell patients and families thinking about participating in research at Scottish Rite? 
Do it! It is the best decision you can make! 
 
What are your plans for your future? 
I am on my school’s robotics team. I want to be an engineer. 

Can you talk about your overall experience at Scottish Rite? 
Sam’s mom, Nerissa – I have learned that the Scottish Rite will take care of you. Sam is inspiring others in the sport of sled hockey and staying active in a sport he loves because of Scottish Rite! Sam is actually my second child to benefit from Scottish Rite. My daughter Meredith went through the Take Flight program and graduated high school with an incredible GPA! None of this would be possible without Scottish Rite!

I feel incredibly fortunate to have Dr. Kim as my son’s doctor. Not only does he provide exceptional medical care for my son’s bone disease, but he also goes above and beyond.

One aspect that truly sets Dr. Kim and his staff apart is their commitment to attending Camp Perthes every year. This camp serves as a wonderful platform for encouragement, not only for Dr. Kim’s patients and parents, but also for everyone in attendance. It’s truly heartwarming to see a medical professional and team take the time to support and uplift individuals facing challenges.

The care and support we have received from Dr. Kim and his staff have been outstanding. They are an incredibly caring and supportive group of professionals who genuinely understand the difficulties that come with dealing with something hard in life. Their compassionate nature and dedication make a world of difference in our journey.

Dr. Kim’s expertise in treating my son’s bone disease is exceptional. He and the team consistently ensure that we understand the treatment options available and take the time to answer all our questions with patience and clarity. His approach instills confidence and trust, which is invaluable in such a challenging situation.

Scottish Rite for Children is equally remarkable. Everyone is friendly, attentive and always ready to lend a helping. I cannot recommend Dr. Kim and his team highly enough. If you are looking for a doctor who genuinely cares and supports you through difficult times, Dr. Kim is the one to trust.

DO YOU HAVE A STORY? WE WANT TO HEAR IT! SHARE YOUR STORY WITH US.

Share Your Story: Personal Expression

Share Your Story: Personal Expression

by | May 26, 2023 | Pediatric Developmental Disabilities

Meet Rodrigo, a patient who is seen by our team of multidisciplinary experts. Learn more about his journey below.

Blog written by Rodrigo.

When I was a baby, my parents knew something was not right. According to my mom, I would push my hands against the wall just to stand up and move from one place to another. Also, I had problems sitting down. I would try to sit but would end up falling backward.

When I was about 1 year old, I was diagnosed with congenital muscular dystrophy and started going to see doctors at Scottish Rite for Children every six months. I have fond memories of that time in my life. I loved going there all the time and was always happy to miss school for these appointments. The inside of Scottish Rite does not look like a traditional health care institution, but rather felt like we were at a theme park.

I understood that I would eventually be too old to see doctors at a pediatric facility, and when I was about 20 years old, I had my last appointment. I cried as I was leaving that day.

Scottish Rite means so much to me, and I felt like I needed to give something back to the place that did so much for me. When I was 26 years old, I became a volunteer at Scottish Rite. Not only is it a place for children with special needs but also a place where children know that they are loved and accepted. It is also an amazing place for their parents! It is a place where families know that they are not alone and can find support.

I now have an art degree, and drawing and painting are my passions. I am very involved with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), and 15 months ago, I became an MDA Ambassador. I’ve even been able to use my talents to give back and have donated some of my paintings to be sold at the MDA Uncork A Cure Galas. I also enjoy making videos for social media where I paint and talk about what I’m painting.

DO YOU HAVE A STORY? WE WANT TO HEAR IT! SHARE YOUR STORY WITH US.

Share Your Story: Meet Marley

Share Your Story: Meet Marley

by | May 1, 2023 | Scoliosis & Spine

Meet Marley, a patient who is seen by our team of scoliosis and spine experts. She also appears in some of our new advertisements! Learn more about her journey below.

Blog written by Marley.

I first learned that I might have scoliosis when I was at my 7-year-old annual checkup with my pediatrician. I didn’t think that I had any symptoms, but when the doctor checked my back, they told my parents I had a curve. My pediatrician referred us to Scottish Rite because they are the experts in helping kids who have scoliosis! 

When we got to the Frisco location, I recognized the crayon logo from going to a park by the Dallas hospital. I’ve now been a patient at Scottish Rite for four years, and I see Dr. Ramo for my scoliosis treatment. On my first appointment, we learned that my curve was large for my age, since I hadn’t had my growth spurt yet. Dr. Ramo told us that as I grew, the curve might get worse, and I could end up having to have surgery. I started wearing a brace, and over the past four years, my curve has actually decreased, and I will most likely not need surgery if I continue on this path!

Dr. Ramo makes me feel like he knows me as a person and not just a patient. He always asks me about how I’m doing in the different sports I play, and he remembers things about my hobbies and interests. I also really enjoy talking to Kelsey, who makes my brace and works on it when I grow. Whenever she has to make me a new brace, she lets me pick out my design. The last time I had to get a new brace, she even helped track down the special pattern I wanted for my brace. 

My favorite thing about Scottish Rite are the volunteers. They are always at the front entrance, and I feel comfortable when they welcome me. I love when they give me stickers, books or popcorn. My entire experience has been great because everyone cares about me and wants to help me improve.

Favorite dessert?
Sugar cookies and vanilla ice cream with rainbow sprinkles. 

Favorite color?
My favorite color is metallic gold because it’s sparkly and shiny.

Favorite book?
My favorite book is The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street. 

What do you want to be when you grow up?
When I grow up, I want to be a marine biologist because I love the water, I love science and I love animals.

Do you have a favorite hobby/sport/interest? 
My favorite sports are swimming and kung fu. I also love to play the piano. 

DO YOU HAVE A STORY? WE WANT TO HEAR IT! SHARE YOUR STORY WITH US.