Emi's Story
Our experience with Scottish Rite For Children began in 2013 when Emi was diagnosed with Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM), an inflammatory disease of the muscles, skin and blood vessels that affects about three in 1 million children each year. She was diagnosed by Dr. Nassi in Dallas and admitted to Scottish Rite for Children for further testing, where she underwent surgery, more blood work, an MRI and many other tests for a definitive diagnosis and to establish a baseline to monitor her in the future.
We immediately realized what an incredible place Scottish Rite for Children was. We were never once alone or left wondering what to expect. Emi responded very quickly to the treatment and we were able to start decreasing her medications within the first month. We now have appointments every three months in Dallas to monitor her progress. |
We are blessed to report Emi is in remission! It’s been a long road. In the beginning, Emi had reached a point where she couldn’t get out of bed, walk more than a few feet or even brush her own hair. Today, she plays sports, participates in livestock shows, all while off almost off all medications. This is only possible because of the treatment she received at Scottish Rite for Children.
Emi had the opportunity to go to Camp Joint Adventure for a week one summer with other children from Scottish Rite for Children. This camp is available at no charge to the patients. When Emi realized this was how Scottish Rite for Children operated, she wanted to give something back to the place that had given her so much.
That is where the idea for Emi’s Color Shoot began. Emi’s Color Shoot, which is part of Emi’s Colorful Future Foundation, raises money to give back to Scottish Rite for Children as well as awareness about this incredible place. Along our journey, we have met many people that have directly benefitted from the care at Scottish Rite for Children or know someone who has. The story is always the same: disbelief that a place can do so much for children. It’s a life-changing experience for these kids and their families. We can’t put into words how we feel about Scottish Rite for Children and what they have done for Emi, but we hope with Emi’s Color Shoot we can show a small token of our appreciation.
Emi had the opportunity to go to Camp Joint Adventure for a week one summer with other children from Scottish Rite for Children. This camp is available at no charge to the patients. When Emi realized this was how Scottish Rite for Children operated, she wanted to give something back to the place that had given her so much.
That is where the idea for Emi’s Color Shoot began. Emi’s Color Shoot, which is part of Emi’s Colorful Future Foundation, raises money to give back to Scottish Rite for Children as well as awareness about this incredible place. Along our journey, we have met many people that have directly benefitted from the care at Scottish Rite for Children or know someone who has. The story is always the same: disbelief that a place can do so much for children. It’s a life-changing experience for these kids and their families. We can’t put into words how we feel about Scottish Rite for Children and what they have done for Emi, but we hope with Emi’s Color Shoot we can show a small token of our appreciation.
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We would like to thank Dr. Medford, our pediatrician here in Amarillo for catching Emi’s disease early on and having the foresight to send us to Dallas. A huge thank you to Dr. Nassi and her staff for the care and compassion they have always shown in treating Emi, and the staff and volunteers at Scottish Rite for Children; there is not another hospital that compares. You all go above and beyond every day to improve the lives of these kids. To our special phlebotomist, Ms. Sheila, you are the best. To Ron, the security, Gig'Em! To the kids Emi met at camp, see you next summer. To Children's Home Healthcare and Valmed Pharmacy, keep up the good work. To our friends and families, thank you for the prayers and continued support.
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Scottish Rite for Children is one of the nation's leading pediatric centers for the treatment of orthopedic conditions and sports injuries, as well as certain related neurological disorders and learning disorders, such as dyslexia. 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 https://scottishriteforchildren.org/.
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