Previously published in Rite Up, 2024 – Issue 3. Eight-year-old Déborah aspires to be an athlete like her role model Darlene Hunter, a 2016 Paralympic gold medalist for Team USA’s wheelchair basketball team. Déborah actively engages in dance, golf, tennis, softball...
Previously published in Rite Up, 2024 – Issue 3. by Kristi Shewmaker “I can’t wait for you to see the little tricycle up in the ceiling,” BJ said to his wife, Ashley, when they arrived at Scottish Rite for Children in January 2023. Ashley and BJ Burton drove from...
Cover story previously published in Rite Up, 2024 – Issue 3. by Kristi Shewmaker Emily Claire, of Plano, spends most of her time raising two pigs — Dolly and Kenny, named after Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers. Like the country legends, Dolly and Kenny are not related....
Cover story previously published in Rite Up, 2024 – Issue 2. by Kristi Shewmaker Hance Taplin is a connector. In 2011, he founded By Way of Dallas to connect both sides of U.S. Highway 75 through conversation sparked by streetwear that he creates. “I use the apparel...
Previously published in Rite Up, 2024 – Issue 2. Fifteen-year-old Zion, of Glenn Heights, is preparing to become an esthetician when she graduates from high school. Her mother, Tiffany, bought her a mannequin that she uses to practice giving facials and applying...
Previously published in Rite Up, 2024 – Issue 2. In January of 2023, Delilah, a 12-year-old from San Antonio, was helping her mother, Angie, clean the house. As Delilah bent over to pick up something off the floor, Angie noticed that her backbone protruded from her...
Previously published in Rite Up, 2024 – Issue 1. Lino is an inventor who is set on changing the world. “Problems without solutions inspire me to invent,” he says. “I’ve been tinkering with stuff since I was little, but I didn’t realize all this problemsolving was...
KaDeyja, of San Antonio, enjoys watching Cocomelon® and listening to her favorite song, “The Wheels on the Bus.” During her physical therapy session at Scottish Rite for Children, this animated music video set the tone, creating a playful atmosphere and soundtrack to...
Cover story previously published in Rite Up, 2023 – Issue 2. by Kristi Shewmaker Ayden, age 13 of Valley View, describes himself as outdoorsy. He learned to ride horses before he could walk. Every day after school, he feeds his flock of sheep that pasture next to...
“Scottish Rite for Children provides the best care in the world, regardless of a family’s ability to pay,” says retired Texas State Senator Troy Fraser. Fifty years ago, Troy and his wife, Linda, experienced this world-class care firsthand — at a time when they needed...
Cover story previously published in Rite Up, 2023 – Issue 1. by Kristi Shewmaker Gracee never imagined that one day she would play basketball in the Dallas Mavericks® practice gym, much less play one-on-one against her 6’5” pediatric orthopedic surgeon. As a...
Published in Rite Up, 2023 – Issue 1. I’m brave. I’m strong. I’m beautiful. I’m perfect — just the way God made me,” says 8-year-old Jordynn, of Crowley, with her mother, DeAdriene. Together, they practice daily affirmations. “Because of Jordynn’s condition, she is...
Published in Rite Up, 2023 – Issue 1. “When I’m on the snow, I’m not really thinking, I’m just skiing,” says 15-year-old Banks, of Beaver Creek, Colorado. “I like to go fast!” Banks is an alpine ski racer. He skis for Ski & Snowboard Club Vail and attends high...
Published in Rite Up, 2023 – Issue 1. Troy Ratliff has supported Scottish Rite for Children for more than 20 years. He connected with the organization through his participation in the San Angelo Sporting Clay Shoot, an event that was established in 1998 to raise...
Cover story previously published in Rite Up, 2022 – Issue 3. by Kristi Shewmaker Kickball, wiffle ball, four square, taking hikes and riding bikes are a few of the activities 10-year old Brock, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, enjoys. But, his first love is baseball. ...
Cover story previously published in Rite Up, 2021 – Issue 2. by Hayley Hair Preparing to qualify for the Amateur Athletic Union Junior Olympic Games, the largest national multisport event for youth in the United States, is no small feat. Contenders need intense...
Article previously published in Rite Up, 2022 – Issue 1. Scottish Rite for Children is not the only organization celebrating a major milestone. Twenty years ago, H-E-B opened its first Central Market in Dallas at Lovers Lane and Greenville Avenue. Another connection...
Article previously published in Rite Up, 2022 – Issue 1. Sounds of whirring drills, buzzing bone saws and clattering trays of suture and casting materials filled the room at Scottish Rite for Children Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center in Frisco during the recent...
