‘World Hand Symposium’ attracts attendees from 31 countries, six continents

Dallas, TX -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/26/2012 -- The World Symposium on Congenital Malformation of the Hand and Upper Limb will draw 200 physicians from across the globe to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children http://www.tsrhc.org/ (TSRHC) this week.

The who's who of physicians presenting papers at the symposium, being held from Thursday, March 22, to Saturday, March 24, are traveling from Australia, Japan, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, the Ukraine, Egypt, Russia, Singapore, Latvia, South Africa, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and many parts of the United States.

The doctors gather every three years to discuss the latest developments in diagnosis and treatment for hand and upper limb differences http://www.tsrhc.org/hand-disorders.htm. The 2012 gathering is chaired by two of the world's leading pediatric hand surgeons, Dr. Marybeth Ezaki, director of the Charles E. Seay, Jr. Hand Center at TSRHC, and Dr. Scott Oishi of the Hand Center staff.

"The doctors travel great distances to share the latest information about the science and treatment of children with congenital upper limb differences. There is a heavy emphasis on what these children can do and how we can help these children lead normal, productive lives," Dr. Ezaki said.

Presentations will be made by surgeons, an orthotist, an ethicist, psychologists and therapists who all work with these children in a multidisciplinary approach.

A highlight of the symposium is a panel discussion at 11:30 a.m. Saturday that will feature former Texas Scottish Rite Hospital patients, including Desmond Blair, 25, a project manager and adjunct faculty member at the University of Texas at Dallas. They will give attendees a patient's view of how their treatment was helpful, and will guide the attendees at the conference as to what the patients really need.

The Charles E. Seay, Jr. Hand Center http://www.tsrhc.org/hand-center.htm treats children with all forms of upper limb problems, including congenital and genetic abnormalities, and those acquired by injury, or later developmental conditions such as cerebral palsy, tumors, arthritis, and burns. The Center is involved in research into the causes of some types of growth deformities, and into the best treatments for many of the unusual conditions. The Center also offers Fellowship level training for those who want to devote their practices to caring for these children.

Dr. Ezaki and Dr. Oishi will be available for interviews as the symposium opens Thursday morning as well as later in the conference. Desmond Blair and some of the physicians attending the symposium are also available for interviews. Photos will be provided on request.

BIOS
Marybeth Ezaki, M.D., is director of the Charles E. Seay, Jr. Hand Center at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. She received her undergraduate degree from Yale College and her medical degree from Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. Ezaki is Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and the co-director of the hand surgery fellowship at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. She was president of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand and is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the Dallas County Medical Society and a Senior Director of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Scott Oishi, M.D., F.A.C.S., is a pediatric orthopaedic hand surgeon at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. He attended medical school at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, Mass., and has been part of the TSRHC Hand Team for 15 years.

Desmond Blair, 25, was born without both of his hands. Through treatment and support at TSRHC and his sheer determination, Blair has become an artist and 3D animator. An art and technology graduate of the University of Texas at Dallas, he is a project manager for the First Person Cultural Trainer Army Simulation project at UT Dallas and an adjunct faculty member.

About Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (TSRHC)
TSRHC is one of the nation's leading pediatric centers for the treatment of orthopaedic conditions, certain related neurological disorders and learning disorders, such as dyslexia. Admission is open to Texas children from birth up to 18 years of age. Patients receive treatment regardless of the family's ability to pay. For more information, to volunteer or to make a donation, please call (214) 559-5000 or (800) 421-1121 or visit http://www.tsrhc.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children is presented their First CAD/CAM Systemin Southwest by Speedway Children’s Charities

Dallas, TX -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/13/2011 -- Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children will host a dedication for the new CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing) system donated by Speedway Children's Charities – Texas Chapter. TSRHC was awarded the Speedway Children's Charities Founder's Grant for $150,000 in honor of Maj. General Thomas Sadler, the founding executive director of SCC.

The CAD/CAM system will be used in TSRHC's Prosthetics and Orthotics http://www.tsrhc.org/orthopedic-condition-services.htm department to design, fit and manufacture approximately 200 orthoses (braces) http://www.tsrhc.org/orthotics.htm a year for TSRHC's scoliosis http://www.tsrhc.org/scoliosis-spine.htm and prosthetic patients. This dedication will include a ribbon cutting ceremony, a CAD/CAM video demonstration and brief tours of the Prosthetic and Orthotics department.

The CAD/CAM system is a powerful new tool for patient care at TSRHC, currently the only pediatric health care facility west of the Mississippi outfitted with all aspects of this advanced technology. The carver, scanner and associated computer-aided-design (CAD) software will be used in the design, fitting and manufacture of about 200 braces a year for young patients treated for scoliosis. It also will produce dozens of prosthetic devices for amputees annually. With the use of the new CAD/CAM technology, TSRHC will be able to provide more customized braces without having to subject patients to a casting procedure. Practitioners can design braces that are more capable of addressing the three-dimensional aspects of their scoliosis. For more information, visit http://www.vorum.com/english/prosthetics-orthotics/.

Since Speedway Children's Charities inception in 1997, the Texas Chapter has helped more than 1.8 million children in Dallas, Denton, Tarrant and Collin counties. Last year's fundraising helped move the chapter's total over $7.5 million in grants distributed to North Texas non-profit organizations since 1997. The chapter awarded a Founder's Grant of $150,000 to TSRHC in honor of Maj. General Thomas Sadler, the founding executive director of SCC. The grant was used to purchase the CAD/CAM machine and software.

About TSRHC
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children is one of the nation's leading pediatric centers for the treatment of orthopaedic conditions, such as scoliosis http://www.tsrhc.org/scoliosis-spine.htm, clubfoot http://www.tsrhc.org/clubfoot-foot-disorders.htm, hip dysplasia http://www.tsrhc.org/hip-dyslasia-perthes.htm and hand disorders http://www.tsrhc.org/hand-disorders.htm, certain related neurological disorders and learning disorders, such as dyslexia. Admission is open to Texas children from birth up to 18 years of age. Patients receive treatment regardless of the family's ability to pay. For more information, to volunteer or to make a donation, please call (214) 559-5000 or (800) 421-1121 or visit http://www.tsrhc.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children Patients recieve $107,000 in Donations as a Result of the Cotton Patch Cafe Challenge.

Dallas, TX -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/27/2011 -- Through the Cotton Patch Cares community program, executives from Cotton Patch Cafe will present a check to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (TSRHC) http://www.tsrhc.org/ for more than $107,000– proceeds from The Cotton Patch Cafe Challenge.

From March 28 – May 15, for every $25 gift made to the hospital through The Challenge, each donor received a $25 Cotton Patch Cafe dining gift card. More than 1,200 individuals made donations through The Challenge, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting TSRHC. Last year, Cotton Patch raised more than $78,000 for the hospital.

The event takes place at TSRHC at 2222 Welborn Street in Dallas on Thursday June 23rd, 2011. There will be three photo opportunities of the check presentation to TSRHC.

About TSRHC
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children is one of the nation's leading pediatric centers for the treatment of orthopaedic conditions, such as scoliosis http://www.tsrhc.org/scoliosis-spine.htm, clubfoot http://www.tsrhc.org/clubfoot-foot-disorders.htm, hip dysplasia http://www.tsrhc.org/hip-dyslasia-perthes.htm and hand disorders http://www.tsrhc.org/hand-disorders.htm, certain related neurological disorders and learning disorders, such as dyslexia. Admission is open to Texas children from birth up to 18 years of age. Patients receive treatment regardless of the family's ability to pay. For more information, to volunteer or to make a donation, please call (214) 559-5000 or (800) 421-1121 or visit http://www.tsrhc.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children Teams up with Kidswing to host the Ninth Annual Kidswing Golf Tournament.

Dallas, TX -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/20/2011 -- KidSwing Golf Tournament has raised more than $1 million for Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children

Former Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (TSRHC) patient, KidSwing founder Ben Sater, age 19 and approximately 200 KidSwing participants, ages 7 to 18 will be attending the ninth annual KidSwing Golf Tournament on Monday, June 20, 2011 at Brookhaven Country Club in Dallas.

The ninth annual KidSwing golf tournament benefiting TSRHC is a nine-hole, best-ball scramble for children ages 7 to 18. In addition to the tournament, there will be an awards reception, pool party and dinner. Tournament proceeds will benefit the Charles E. Seay, Jr. Hand Center http://www.tsrhc.org/hand-center.htm. To date, KidSwing has raised more than $1 million for the hospital.

Monday, June 20, 2011
8 a.m. – Morning registration
9 a.m. – Morning shotgun start
1 p.m. – Afternoon registration
2 p.m. – Afternoon shotgun start
4:30 p.m. – Pool opens
5 p.m. – Dinner served
5:30 p.m. – Awards program

About Kidswing
The original KidSwing Golf Tournament was founded in Dallas in 2003 by former TSRHC patient, Ben Sater, and his mother, Kim. KidSwing is a nine-hole, best-ball scramble for players ages 7 to 18. A KidSwing tournament in McKinney, Texas, was added in 2008 and a KidSwing tournament in Trophy Club, Texas, has been added this year. To date, KidSwing tournaments have raised more than $1,022,000 for TSRHC. For information about becoming a KidSwing sponsor or playing in any of the 2011 KidSwing Golf Tournaments, please visit http://www.KidSwing.org.

About TSRHC
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children is one of the nation's leading pediatric centers for the treatment of orthopaedic conditions, such as scoliosis http://www.tsrhc.org/scoliosis-spine.htm, clubfoot http://www.tsrhc.org/clubfoot-foot-disorders.htm, hip dysplasia http://www.tsrhc.org/hip-dyslasia-perthes.htm and hand disorders http://www.tsrhc.org/hand-disorders.htm, certain related neurological disorders and learning disorders, such as dyslexia. Admission is open to Texas children from birth up to 18 years of age. Patients receive treatment regardless of the family's ability to pay. For more information, to volunteer or to make a donation, please call (214) 559-5000 or (800) 421-1121 or visit http://www.tsrhc.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Program celebrates 25 years of patient scholar support

Dallas, TX -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/20/2011 -- Nineteen Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (TSRHC) patients will receive the Legacy Scholarship for the first time, and a total of 115 scholars will receive $207,450 from the program. Since 1986, the Legacy Scholarship Program has awarded more than 1,900 scholarships to former TSRHC patients, totaling more than $2,600,000. Legacy Scholarships are awarded to first time and continuing scholars based on a combination of financial need, academic record and challenges met. Former TSRHC patients choosing to attend a college, university, technical or trade school may apply for the scholarships.

"The Legacy Scholarship Program is celebrating 25 years of providing higher education scholarships to the patients of TSRHC," said Gladys Kolenovsky, president of the Legacy Scholarship Program. "The original idea for the program was to allow the hospital to maintain close ties with former patients even after their medical treatment was complete. Not only have we kept in contact with former patients, but we are able to help patients prepare for a productive career through access to better education opportunities."

Recently, Legacy Scholarship Program board members, as well as patient families and special friends, gathered to present scholarships to recipients during an awards ceremony and luncheon at the hospital. Thirteen former Legacy Scholarship recipients, who graduate from colleges and universities across the country this year, were honored in a graduation ceremony for their individual achievements, and their educational advancement.

About Legacy Scholarship Program
The Legacy Scholarship Program is an independent nonprofit organization responsible for its own governance and fundraising. The program, which benefits former TSRHC patients, provides scholarships for education and training beyond high school. Legacy Scholarships offer assistance for essentials such as tuition, books, room and board, and specialized individual needs. In addition, the scholarship program creates an informal network to help recipients overcome some of the challenges they may encounter in college or career training. Over the program's 25 years, more than 1,900 scholarships have been awarded totaling more than $2,600,000 in scholarships to former TSRHC patients. For more information on the Legacy Scholarship Program, please call (214) 559-7816 or (800) 421-1121, ext. 7816.

About TSRHC
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children is one of the nation's leading pediatric centers for the treatment of orthopaedic conditions, such as scoliosis http://www.tsrhc.org/scoliosis-spine.htm, clubfoot http://www.tsrhc.org/clubfoot-foot-disorders.htm, hip dysplasia http://www.tsrhc.org/hip-dyslasia-perthes.htm and hand disorders http://www.tsrhc.org/hand-disorders.htm, certain related neurological disorders and learning disorders, such as dyslexia. Admission is open to Texas children from birth up to 18 years of age. Patients receive treatment regardless of the family's ability to pay. For more information, to volunteer or to make a donation, please call (214) 559-5000 or (800) 421-1121 or visit http://www.tsrhc.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Local 11-Year-Old Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children Patient Participates in Learn to Golf Clinic Designed for children with Physical Challenges

Dallas, TX -- (SBWIRE) --05/27/2011 -- Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (TSRHC) patients, including local 11 year old Adriana Guerra, participated in a Learn to Golf clinic taught by golf and allied healthcare professionals specially trained to teach children with physical challenges. Junior golfers learned about golf safety, etiquette, driving, chipping and putting.

TSRHC's Learn to Golf program is designed for patients with challenging physical conditions. Learn to Golf provides the tools and instruction needed for patients to participate in and reap the rehabilitative benefits of the game.

The Learn to Golf program has received support from the United States Golf Association (USGA), PGA TOUR Charities, Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation, Northern Texas PGA and other generous donors.

Adriana Guerra, age 11 of Lancaster, Texas, has been a hand patient at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (TSRHC) since she was 6 months old. Adriana is treated in the hospital's Charles E. Seay, Jr. Hand Center. Adriana has participated in the Learn to Golf program for almost four years and has played in KidSwing golf tournament benefiting TSRHC for three years. This year, she is going to participate in the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf program and play in the Dallas Parochial League Golf Classic. In addition, Adriana is a member of the Girl Scouts and enjoys volleyball, softball and track.

About TSRHC
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children is one of the nation's leading pediatric centers for the treatment of orthopaedic conditions, such as scoliosis http://www.tsrhc.org/scoliosis-spine.htm, clubfoot http://www.tsrhc.org/clubfoot-foot-disorders.htm, hip dysplasia http://www.tsrhc.org/hip-dyslasia-perthes.htm and hand disorders http://www.tsrhc.org/hand-disorders.htm, certain related neurological disorders and learning disorders, such as dyslexia. Admission is open to Texas children from birth up to 18 years of age. Patients receive treatment regardless of the family's ability to pay. For more information, to volunteer or to make a donation, please call (214) 559-5000 or (800) 421-1121 or visit http://www.tsrhc.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Rochaun Baldwin to join other patients of Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children at Learn to Golf clinic

Dallas, TX -- (SBWIRE) --05/25/2011 -- Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children(TSRHC) patients, including Rochaun Baldwin, will participate in a Learn to Golf clinic taught by golf and allied healthcare professionals specially trained to teach children with physical challenges. Junior golfers will learn about golf safety, etiquette, driving, chipping and putting.

TSRHC's Learn to Golf program is designed for patients with challenging physical conditions. Learn to Golf provides the tools and instruction needed for patients to participate in and reap the rehabilitative benefits of the game.

The Learn to Golf program has received support from the United States Golf Association (USGA), PGA TOUR Charities, Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation http://www.tsrhc.org/hand-center.htm, Northern Texas PGA and other generous donors.

Rochaun Baldwin, age 8 of Waco, Texas, was born with a condition called amniotic band syndrome, which constricts the growth of extremities including arms, legs and fingers. He has been a patient at TSRHC for two and a half years and is treated in the hospital's Charles E. Seay, Jr. Hand Center. This will be his first time to attend a Learn to Golf clinic. Rochaun also plays softball and is a second grade student at Dean Highland Elementary School.

About TSRHC
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children is one of the nation's leading pediatric centers for the treatment of orthopaedic conditions, such as scoliosis http://www.tsrhc.org/scoliosis-spine.htm, clubfoot http://www.tsrhc.org/clubfoot-foot-disorders.htm, hip dysplasia http://www.tsrhc.org/hip-dyslasia-perthes.htm and hand disorders http://www.tsrhc.org/hand-disorders.htm, certain related neurological disorders and learning disorders, such as dyslexia. Admission is open to Texas children from birth up to 18 years of age. Patients receive treatment regardless of the family's ability to pay. For more information, to volunteer or to make a donation, please call (214) 559-5000 or (800) 421-1121 or visit http://www.tsrhc.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm