Do you wonder how you can help children have strong and healthy bones? Have you heard of Scottish Rite for Children but are not sure what it is?
If you have a passion for helping youth that may have been born with a bone deformity, need treatment for orthopedic conditions, or have related neurological and learning disorders, Scottish Rite may be the “right” charity for you!
Learn what Scottish Rite for Children is, the treatments offered at its facilities, how it is changing the lives of children, and how you can get involved.
This year, the hospital, also known as Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, is celebrating its 100th anniversary. That’s a century! The hospital still proudly helps children live without limits today!
Getting involved with Scottish Rite for Children is incredibly easy! There are many options, from monetary donations to volunteer opportunities!
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. – Matthew 10:8 (NKJV)
What Is Scottish Rite for Children?
Scottish Rite is a world-renowned hospital that focuses on pediatric orthopedic care. Scoliosis, club foot, sports injuries, and fractures are just a few of the conditions that are treated at the hospital.
Additionally, there are certain related arthritic and neurological disorders and learning disorders, such as dyslexia, that they treat.
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children stands on the belief of giving children back their childhood!
The hospital is dedicated to educating healthcare professionals both within the United States and worldwide. Further, it encourages pioneering research and advanced treatment techniques.
Scottish Rite receives reimbursement for as little as 40% of the patient care services each year. The hospital relies greatly on the charitable donations received from its donors.
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History of Scottish Rite for Children
Originally named Dallas Scottish Rite Hospital for Crippled Children, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children was founded in 1921.
A group of men from the Texas Masons approached orthopedic surgeon, W.B. Carrell, to address the need to assist children of all ages suffering from polio. Due to many families’ inability to pay medical costs, children were not receiving proper health care.
Carrell was, at the time, one of the only orthopedic surgeons in the state. He started seeing up to 35 children a week but soon outgrew the clinic and needed more room.
The hospital broadened its reach and began treating a range of orthopedic conditions when the inactivated poliovirus vaccine practically eradicated polio in the mid-1950s.
Today, the hospital is governed by a board of trustees made up of Scottish Rite Freemasonry members in Texas.
Scottish Rite Masons are affiliated with Freemasonry. However, any donations received from that group or other Mason groups are purely individual.
What Scottish Rite for Children Does
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children offers various treatments for pediatric orthopedic conditions and related neurological and learning disorders.
The hospital boasts six “Centers for Excellence” in sports injury, limb lengthening, as well as treatment of the foot, hand, hip, and spine.
Scottish Rite believes in treating the “whole child” and places great pride on this achievement.
The hospital strongly encourages research and medical advancement through the Sarah M. and Charles E. Seay Center for Musculoskeletal Research. The hospital is credited with amazing discoveries such as CHD7, the first gene associated with idiopathic scoliosis, and the TRUE/LOK™ External Fixation System.
The hospital is also dedicated to educating doctors and other healthcare professionals. Not only does the hospital support healthcare education, but there are also programs for everyone – from a student interested in a possible medical career to parents wanting to understand more about their child’s condition.
It features a range of experiences, from fellowships and graduate programs to virtual seminars. There is an on-demand learning program where anyone can learn more about a range of conditions on their own time and at their own pace.
Students and those interested in pursuing a career in orthopedic medicine and related fields can join one of the outstanding internship programs that the hospital has available.
You can train as a dyslexia therapist through Scottish Rite for Children’s curriculum. There are also additional seminars and further education for parents.
What Treatments Does Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children Offer?
Scottish Rite for Children specializes in scoliosis and spinal conditions, limb lengthening and reconstruction, and hand disorders such as limb length anomalies and complex reconstructions.
The hospital also specializes in clubfoot and foot disorders, hip disorders, and sports medicine.
In the belief of “treating the entire child,” not just the disorder or injury, the hospital offers additional services through life programs, therapy, and a range of in-house specialists. These programs aim to address the mind, body, and spirit of a child as they begin to experience the fullness of their childhood.
Injuries can bring more than just physical conditions. There can be underlying mental and emotional stress from living with the condition that has hindered a child. Through therapy programs, a child can learn to be complete and whole – physically and emotionally.
The facilities also offer treatment for sport injuries, fractures, neurology and rehabilitation medicine, orthotics and prosthetics, and psychology. They even offer athletic training, radiology, and child life services.
What Are the Locations of Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children?
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children currently has three locations.
The Dallas campus is the original location. The Dallas campus offers a nearly full range of patient services – treating scoliosis to clubfoot. The Luke Waites Center for Dyslexia & Learning Disorders located at the Dallas campus focuses on treating a range of learning disorders and is internationally recognized.
Scottish Rite for Children opened the Frisco, Texas campus in 2018. This campus features general orthopedic clinics, physical and occupational therapy, and prosthetics and orthotics. There’s a fracture clinic, a unique concept where children can be seen for fractures without a referral.
Down the road from the Frisco campus is the third location, Scottish Rite for Children at The Star, also known as the Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center. The Star is also the home to the Dallas Cowboys!
Each campus works together to maintain and uphold the core values of Scottish Rite for Children while specializing in their own focused treatment of the whole child.
‘For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds,’ says the Lord. – Jeremiah 30:17a (NKJV)
How Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children is Helping
Scottish Rite helps thousands of children with orthopedic conditions related to their bones, joints, and muscles and helps with everything from surgery to outpatient care. The hospital also helps children and their families in much deeper ways.
The hospital values each child as an individual and bases their treatment within this mindset. Through financial assistance, life and family services, and therapeutic recreation, families receive care in every way possible.
The hospital was founded on the idea of providing care to families regardless of their ability to pay. Scottish Rite has remained true to this principle. Financial aid is offered through a program called Crayon Care. The program is available to everyone regardless of income status or insurance coverage.
The hospital’s child life services focus on the social and emotional needs of the child to reduce fear and promote coping both as patients and people in society. These needs are met through preparing the children for medical procedures, educating the children about the diagnosis, teaching coping mechanisms, and allowing for self-expression.
Scottish Rite further aids families through family services. These services connect families with necessary resources and support and assist in arranging off-site medical care when needed. A range of interpretation and translation services are also available.
Therapeutic recreation equips children with chronic conditions or disabilities with the skills needed to be involved in recreational activities. Children learn how to overcome hindrances due to their condition or disability to have the best version of a physical life that is possible.
I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me. – Matthew 25:36 (NKJV)
Scottish Rite for Children Mission and Values
Scottish Rite states its mission is to improve the lives of children worldwide by providing quality care for orthopedic and other related neurodevelopmental and musculoskeletal conditions. Through innovative research, teaching programs, and other forms of assistance, they accomplish their goals.
The hospital’s values are described as CARE RITE core values. These are what Scottish Rite stands for and what it wants to become.
To uphold these values, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children asks that you nominate any volunteer or staff member seen to exemplify these values.
Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. – Romans 12:13 (ESV)
How You Can Get Involved with Scottish Rite for Children
There are many ways to get involved with the Scottish Rite for Children. You can start by praying over the hospital, the staff, the patients, and their families!
If you are not sure how to start praying, have a look at this complete guide for beginners.
You can also spread the word about Scottish Rite and everything they are doing for children. Share this post on social media and with your friends so that they can get to know more about the hospital.
By spreading the word and getting more people involved, you magnify any assistance you provide the hospital with!
Your gift or donation is tax-deductible, and you’ll receive an acknowledgment letter for all gifts you provide, including a receipt.
Donate to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children
You can get involved with Scottish Rite by donating to the many needs of the hospital. There is a need for therapeutic and educational toys, books, and games.
These items assist children in remaining stimulated and calm before, during, and after treatment. They provide fun for children while waiting or during therapy and play sessions!
Due to the current pandemic, in-person donations have been canceled. You can view a Patient Wishlist on Amazon that will be delivered to the hospital doors!
There are options to donate real estate and securities as well as clubs for continuous donation pledges. You can learn more about planned giving, whether it is by value, age or assets.
Some employers even match your contribution. Find out if your company matches, doubles, or even triples your charitable donation on the list of top corporate matching programs!
You can also donate a one-time monetary gift to the hospital. Donations allow Scottish Rite for Children to continue the world-class research that benefits children worldwide while providing necessary medical care to its patients.
If you wish, you can set up a recurring gift with the Champions for Children program. These donations allow for care such as prosthetic limbs, intervention materials, and therapeutic devices.
Become a Crayon Club Member
Another way to get involved with Scottish Rite for Children is via the Crayon Club. This club is composed of “charitable young professionals” who want to take philanthropy a step further.
The Crayon Club members work together to make a difference by raising valuable funds needed to continue the work at Scottish Rite through approximately six social events each year focused on advocacy and education.
Volunteer at Scottish Rite Hospital for Children
Another way to get hands-on is to volunteer. Anyone over the age of 18 who is no longer in high school is welcome to apply!
The volunteers at Scottish Rite come from diverse backgrounds featuring unique skills and interests but sharing the same goals! The volunteer program exists to further the mission of giving children back their childhood.
Some volunteer activities include playing games and sports, arts and crafts, outings, assisting at the information desk, and distributing linens and snacks to inpatients.
Volunteers get the unique experience of providing fun and a welcome distraction to patients!
Unique Ways to Get Involved
There are also some unique ways that you can get involved with Scottish Rite!
You can sign up with rewards programs that will take your simple online searches and shopping to a charitable level.
AmazonSmile offers a large selection of items at the same price you find on Amazon. However, a portion of every purchase is donated to Scottish Rite.
Every web search you perform can make a difference by switching your search engine to Goodsearch and selecting Scottish Rite as your charity!
Find more simple and user-friendly ways to support Scottish Rite through rewards programs!
Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. – Philippians 2:4 (NKJV)
Related: How to Find the Right Volunteer Opportunity
True Stories from Scottish Rite Hospital for Children
Scottish Rite’s work for the children they treat and their families goes above and beyond basic medical care. As a team, Scottish Rite is excited to hear from current and former patients and their families, and they view sharing patient stories as inspirational.
Courtney started school at the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2019 on a full scholarship for volleyball. Courtney was diagnosed with juvenile dermatomyositis at a young age. You can read more about her journey for health and a love of sports with the support of Scottish Rite for Children!
Madi is another young girl who has led a normal and successful childhood thanks to Scottish Rite. Madi was born with the condition that caused her to have an extra toe on one of her feet. You can be inspired through Madi’s experiences and amazing outlook on life!
Shaleigh is an inspirational girl, sharing her experiences and how Scottish Rite for Children ensures she has a place where she doesn’t feel different! Shaleigh was born with a limb difference, and through the work at Scottish Rite, she continues to receive prosthetic arms as she grows and changes that allow her to live a full and active life.
The stories are endless, and through the words of these children, you can very easily see the success that is Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.
Have you or a loved one been a patient at Scottish Rite? Consider sharing your story and inspiring others.
I thought it good to declare the signs and wonders that the Most High God has worked for me. – Daniel 4:2 (NKJV)
Related: How to Help Sick Infants With Threads of Love
The Latest News: A 100 Years of Patient Care
There seems to be a lot happening at Scottish Rite, from patient care to groundbreaking research and exciting events. You can stay up to date with everything by signing up to receive email updates.
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children is proud of its continued work in creating life-changing breakthroughs for children. Numerous events are happening each month as part of the initiative to treat the whole child.
You can search events by date or category. Events are listed as continuing education, dyslexia workshops, family and kid-friendly, and sports and recreation.
Attending or volunteering at an event is a great way to show your support for the continued work of the hospital!
In celebration of the hospital’s 100th anniversary, Scottish Rite has created the Boundless Centennial Campaign. The hospital has plans for expansion and renovation and sees urgent needs for further patient care and research initiatives.
The goal for the campaign is to raise $100 million!
Have you considered gathering friends together or approaching your company to make a group pledge?
He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given. – Proverbs 19:17 (NKJV)
Conclusion
If you are ready to help children live full and happy lives, you should have some great ideas on how to get involved at Scottish Rite for Children!
The hospital helps youth in more ways than just their bones.
Whether you wish to donate money, volunteer your time, or contribute to the practical needs of the hospital, there are numerous ways for you to help!
Have you or your child experienced the hardships of a pediatric orthopedic condition? How did you heal and overcome? Share your experience today and encourage others to reach out! Leave a comment!
Are you still searching for the best way for you to get involved? You can help by spreading the word about Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. Please share this post on social media and with your friends and family!
Also, don’t forget to grab a free Volunteer Log in the Shop! You’ll love all the features!
