Get to Know our SRH Staff: Lisa Gardner, Research

Get to Know our SRH Staff: Lisa Gardner, Research

by | Mar 4, 2019 | Spotlight

What is your role at the hospital? What do you do on a daily basis? 
I provide administrative support to Matt Ferguson, assistant administrator for the Research department and Harry Kim, M.D., director for the Center of Excellence in Hip Disorders.
In addition to Matt’s research responsibilities (I believe we have approximately 60 people in our department), he is also a board member on the Stemmons Corridor Business Association and several times a year, I will assist with events for the association. Dr. Kim is the chair for the International Perthes Study Group (IPSG). This group meets at the hospital annually and I help as I can. When the Research department has people interested in observing, I help with their visits.
 
What led you to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children? How long have you worked here?
My neighbor worked here and everything she told me made me want to become a part of this hospital family. I have been here for 34 years and throughout my time, I have worked in several different areas. I started in security, moved to human resources, then to administration and now, I am in research.
 
What do you enjoy most about Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children?
There are so many things that I love about the hospital! The research that is conducted here is wonderful because it can lead to finding causes and ultimately cures of conditions that many of our patients have. We are all dedicated to doing what is best for the children.  
 
What was your first job? What path did you take to get here? 
My first job was at an M.E. Moses Store, which does not exist anymore. When I started working here, I assumed it would be for a short time, yet 34 years later and I cannot imagine working anywhere else.
 
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love to spend time with my family, especially my granddaughters. I also enjoy reading and traveling.
 
Three words to best describe you:
Compassionate, sincere, loyal
 
What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?
I cannot imagine being anywhere else. Scottish Rite Hospital isn’t really a job, it’s much more. I’m extremely lucky to be a very small part of what we do here. 
 
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
I am the opposite of adventurous! Although, I do love to ride just about any ride at amusement or water parks – my granddaughters inspire me to be brave.

Share Your Story: Why I Give Back

Share Your Story: Why I Give Back

by | Feb 19, 2019 | Spotlight

Meet Jan and Sam, the chair of 2018 Cookies and Castles and her son, who was treated by our Scoliosis and Spine experts. Learn more about their journey below.

Blog written by Jan, of Dallas. 

At the age of 5, our son Sam was diagnosed with scoliosis. We visited the expert team of specialists at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children and Sam started to receive corrective treatment. 

Corrective treatment consisted of Sam wearing a hard-plastic brace, custom made for him by the Orthotics department. The brace went from his chest down to his hips and he wore it for up to 18 hours a day. As he grew, we would visit the hospital every six to eight months to have new braces made. Sam would be measured and have new X-rays taken. Each and every time, these braces became bigger and heavier.   
 
His appointments were often several hours long and this gave Sam and me numerous opportunities to visit with other patient families. We heard stories about other families driving for hours, or flying from great distances, often involving tremendous travel expenses just to have the opportunity to be treated at Scottish Rite Hospital. 

scoliosis x-ray

We realized just how lucky we were that this renowned hospital was only 20 minutes away from our home in Dallas. 

As Sam’s team of doctors had predicted, his curve became much worse around the age of 16. It became too severe for bracing and corrective surgery would soon be needed. The surgery required placing two titanium rods, held in place with 36 screws, on either side of Sam’s spine to permanently support his back.

Sam beside a woman
As scary as this sounded to us, everyone at the hospital, from the pre-surgery staff, Dr. Sucato and the team of surgeons, and the incredible nursing staff – everyone took great care of Sam. Thanks to Scottish Rite Hospital, Sam now stands 6’5” and is enjoying his sophomore year in college.

After many years of being endeared to Scottish Rite Hospital for everything they did to help our family, an opportunity to give back landed in my lap. The Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Tri Delta Sorority has an incredible annual event called Cookies & Castles, where children and their families come together to kick off the holiday season by decorating gingerbread houses. Families and hospital patients fill the atrium while enjoying the sweet smell of candy and gingerbread. As a member of Tri Delta, I was asked to chair the event in 2018.

I never expected I would have a chance like this to give back to the people that had given so much to my family. Stepping back into the hospital and seeing patients, alongside their parents, energized me to work hard to raise money to support such an incredible place.

 

 

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

Share Your Story: Why I Volunteer

Share Your Story: Why I Volunteer

by | Feb 5, 2019 | Spotlight

Meet Luann and Andrew, a mom who is a hospital volunteer and a patient who was treated in our Neurology department. Learn more about their journey below.Blog written by Luann, of Dallas. Our son, Andrew, was always very active and loved playing soccer and basketball. He was usually the fastest runner on the soccer field and could shoot three-point shots from half court. When he turned 10, I noticed he couldn’t run like he used to, and as hard as he tried, he just couldn’t keep up with his teammates.

I took him to his pediatrician and she could not find anything physically wrong. His left foot started
to turn in so we thought maybe he just needed ankle braces, so we gave that a try. That didn’t help, so we began a seven-year search for answers. We saw 13 different doctors – from podiatrists, to an orthopedic specialist and even a neurologist, but we were still left without answers. In the meantime, Andrew was growing and his ability to walk was becoming more and more difficult. He had pretty much given up the idea of ever playing sports again.  Attending high school was even a struggle for him. In the morning, he was strong and could walk, but by the end of the school day he was physically spent. I would pick him up from school and take him home, where he would have dinner and then literally crawl to his bedroom to go to bed, only to face the same struggle the next day. It would just break my heart to see him not being able to attend football games or go to movies with his friends. He had pretty much given up the idea of attending homecoming or walking across the stage at his high school graduation.

After seven years, 13 doctors, countless doctor visits, MRI’s, CT Scans, X-rays, braces, and exercises, we were referred to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. We initially met with Dr. Sucato in August of Andrew’s senior year of high school. Dr. Sucato thought it would be best if we saw Dr. Delgado, a neurologist at the hospital. I thought this would be a waste of time since we had already seen two other neurologists, but I reluctantly agreed.

We saw Dr. Delgado that October and that is when our miracle began.

I remember sitting in the exam room with a stack of X-rays, MRI reports, CT scans and other medical records. In walked Dr. Delgado and through my tears I began to tell him all of Andrew’s physical challenges for the past several years. I will never forget that day – he looked at us and said we were going to find out what was going on! He was the first doctor who had told us that. He closely studied Andrew walking, which was so hard for me to watch. Andrew underwent a few different tests and on January 29, 2010 was admitted to the hospital for a spinal tap. 

A young boy in a hospital bed with a red bandage on his hand

A week later, we received the call that changed our lives.

My husband Earl, Andrew and I went back to the clinic and nervously waited in the exam room, praying for an answer. I had prepared myself for the worst. Dr. Delgado walks in and said he knows what is going on with Andrew – I could hardly believe we were hearing those words! Andrew has Dopa-Responsive Dystonia, a rare neurological disorder that is easily treated. His brain doesn’t produce enough of the chemical dopamine, so he takes a medicine that is often used to treat Parkinson patients.   We were beyond excited for a diagnosis, but I was not going to get my hopes up until I saw positive results!  Andrew took his first pill that Friday and within 24 hours he was able to walk, stand and run like he had been able to eight years ago. He went to school that next Monday and his baseball coach called me to find out what had happened – no one could believe the miraculous change in Andrew!

A man wearing a shirt that says hunger is hugging a woman

Andrew was able to play in the last baseball game of his senior year and the The Dallas Morning News was there to capture it all.  Andrew’s friends and family filled the stands, cheering him on. He got up to bat, got a hit and was able to run the bases – something we all thought we would never be able to see him do again. I cheered and cried at the same time! He was then able to attend the high school homecoming dance, his classmates voted him “Raider of the Year” and he proudly walked across the stage at his graduation. 

I still tear up thinking of this journey and how Dr. Delgado and Scottish Rite Hospital gave my son his life back.  Andrew went on to graduate from the University of North Texas and has moved to Los Angeles, California, where he is truly enjoying life. My heart is so proud and full to see him have the confidence to go out on his own. For so many years, he felt he had to hide in the background due to his physical limitations.  He didn’t want anyone to see him and was laughed at for his physical shortcomings. 

He is an amazing young man. When he went to bed at night, he knew he would have to wake up and face the same challenges again that next day. He never complained, was always smiling and was a true testimony to everyone he ran into. I am one proud mom!

Because of everything Dr. Delgado did for my son, I decided I wanted to give back to the hospital. On February 22, 2011, I began volunteering at the hospital. I volunteer Tuesday evenings, at special events and I serve on the Volunteer Executive Committee. My biggest honor is to volunteer in Dr. Delgado’s Neurology Clinic. I love being able to greet his patients, assure them that they are in an amazing place and are seeing the best doctor in the world.

A basketball player is jumping in the air to dunk the ball

It is my absolute pleasure to brag on Scottish Rite Hospital and to share Andrew’s Story and give other families hope.

When Andrew is home for a visit, he always tries to stop by the hospital and visit with Dr. Delgado and his staff – I love seeing the big grins on each of their faces! Thank you to Dr. Delgado and his amazing team, who we now consider family, for giving my son his life back.

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

Get to Know our SRH Staff: Mindy Brown, Donations Processing Manager

Get to Know our SRH Staff: Mindy Brown, Donations Processing Manager

by | Dec 27, 2018 | Spotlight

What is your role at the hospital? What do you do on a daily basis?
I’m the donations processing manager for the Development department. I have the privilege of working with an amazing team that handles all of the hospital’s donations. This includes donor correspondence, reporting and appreciation projects.
 
What skills do you need for your job?
I believe that communication is key. In addition to being able to effectively communicate, it is necessary to have an understanding of systems and data from a global perspective, in order to assist in the oversight of all our procedures. We want the care we give our donors to match that of our excellent patient care!
 
What led you to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children? How long have you worked here?  
To be honest, God! After graduating from college, I had dreams of living in Austin, TX – just like every other young person says they are heading. However, a random turn of events landed me in Dallas and I accepted a job at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. I have never loved a place more or felt more called to plant roots in a specific place professionally than I have here! God has been so good and it has been an amazing nine years as of October 2018. 
 
What do you enjoy most about Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children?
Words cannot begin to express the amount of pride and joy I have to be able to work with such an amazing staff and to be at a place where our mission provides health care to all children, regardless of what their families can afford.
 
What drives or motivates you to do what you do every day?
I love serving with those around me to ensure that our mission is fulfilled every day. The opportunity to help more people come to know not only of Scottish Rite Hospital, but believing in our life-changing work!
 
What was your first job?
Schlotzsky’s. I could make a serious sandwich back in the day! I also loved talking over the loud speaker.
 
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love to spend my time with my husband, Derek, and our new puppy, Doc. Besides exploring Dallas with my family, I enjoy my church, Lakewood Fellowship, as well as being with all of my family and friends, working out, home projects, reading and traveling!
 
What is your favorite…

  • Hospital event: Treasure Street
  • Food in the cafeteria: Stephan’s vegetable stir fry
  • Place in the hospital: Shiver’s Park
  • Place to travel: Europe
  • Type of food: American cuisine
  • TV show: Survivor

What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a vet or architect.
 
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
I studied abroad in Europe for a couple of months when I was in college. To be able to engage in a different culture and experience life independent of everything I have ever known, made a huge impact on my life. Not to mention the kindness people had on my attempts to speak their language!

What’s the last book you read?
Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
To contribute to our mission of giving children back their childhood, please call our Development department at 214-559-8374 or learn more on our website. 

Get to Know our SRH Staff: Mike Stimpson, Development Officer

Get to Know our SRH Staff: Mike Stimpson, Development Officer

by | Dec 20, 2018 | Spotlight

What is your role at the hospital? What do you do on a daily basis?
As a development officer, my role is to represent the hospital in the community and across the state, as well as nurture, steward and build relationships with friends of the hospital. My specialty is to work with donors that want to make a planned gift. My daily activities vary a lot, but primarily I’m meeting or talking with donors and planning how to build additional relationships that benefit donors and the hospital.
 
What skills do you need for your job?   
Strong skills in relationship building, people, communication, time management and a good memory.
 
What led you to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children? How long have you worked here? 
I started in the Volunteer Services department as the assistant director, more than 18 years ago.
 
What do you enjoy most about Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children? 
The positive spirit of the people I work with.
 
What drives or motivates you to do what you do every day?
The joy of getting people involved and seeing the impact it makes.
 
What was your first job? What path did you take to get here?
I was a bag boy at my hometown grocery store. 
 
What do you like to do in your spare time? 
I like to garden.
 
What is your favorite…

  • Hospital event: The Legacy Scholarship Awards presentation
  • Food in the cafeteria: Kim’s sandwiches
  • Place in the hospital: The Atrium
  • Place to travel: Napa Valley
  • Type of food: Mexican
  • TV show: Netflix’s Ozark

What did you want to be when you grew up?
The kind of person that other people want to be around.
 
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
Moving to Texas
 
What’s the last book you read? 

The Help
To contribute to our mission of giving children back their childhood, please call our Development department at 214-559-8374 or learn more on our website. 

Get to Know our SRH Staff: Laura Saleem, PT and Therapy Services Manager of our Frisco Campus

Get to Know our SRH Staff: Laura Saleem, PT and Therapy Services Manager of our Frisco Campus

by | Oct 29, 2018 | Spotlight

Meet Laura Saleem, Sports Physical Therapist and Therapy Services Manager of our Frisco Campus. Recently, Laura gave us a tour of the new sports therapy gym at our Frisco facility, Scottish Rite for Children Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center, on #SRHaccess Facebook LIVE. Watch her segment of #SRHaccess on Facebook. Learn more about Laura in our #SRHstaff Spotlight below:

What’s your favorite part of your job?
Working with the kiddos and seeing their progress from Day 1 to discharge. My patients know I sing like Beyonce, dance like no one is watching and tell super cheesy jokes. My job is anything but boring, which allows me to constantly evolve. The wonderful medical staff here allow us to guide our patients along the path to return to participation without pain or restrictions. We are trusted providers for the community we serve.
 
What’s your favorite thing about the hospital?
The mission. You won’t find another hospital in the area that will take care of your child the way we will.  The staff buys into this mission at orientation and will bend over backwards to serve our patients the best we can.

Describe a typical day.
I work with patients and coworkers, focusing on plans of care and specific exercises the patients need in order to stay on track towards their/my goals for therapy. I wrap up with patients around 6:00PM, and then I pick up my daughter from daycare and begin the normal evening routine.
 
How long have you worked here?
Since 1/11/16, all at the Sports Medicine Center.

How did you find out about the hospital?
My co-worker Lorenzo Vite mentioned that there was an opportunity for me to join the hospital. He had nothing but wonderful things to say and had a great vision for what the realm of outpatient pediatric sports therapy could be.
 
What makes you want to work here?
I have found my niche and my people. I have been given a voice to help build a department we are proud of. The staff and work make it fun.
 
What skills do you need for your job?
I like to say that I am a Ninja. Spend a day with me, you’ll know what I mean. I work extremely hard to get my patients back to activity participation.
 
What was your first job? What path did you take to get here?
I originally knew I wanted to help people, but didn’t know how. My brother was involved in a single-car accident and sustained injuries that required extensive hospital stays and resources. Through his journey, I was able to find physical therapy. His subacute rehab therapist ended up being one of my clinical instructors, which was really cool to see everything come full circle. I attended to Maryville University in St. Louis and obtained a Master’s Degree in Physical therapy while playing basketball full-time. College was the best experience I could have asked for! I moved to Dallas after graduation and started working at Medical Center of McKinney. I have worked in Inpatient, Outpatient and Rehab settings of hospitals, private practice (2 blocks from the beach in San Diego!), skilled nursing and long-term acute care. I’ve worked extremely hard as a PRN therapist, so I could pay off my student loans as quickly as possible. In total, I have a full 10 years of experience in physical therapy and genuinely know that this is what I was made to do. I was extremely happy to be promoted this July to manager. I love it here and hope to retire here one day.
 
What is your favorite…

  • Hospital event: Holiday Party
  • Food in the cafeteria:  Sad to say, I’ve never eaten there.  I’ll never forget the welcome luncheon at orientation though!
  • Place in the hospital:  Atrium

 
What’s your favorite…

  • Place to travel:  Paris or European countries
  • Type of food:  I will never turn down pizza.
  • TV show:  Not huge on shows, but I love sports. I love European Football, especially Chelsea FC from EPL, St. Louis Cardinals Baseball, Basketball, etc.

 
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
It would be great to be in multiple places at the same time. Such as, when I’m at work, but also eating pizza in Italy AND playing at the park with my daughter, dog and husband AND on tour with Beyoncé AND surfing in the Pacific Ocean.
 
What did you want to be when you grew up?
An Entertainer…didn’t work out.
 
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
Zip-lined in Jamaica, parasailed in the French Mediterranean, and started my own baking business.
 
What’s the last book you read?
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom…Skit skat skoodle doot!  Good wisdom in that one.
 
What kind of animal would you be?
I just took the spirit animal quiz:  I’m a Wolf. 
 
How long is your commute? What do you do on the drive?
My commute to Frisco is 20 minutes. I listen to NPR, GO PUBLIC!
 
What is something people don’t know about you?
I am a band nerd (Alto saxophone) and I hate sweet tea.
 
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
Proud Mary by Tina Turner