Dallas, TX -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/07/2010 -- To kick off the holiday season, TSRHC will host a holiday tree lighting and decorating ceremony. TSRHC Trustee Ralph Wayne and TSRHC patient Avery Taylor, age 4 of Plano, Texas, will officially light TSRHC's giant holiday tree. Following the tree lighting, area volunteer groups and TSRHC friends representing Dallas-area organizations will decorate trees placed throughout the hospital. Santa Claus will be present to spread holiday cheer, and the Town North Concert Band will provide holiday music. Following the decorating extravaganza, dinner will be provided for all participants.

TSRHC patient Avery Taylor, age 4 of Plano, Texas, will join TSRHC Trustee Ralph Wayne in lighting the holiday tree at TSRHC. Avery has been a patient at TSRHC since she was 4 months old, and is treated for a condition called symbrachydactyly http://www.tsrhc.org/hand-disorders-symbrachydactyly.htm, which in her case means that she is absent her right hand. Since Avery was born, her mom has been involved with the hospital's Hands Down Support Group, which helps provide support and encouragement to children with hand differences and their parents.

For the past two years, Avery has been involved with KidSwing Golf Tournament benefiting TSRHC http://www.facebook.com/TSRHC?v=app_7146470109. Not yet old enough to participate in KidSwing, she attends the event to support her friends who play in the tournament. Through KidSwing, Avery and her family have raised more than $3,500 for the hospital. Avery takes swimming and ice skating lessons and, according to her mother, she is a "social butterfly" and is happiest when she is with her friends and family.

About Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children is one of the nation's leading pediatric centers for the treatment of orthopedic conditions http://www.tsrhc.org/pediatric-orthopedics.htm, certain related neurological disorders and learning disorders, such as dyslexia. Admission is open to Texas children from birth up to 18 years of age. For more information, to volunteer or to make a donation, please call (214) 559-5000 or (800) 421-1121 or visit http://www.tsrhc.org.