RITE Story - My Inspiration

The RITE Story begins in fall of 2008, when I put together a small charity golf tournament for my daughter Presley. My wife, Brandi, and I wanted to do something to give back to the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (TSRHC). The tournament provided us a fun way to raise money to donate back to TSRHC and spread awareness about their commitment to children.

During the tournament I noticed something very special happening within everyone supporting our event. Each person attending has a tremendous power within themselves to GIVE! It was amazing to see family, friends and new acquaintances come together and work towards a common goal simply to give. They extended their offerings with time, money and attention. The concern and compassion our family received meant so much to me. This willingness to give inspired me to believe I could inspire people to GIVE on a much larger scale. I want to spread the word in a global effort to ask the question, "RU Livin RITE?"

Presley's Courage & Strength

Our daughter Presley was born with Arthrogryposis (a muscle, joint and tendon disorder) causing her to have severe bilateral clubfoot. This rare congenital disorder also caused the curvature of her left wrist and bilateral hip dysplasia. She first visited the TSRHC at just two weeks old.

For ten weeks Presley had weekly visits to the clinic to manipulate her feet and make adjustments to casts that went from her toes to upper thigh. The medical staff also perfomed a heel lengthening procedure as well. At the age of 12 weeks, it was determined that the casting alone would not be enough to lead to recovery. It was recommended that treatment focus on the 'Ponseti Method' - relying on joint manipulation through physical therapy, taping and splinting of the feet.

In February of 2006 she had her first surgery to repair her hip dysplasia. For three months following the surgery she was in a half body cast from her chest to her toes, also known as a spica cast. After the cast was removed, she went back to therapy in the "baby room" for her continued foot therapy. Then in October of 2007 she had a second surgery for her feet. The recovery from this surgery included an initial six weeks in full leg casts with pins placed through her heels, followed by a change to a smaller cast for 4 weeks, and finally an orthotic splints that she continues to wear today to keep her feet in place.

She started walking with the help of a reverse walker at the age of 18 months, and continued to use this until she took her first steps in January of 2008. Presley now walks on her own, only needing the aid of her splints.