June is National Scoliosis Awareness Month – a time to explore causes and treatment methods for scoliosis, which affects approximately 7 million people in the United States, as reported by the National Scoliosis Foundation.

“Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves abnormally, often resembling an S or C shape when viewed from behind. This can lead to spinal or truncal imbalance and pain that may interfere with one’s daily activities,” says Jeremy Denning, MD, a neurosurgeon with Dallas Neurosurgical & Spine and chief of the Neurosurgery Department at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano. “Thankfully, early detection and tailored treatment plans can significantly improve quality of life.”

Common scoliosis symptoms include visible symptoms – such as a visible curvature of the spine, uneven shoulders or a tilted pelvis. Other symptoms might include back pain, fatigue, and in severe cases, breathing difficulties and limited mobility. Denning recommends regular scoliosis screenings by a qualified healthcare professional for anyone who is experiencing symptoms or has high risk factors.

“Most patients are diagnosed during childhood growth spurts, so children around 10-14 years old are considered high risk. Adult cases are less common, but scoliosis can occur at any age, so if you’re experiencing symptoms or have high risk factors, consult a healthcare provider,” explains Denning. “The exact cause of scoliosis is frequently unknown, referred to as idiopathic scoliosis – but it can also arise from congenital spine defects, neuromuscular disorders or degenerative diseases.”

A family history of scoliosis can increase risk, as can certain neuromuscular disorders. In addition, the National Scoliosis Foundation reports girls as being eight times more likely to develop more serious scoliosis cases, which are severe enough to require treatment. Not all cases require medical intervention, and treatment methods vary, depending on the severity of the condition.

Treatment methods for mild and moderate cases include physical therapy and strengthening exercises and/or bracing. Bracing is used to prevent curve progression in growing children or adolescents. More severe cases may require surgery.

“We always explore nonsurgical treatments first. If those treatments are ineffective or the patient’s condition worsens significantly, then we may recommend surgery,” notes Denning. “Surgical options range from minimally invasive techniques to correct the curvature, such as vertebral tethering, to more extensive procedures like spinal fusion.”

Denning adds that patients with mild to moderate scoliosis may find pain relief through at-home remedies such as strengthening and stretching exercises, posture awareness or heat therapy.

Junior Symphony Ball Shatters Records with
“Party With a Purpose” at Gilley’s Dallas

$580,500 raised for Music Education and Outreach Programs

The Junior Symphony Ball (JSB) Party With a Purpose shattered records raising $580,500 which will benefit the music education programs of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. It proved once again why it’s one of the most anticipated events for high school students across the metroplex.

On February 1, Gilley’s Dallas was transformed into an electrifying hub of music, dancing, and entertainment as over 2,850 sophomores, juniors, and seniors from over 25 schools came together for a sold-out celebration—marking the largest turnout in JSB history. The Steering Committee was comprised of more than 1000 students.

The lineup of the 2025 Co-Chairs represents schools across Dallas: Tanner Krug, Jesuit College Prep of Dallas; Gracelyn Nix, Highland Park High School; Jack Steed, Highland Park High School; Clara Tolleson, Episcopal School of Dallas; Johnny Willingham, Episcopal School of Dallas; Emerson Mayes, Bishop Lynch High School; Teddy Fleiss, St. Mark's School of Texas; Avery Black, Ursuline Academy; Zack Shapiro, Parish Episcopal School; and Kate Davidson, The Hockaday School. 

Their supportive and proud moms are: Holly Krug, Jonika Nix, Maygan Steed, Rebecca Black, Jojo Fleiss, Tricia Davidson, Amie Mayes, Kacy Tolleson, April Willingham, and Jori Shapiro. 

Now in its 67th year, JSB is the longest-running fundraiser of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League (DSOL), supporting vital DSO outreach programs such as Young Strings and Young Musicians.

True to its founding vision of “student-led, parent-guided” leadership, the event has grown from a small gathering of schools to an expansive, metro-wide celebration—while remaining committed to its core mission of supporting music education.

JSB 2025 was more than just a party—it was a record-breaking night of purpose, passion, and philanthropy.

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Photo by Jonika Nix

Key to photo:

From left to right: J. Denton Bricker (DSO Director of Events & Volunteer Services), Kate Davidson, Tanner Krug, Gracelyn Nix, Michelle Miller Burns (DSO Ross Perot President and CEO), Emerson Mayes, Jack Steed.

The 44^th Annual Equest Blue Ribbon Gala was a night where cowboy boots and big-hearted bidding came together in a spirited celebration that still has Dallas buzzing. On April 25, Gilley’s Dallas was transformed into a shimmering celebration of all things Equest, thanks to the visionary leadership of Gala Chairs Kristin and James Hallam and Honorary Chairs The Sam and Helga Feldman Foundation and Natalie and David Taylor. The event drew a sold-out crowd of 570 and raised $700,000, the largest fundraising amount in Equest’s 44-year history.

From the first “yee haw” delivered by emcee Calvert Collins-Bratton, guests knew this was no ordinary gala. The program unfolded as a masterclass in inspiration, with each speaker reminding the room that every dollar raised would help Equest deliver hope and healing through its transformative equine-assisted programs.

Equest Founder Susan Schwartz presented the Founders Award to Carol Chamberlin, whose three decades of service as volunteer, donor, and barn manager have made her a legend in the Equest family. The Citation Award went to Donna and Tim Weber and their daughter Katherine, an Equest client, in recognition of their tireless volunteerism and generous philanthropy.

New CEO Eric Lindh took the stage to share Equest’s bold vision for the future, focusing on the number “22,” a call to action inspired by the 22 percent of Dallas County residents living with a disability, the 22 veterans lost to suicide daily in the U.S., and the 22 percent of Americans living with mental illness, while less than half of those receive treatment. His pledge to expand services to first responders struck a chord, as did the moving testimonials from Equest clients.

The silent and live auctions were runaway successes. Auction Chair Norma Jean Schaltenbrand urged the crowd to “Bid boldly. Bid big. Bid with heart,” and Dallas delivered. Auctioneer Louis Murad encouraged bidders to raise paddles effortlessly, starting from initial $10,000 bids onward. He energized the room with live auction packages featuring fabulous trips around the world, including destinations such as France, Antigua, Montana, and more. But the most memorable moment came when a guest insisted Louis auction off his own sparkling jacket. Ever the showman, he obliged, and the jacket fetched $2,000, a purchase by Tim Weber who clearly knows a statement piece when he sees one.

Of course, no gala would be complete without a little razzle-dazzle from event designer Steve Kemble, who outdid himself with a blue ombré color scheme, elegant white rose tablescapes, and a “disco saddle” centerpiece that had everyone talking. As the evening drew to a close, guests tried their luck at casino games and danced the night away to Jordan Kahn’s Manhattan Orchestra. The sensational fundraising evening proved once again that when Dallas comes together for Equest, it’s always a blue-ribbon affair.

Additional notable attendees included Amy Green, Chair of the Equest Board of Directors; Lili Kellogg, former CEO of Equest; and an ensemble of distinguished charity leaders including Nancy Greenbach, Sara and Robert Hallam, Lynn McBee, Tanya and Danny Rice, Therese Rourk, Kristy and Patrick Sands, Anne Seanor, and Donna Weitzman, among many others.

Special thanks go to the sponsors whose generosity made the night possible, including: Ben E. Keith Co., Benchmark Bank, Beasom Stable, Goldman Sachs Gives, Bank of Texas, Pender’s, Cavender’s Boot City, Kiewit, Steve Kemble Event Design, Hopkins, Etro, Dallas Capital Bank, Holland & Knight, Pave the Way Jewelry by Joan Hornig, Quest Events, Susan Friedman Public Relations, Spirit Tours, Modern Luxury Dallas, NexPoint, Marsh McLennan Agency, Lela Rose, My Sweet Charity, Brilliant Fulfillment, and Commerce Street Capital.

About Equest

Founded in 1981, Equest provides equine facilitated activities, therapies and counseling to children and adults with physical, cognitive, sensory, coping and learning disabilities and veterans with adjustment challenges. The services provided include physical and occupational therapy, equine facilitated counseling and learning, therapeutic carriage driving, therapeutic horsemanship and competition. With 34 therapy horses, a dedicated team of professionals, and 869 volunteers contributing 20,611 hours annually, Equest transforms lives annually for more than 2,770 individuals. Equest was the first PATH International Premier Accredited Center in Texas and remains one of the largest in the country. www.equest.org

More than 128 golfers gathered on Monday, May 5, at PGA Frisco’s Fields Ranch Golf Course for the 2025 Susser Bank Golf Classic, raising $225,800 to date in support of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. All expenses for the event were fully underwritten by Susser Bank and the Susser family, ensuring that every dollar raised goes directly to advance the institution’s mission to end cancer.

The annual tournament brings together clients, business leaders, and community members for a day of camaraderie and purpose. The evening before the golf tournament, Sam L. Susser, Chairman and CEO of Susser Bank, and his wife Catherine welcomed guests into their home for a special dinner honoring the sponsors and supporters who make the Golf Classic possible.

“Each year, I’m deeply moved by the generosity and shared commitment of those who join us to support MD Anderson,” said Susser. “We all know someone who has faced the harsh reality of cancer. This event is about more than golf—it’s about investing in hope, research, and the future. MD Anderson continues to lead the world in groundbreaking discoveries and compassionate care, and we are honored to stand beside them in the fight to end cancer.”

The 2025 event marked the tournament’s strongest participation to date with 60 sponsors, reflecting the community’s growing support and belief in the importance of cancer research and patient care. The funds raised help support MD Anderson’s innovative treatments, clinical trials, and efforts to advance progress toward a cancer-free world.

Founded 63 years ago, Susser Bank has operated under the ownership and direction of Susser Banc Holdings Corporation since 2018. 

Susser Bank is a Texas-based company offering a full suite of personal and commercial banking solutions with offices across Texas – Dallas, Arlington, Austin, Bedford, Corpus Christi, Fort Worth, Garland, Houston, Plano, Round Rock and San Antonio. The company is a diversified bank with robust capital, liquidity, and leading-edge technology led by the Susser family and a legacy of six generations of Texas entrepreneurs. Susser Bank is dedicated to building long-term client relationships and providing outstanding financial solutions that make Texas stronger. More information is available at susserbank.com.

Memorial Day is the Start of Outdoor Summer Cooking & Eating

But Keep in Mind Food Safety for Barbecues and Picnics

By Dr. Tamika Perry, family medicine, WellMed at Redbird Square

 Memorial Day weekend is a time to remember and honor the men and women who have served our country. It’s also the traditional start of the summer vacation and travel season – a time for family getaways, flavorful barbecues, and picnics. 

During this time, taking precautions regarding safe food handling, preparation, and cooking is essential to avoid foodborne illnesses like Salmonella and E. coli, which can be severe and sometimes life-threatening. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that each year, 48 million Americans get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die from foodborne diseases. 

Typical food-poisoning symptoms include vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and fever, all of which may range from mild to severe and can last from a few hours to several days. Health care professionals caution that certain people, including pregnant women, older adults aged 65 or older, young children under five years of age, and people with weakened immune systems, have an increased risk of becoming very sick from foodborne illness.

To help you keep your families healthy and protect them from food poisoning, here are some general food and kitchen hygiene tips to help you safely prepare and serve your Memorial Day meal. Foodborne illnesses tend to increase during the summer months because bacteria multiply faster when it’s warm, so following food safety guidelines is especially critical for raw meats, summer salads, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables, among the most perishable foods at cookouts. 

• Clean everything: It is important for those preparing and handling food to frequently wash their hands before, during, and after they start cooking, and to use fresh, clean plates and utensils for serving cooked food. 

• Do not cross-contaminate: Raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs can spread germs to ready-to-eat food unless they are kept separate. 

• Cook to the right temperature: The only way to tell if food is safely cooked is to use a food thermometer to ensure meat, poultry, and fish are cooked to a safe internal temperature. You can learn more information and view a detailed food list and the correct cooking temperatures at Cook to a Safe Minimum Internal Temperature | FoodSafety.gov.
• Refrigerate perishable food within two hours. When food is left unrefrigerated for more than two hours, bacteria grow rapidly. For temperatures over 90°F, food should be refrigerated within an hour.

 Have fun this Memorial Day but be mindful of food safety to help keep your family healthy.

 Dr. Tamika Perry practices family medicine with WellMed at Redbird Square. She received her medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine DO program and is board-certified in family medicine and osteopathic manipulative treatment. Additionally, she earned a Master of Public Health from UNT Health Science Center. She was inspired to enter a career in medicine to help provide quality health care to disenfranchised communities. She believes that her ears, eyes, and heart must remain wide open to treat her patients most effectively, and she enjoys working with families within the community.