Pictured at age 17 |
Aaron of Fort Worth - 2007
Aaron is treated in the hospital’s prosthetics clinic. Aaron wears a prosthesis on his left leg and has been treated at the hospital since 2005. In high school, Aaron played varsity football, was co-captain of his wrestling team and a member of his school’s varsity track team. He enjoys giving to others through community service activities. |
Pictured at age 2 |
Addison of Rockwall - 2009
TSRHC patient Addison of Rockwall, Texas, is sure to tug at the heart strings of all she meets. She has been a patient since she was 5 days old. As a result of a rare genetic disorder that causes her to have multiple dislocations, Addison has been treated for conditions including hand and knee dislocations, clubfoot and hip dysplasia, or dislocated hip. Since her first visit, she has had approximately 30 casts and three surgeries. Despite the challenges, Addison is able to pull herself up using furniture at home, walk with her walker and play with her older sister, Macie. Addison serves as a role model for Macie, who in a class project wrote about wanting to become an orthopedic surgeon so she could help others like TSRHC has helped Addison. |
Pictured at age 5 |
Brandalyn of Crowley - 2008
Brandalyn has been a patient at TSRHC since she was 8 weeks old. Born with a fractured collar bone, Brandalyn is treated for a condition called brachial plexus palsy, which is damage to the nerves that send signals to the spinal cord and control the shoulder, arm and hand. She always has a bright smile on her face and enjoys TSRHC’s play areas, the friendly staff and the TSRHC popcorn popped fresh daily. Brandalyn loves making new friends and is a member of the youth choir at her church. |
Pictured at age 10 |
Claire of Austin - 2008
Claire receives treatment for hip dysplasia, an abnormal hip socket formation, but does not let her condition interfere with swimming, one of her favorite activities. Claire also enjoys collecting rocks and stuffed animals. Claire inspires others with her determination and confidence to be the best she can be in every aspect of her life. Claire’s thoughts on being selected as a patient champion can be summed up in her own words, “I’m excited to be a patient champion because it makes me feel special and happy, and it lets me share how much I enjoy being at the hospital.” |
Pictured at age 4 |
Dominic of Natalia - 2009
TSRHC patient Dominic of Natalia, Texas, (near San Antonio, Texas) is treated in the hospital’s Charles E. Seay, Jr. Hand Center for polysyndactyly, a complex condition in which a child’s fingers or toes do not fully separate during development. He had his first surgery at 10 months old, when TSRHC physicians separated his fused fingers. In January 2009, a surgery on his left foot helped him to be able to wear sandals. Dominic’s father describes him as a typical 4-year-old who loves being on the computer and “getting his hands in things.” He enjoys the alphabet game, doing puzzles and is a loyal San Antonio Spurs fan. His true passion, according to his Dad, is cars. He says, “Dominic can name every make on the road right now.” |
Pictured at age 18 |
Elisa of El Paso - 2008
Elisa is treated at the hospital for systemic sclerosis, a rare chronic disease affecting the connective tissues of the skin or other organs. Elisa is excited to be a patient champion this year to inform more people about her condition and the help that she received at TSRHC. Elisa likes to spend her spare time drawing and sewing. Elisa’s family and friends consider her to be a strong and courageous person. |
Pictured at age 13 |
Eric of Dallas - 2007
Eric has been a patient for more than seven years. Eric inspires others with his outgoing and friendly personality. He is involved in various extra-curricular activities and enjoys playing video games and loves to watch movies with his family. He is a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan and never misses watching the games with his dad. |
Pictured at age 12 |
Ford of Lubbock - 2008
Ford receives treatment for cerebral palsy. Ford enjoys playing baseball and video games with his friends. He is also involved in his school band, where he plays the trombone. As a patient of TSRHC, Ford said he cannot wait to be a patient champion to help bring community awareness to the hospital. He inspires his friends and family with his courage and will to never give up. |
Pictured at age 14 |
Hannah of Flower Mound - 2008
Hannah has been a patient since she was 5 days old. Hannah receives treatment for osteogenesis imperfecta, a condition that causes her bones to be fragile and more susceptible to fractures. Hannah loves animals and hopes to become a veterinarian. She also plays the violin and recently was accepted into the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra. Hannah is excited to be a patient champion this year because she loves doing anything to support TSRHC. Her friends and family best know her for having a positive personality and being able to rise above tough circumstances. |
Pictured at age 9 |
Jamal of San Antonio - 2008
Jamal is treated for early onset scoliosis (EOS). In 2003, Jamal’s doctor in San Antonio referred him to TSRHC for EOS treatment. That year, he had dual rod growing instrumentation implanted on his spine to correct his scoliosis and allow his spine the ability to continue growing. Thanks to TSRHC, Jamal can run, play and swim with the rest of his peers. He is so excited to be a patient champion and represent TSRHC at the marathon. Jamal loves to solve puzzles, play video games and build Legos. He enjoys visiting TSRHC’s Dr. Bob and Jean Smith Child Life Center to play games and participate in the many activities available. |
Pictured at age 16 |
Kelsey of Allen - 2007
Kelsey has been treated at the hospital for a condition called Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT), since she was 5 years old. CMT is a neuromuscular disease in the muscular dystrophy family. Kelsey swims competitively with the Allen High School Swimming Eagles and has participated in many other sports outside of school including wheelchair track and field. It is Kelsey’s goal to qualify for the USA Paralympics Team and to represent the USA at the 2008 Paralympics Games in Beijing, China. Kelsey enjoys working with the local Muscular Dystrophy Association office to help raise funds for research for muscular dystrophy. |
Pictured at age 5 |
May of Dallas - 2007
May has been a patient for the past several years and is treated for a condition called tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), which causes tumors to form in many different organs of the body. May spreads cheer and joy to others with her happy-go-lucky attitude and love for life. She has a big personality and loves to meet new people. She enjoys singing, dancing, swimming and visiting TSRHC. |
Pictured at age 5 |
Maya of Austin - 2009
Maya of Austin, Texas, has been a TSRHC patient since 2005. She was born with bilateral hip dysplasia, a condition that caused her hips to be out of socket. After learning that Maya would require surgery on her hips, her parents turned to TSRHC, which treats thousands of patients with hip disorders every year. At the young age of 18 months Maya underwent surgery, and within three months she was out of her body cast. One year later, she was able to walk. Today, Maya is an energetic dancer who loves to move to the beat of any genre of music. She loves to do yoga and has recently requested ballet classes. Maya's young and vivacious spirit serves as inspiration to all who witness it. |
Pictured at age 3 |
Micah of Forney - 2007
Micah has been a patient at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children since 2004. Born with a rare condition called caudal regression syndrome, Micah is absent the bottom third of his spine. He uses a stand-up wheelchair for mobility and is independent for his age. Micah always has a smile on his face, and he brings joy to everyone he meets with his outgoing personality. Micah enjoys spending time with his family and playing with his older brother, Tanner. |
Pictured at age 17 |
Molly of Dallas - 2009
Molly has received treatment for scoliosis at TSRHC since she was 12 years old. Scoliosis, a curvature of the spine, affects two to three percent of school-aged children. Since starting high school, Molly has found a passion in long-distance running and joined the cross-country team. When Molly learned the MetroPCS Dallas White Rock Marathon Presented by Nexbank benefits TSRHC, she wanted to get involved and give back. So, last year she is registered to run the half marathon in support of the hospital that has provided her care at no charge. |
Pictured at age 17 |
Nichola of Colleyville - 2008
Nichola has been a TSRHC patient since 1994 and is treated for a hand difference. She is an aspiring singer and enjoys sharing her vocal talent to make others happy. Her many performances include singing for the President of the United States in 2006 and Nichola maintains a full performance schedule but is still actively involved in sharing her TSRHC story with others. Nichola’s favorite thing about TSRHC is the feeling of “home” that she experiences when she visits the hospital. |
Pictured at age 5 |
Reid of Dallas - 2008
Reid has been a patient at TSRHC since he was 2 weeks old. Reid was born with a rare bone defect called pseudoarthrosis and at age 3, he received a below-the-knee amputation and prosthesis for his left leg. Since then, Reid has had four different brightly colored prostheses, ranging in colors from lime green, flame orange, spiral rainbow stripes and horizontal rainbow stripes. Reid loves to sing songs, read books and do art projects. Reid is a curious student and truly loves to learn. |
Pictured at age 4 |
Ryanne of Mineloa - 2007
Ryanne has been a patient for several years and inspires others with her love of life and outgoing spirit. Ryanne wears two prosthetic legs and is a below-the-elbow amputee on her right arm due to amniotic band syndrome, a congenital condition which constricts the growth of extremities including arms, legs and fingers. A true gift to others, Ryanne is always cheerful and spreading joy. She enjoys swimming, gymnastics, soccer and riding her bike. |
Pictured at age 15 |
Scott of Arlington - 2007
Scott is treated at the hospital for scoliosis. Music is Scott’s passion in life. He has been singing, song-writing and playing the piano since he was a little boy. At the young age of 14, Scott released his first self-debut album, and two years later released his second album. He is a member of his high school jazz band and also travels throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth area performing at various venues and stages. Scott is known for his friendliness, compassion toward people and hard work ethic, and he plans to continue pursuing his love of song-writing and music. |
Pictured at age 15 |
Skeeter of Forney - 2007
Skeeter of Forney, Texas, has been a prosthetics patient at TSRHC since 2001. His left foot was amputated at age 6, and he has been fitted with several different prostheses since his initial visit at TSRHC. A sophomore at Forney High School, he is section leader for the tubas in the Forney High School band. He likes football and basketball and played baseball with the Forney Youth Baseball Association. Skeeter has attended the Amputee Coalition of America Camp and also spends time offering advice and visiting with fellow TSRHC patients after a surgery or important visit to the hospital. He attended the 27th and 28th annual TSRHC amputee ski trip and a hospital fishing trip with other TSRHC patients in 2008, and his passion for flying has led him to pursue training for a pilot’s license to fly Lear jets. |
Pictured at age 2 mos. |
William of Midland - 2007
William is treated at TSRHC for limb differences affecting his hands and feet and continues to amaze his family and friends with his advanced development. Will is from Midland, Texas, and his favorite activities are sleeping, eating and training with his mom on her daily walks. Ruby, his Golden Retriever, is one of his best buddies. Will has a great fan club of family and friends who show their support at the marathon by wearing shirts that read, "When there is a WILL, there is a way!" |
Pictured at age 10 |
Zachary of Bedford - 2008
Zachary receives treatment for spina bifida at TSRHC. He has been a patient at the hospital since 1999 and is excited to be a patient champion. Zachary believes, “As a patient champion, I can help the people who work at TSRHC help the patients get stronger.” Zachary participates in many clubs and organizations and is a member of the Junior Mavericks Wheelchair Basketball Team. His favorite thing about TSRHC is his doctor. Family and friends view Zachary as friendly and sympathetic, a young man who is always concerned about those around him. |