Top – April Deats, Ellen Mata, Mavis Stewart, Dee Ann Baggett
Bottom – Kirsty Purifoy, Alison Brown, Jennifer Keeler, Denise Smith
When Mavis Stewart’s daughter, Aiden, stopped walking at 18 months, she admits she was a wreck.
“Nobody could figure out what was going on for a 3 month period of time.”
Finally, Mavis and her husband, Chuck, were referred to Scottish Rite Hospital and doctors there diagnosed Aiden with discitis (an infection between the disc space of the back, treatable with antibiotics). Aiden suffered a short term lack of mobility, but she was walking again by Christmas.
“Bob Walker (administration), James Wilson (orthopedist) and William Jones (anesthesiologist) all received love notes from me – they were our very own angels in 2008.”
Mavis and a group of fellow Merriman Park moms formed a group three years ago called Mamathoners, and Sunday they’ll be running the Dallas Marathon (formerly White Rock Marathon). It’s a fun day for the moms, but – just as importantly – it’s a fundraiser for Scottish Rite.
“Blake was born with club feet and we were at Scottish Rite on a weekly, then monthly basis for the first two years of his life,” Dee Ann Baggett told me. “Dr. Steve Richards is a miracle worker!”
April Deats, also running Saturday, agrees. Both her girls have been treated there for hip dysplasia.
“Sasha sees Dr. Herring every year for an orthopedic issue they are monitoring,” added Mamathoner Kirsty Purifoy. “I wouldn’t miss the race.”
This year’s group of 13 will include moms of all abilities running the relay, half marathon and marathon. If you’re out there, keep an eye out for their hot pink t-shirts. The logo reads: Yes I run like a girl…try and keep up.
