Since 2007, the Patient Champion program has enlisted Scottish Rite Hospital patients to help encourage and cheer on runners in the BMW Dallas Marathon. This program is a way to highlight some of the wonderful kids the marathon generously supports each year. We’re excited to introduce you to Emily, our Junior Race Director!

Emily, age 11, is a student at Imagine International Academy of North Texas in McKinney. Emily’s journey to the Dallas area began when her parents, Maria and John, decided to pursue adoption through a Chinese adoption agency based out of Colorado. When Maria and John began the adoption process to bring Emily back to the United States, they never looked back!

Chief of Staff Daniel J. Sucato, M.D., treats Emily’s congenital scoliosis here at Scottish Rite Hospital’s Center for Excellence in Spine. The center focuses on developing innovative techniques to treat the common to the complex of conditions.

The Child Life center is one of Emily’s favorite parts of the hospital. In Child Life, she’s able to make crafts, artwork and play games. Our child life specialists and artist-in-residence team up for art projects to allow patients to express themselves and take their minds off of surgery.

One of Emily’s favorite activities is playing the violin. Whether she’s performing in a recital, practicing with her violin teacher or giving an impromptu concert for Dr. Sucato and our staff members, Emily is doing what she loves!

We invite you to join our team of fundraisers on behalf of Patient Champions like Emily and all the patients of Scottish Rite Hospital through our marathon fundraising page.

For more event information, visit: bmwdallasmarathon.com.