(PRLEAP.COM) National American Miss Junior Teen and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children scoliosis patient, Piper Lincoln, visited the hospital to spend time with patients, take pictures and sign autographs on Monday July 16, 2007.

Scoliosis is a progressive condition causing the spine to curve or twist into a "C" or "S" shape. Signs and symptoms of scoliosis include uneven shoulders, a prominence of the shoulder blade and waistline discrepancies. Scoliosis is reported to affect two to three percent of school-age children. It appears most often in adolescent girls and has shown a tendency to run in families.

TSRHC patient and Plano, Texas resident, Piper Lincoln, age 17, won the title of National American Miss Junior Teen 2006-2007 last summer. Piper recently began treatment at the hospital for scoliosis. In addition to her pageant successes, Piper has earned several accolades in the entertainment business. She has appeared in television commercials for companies such as Hallmark and Mervyn’s and played a young Ashley Judd in the Movie of the Week, "Love Can Build a Bridge." In addition to acting, Piper enjoys playing the violin, swimming and dancing. Piper also excels in French and hopes to one day be an ambassador for the United States in French interpretation.

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, certain related neurological disorders and learning disorders, such as dyslexia. There is no charge to patient families for treatment at the hospital, and admission is open to Texas children from birth 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 www.tsrhc.org.