“Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children is the nation’s premier pediatric center for the treatment of orthopedic conditions and sports injuries, as well as certain related arthritic and neurological conditions and learning disorders, such as dyslexia. For almost 95 years, we’ve provided exceptional medical care to the children of Texas. Through decades of economic ups and downs, individuals, foundations and corporations in our community have supported our work and made it possible for us to continue in our mission, caring for children regardless of any family’s ability to pay. Our successes are due to wonderful friends like you!
“As we look back, we’re incredibly grateful for the partnerships we’ve forged through community-wide events like North Texas Giving Day (NTxGD). Oh, what a difference A DAY makes! Since we first stepped foot into the NTxGD ring, we’ve raised more than $355,000 to underwrite the cost of Patient Care at the hospital. These monies are used to cover the costs of everything from clinic visits and surgeries to patient art programs and recreational camps. More precisely, the funds are used to give children back a childhood that might otherwise be lost to complex diagnoses and frightening medical procedures. Thanks to our NTxGD donors, children like Hayden – who began receiving treatment at Scottish Rite Hospital when he was just 18 months old – have a chance to bounce back and move forward, inspiring all of us with their resilience and fire.
“In 2008, Hayden was diagnosed with Early Onset Scoliosis, a rare and potentially fatal form of spinal curvature. Initially, the 79-degree curve in his spine was treated using halo gravity traction and a series of Mehta casts which were adjusted and replaced every 8 to 16 weeks. Later, traditional metal support rods were implanted. Unfortunately, his condition did not resolve. In 2015, Hayden became one of the first patients at Scottish Rite Hospital to be surgically fitted with MAGEC rods. Unlike traditional spinal implants, MAGEC rods do not require additional surgeries to make adjustments. Instead, an external magnetic controller is used to non-invasively lengthen or shorten the implanted spinal rod. Periodic lengthening allows the rod to provide adequate bracing during growth and ultimately slows curve progression.
“Thanks to our talented surgeons and this incredible technology, Hayden’s prognosis is good – he’s out having a ball and doing all the things a typical nine-year old does. In fact, he recently hiked his first mountain! Donors who support our work and believe in the unlimited potential of our special patients have made such a difference for Hayden and for thousands more children challenged by orthopedic conditions like scoliosis. With the ongoing care of our clinicians and continuing assistance of our community, we know the inspirational stories of our patients will continue to unfold in amazing ways!
“Thursday, September 22, is your chance to make a difference for kids. Get Up and Give to Scottish Rite Hospital!”
-By Stephanie Brigger, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital For Children Vice President of Development
* Photo provided by Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children ______
In seven years, North Texas Giving Day has pumped more than $119 million into the North Texas community. In 2015, $33 million was raised through more than 118,000 gifts benefiting over 2,000 nonprofits.
On Thursday, September 22, support Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children by linking here and spreading the word. #NTxGivingDay