OUR CHARITIES
Scottish Rite for Children
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children opened its doors to the children of Texas in 1921. One of Dallas’ first orthopedic surgeons, W. B. Carrell, M.D., was approached by a group of Texas Masons who recognized a growing need to provide superior medical care to children suffering from polio regardless of a family’s ability to pay. With the introduction of the Salk and Sabin vaccines in the mid-1950s, which virtually eradicated polio in the Western Hemisphere, the hospital broadened its focus to other orthopedic conditions. Helped by supporters throughout the country, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children has emerged as one of the nation’s leading medical centers for the treatment of pediatric orthopedic conditions and sports injuries and fractures, as well as certain related arthritic and neurological disorders and learning disorders, such as dyslexia.
Each year, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children provides extensive treatment and therapy for thousands of children challenged by orthopedic conditions, including scoliosis, clubfoot, congenital dislocated hip, Legg-Perthes, limb-length differences and hand conditions.
The hospital’s Sarah M. and Charles E. Seay Center for Musculoskeletal Research supports and encourages collaboration between researchers and physicians as they search for new ways to solve our patients’ individual challenges. Medical breakthroughs and new technologies developed through Scottish Rite Hospital’s research efforts, such as the TSRH® SILO™ 5.5 Spinal System, TRUE/LOK™ External Fixation System and the discovery of the first gene associated with idiopathic scoliosis, have dramatically impacted the lives of not only children treated at the hospital but also throughout the world. To date, more than 25 of our researchers’ discoveries have been patented.
Through the hospital’s Luke Waites Center for Dyslexia and Learning Disorders, specific learning disorders, such as dyslexia, are evaluated and treated. Through the hospital’s videotaped dyslexia and literacy training programs, thousands of Texas students have learned to read and write.
The hospital had 36,825 outpatient visits and performed 2,610 surgeries during fiscal 2016. All of our physicians hold faculty appointments at UT Southwestern Medical Center and are renowned for extraordinary patient care, outstanding research and teaching of medical students, residents and fellows from around the world. More than 1,000 dedicated volunteers play an active role at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, supporting a staff of more than 1,000 full-time staff members. The volunteers assist in patient care and administration, donating more than 80,000 hours last year.
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children is governed by a board of trustees who are members of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in Texas. Scottish Rite Masons are affiliated with Freemasonry, a worldwide fraternal organization whose members share a common desire to better themselves as citizens and members of society. Financial support from the Scottish Rite or broader Masonic groups is on an individual, voluntary basis. The hospital is not affiliated with the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Thanks to generous donors, supporters and volunteers, the hospital is carrying out its mission of giving children back their childhood. For more information, to volunteer or to make a donation, please call 214-559-5000 or 800-421-1121 or visit scottishritehospital.org.
The Lamar Award & Scholarship
Mirabeau B. Lamar, who served as the second president of the Republic of Texas from 1838-1841, was a Freemason and is known by some as “The Father of Texas Education”, or “The Father of the Texas Public School System”. His work while President resulted in the passage of the first law mandating public education. Additionally, Lamar convinced the legislature to set aside 3 leagues, more than 13,000 acres of land for each Texas county, for the benefit of public schools, and an additional 50 leagues for the support of two universities. These land set-asides, along with the founding of the Texas State Library, laid the foundation for a statewide public school system in Texas.
In 1988, under the leadership of Grand Master Graham Childress, the Lamar Award of Excellence was established. The Lamar Medal is awarded to students and educators in recognition of outstanding personal achievement in academics, citizenship, community service, or sports.
Knox Charity Golf Tournament
The Dallas Scottish Rite Library and Museum is home of the Dallas Scottish Rite Masons. The building, featuring unprecedented late 19th century elegance and architecture, was erected in the early 1900’s by a group of Scottish Rite Masons with great vision for the future. Your support of the tournament will permit further preservation of this nationally recognized, historic Dallas landmark.
As a leading pediatric orthopedic center, the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children has treated more than 225,000 children since 1921, with more than 40,000 annual clinic visits per year. This year’s tournament proceeds will benefit the Charles E. Seay, Jr. Hand Center at TSRHC, under the direction of Marybeth Ezaki, M.D., and Scott Oishi, M.D.. The Charles E. Seay, Jr. Hand Center provides specialized care for children with hand deformities and upper limb differences through quality patient care, world class education and research.