My first introduction to the Shriners was a parade in downtown St. Louis when I was maybe six years old. And more than the parade (other than a few scattered memories of a two-humped camel and guys in go carts), my biggest memory was having to pee something fierce! Seems my aunt had brought along a cooler full of soda and we got to drink all we wanted...quite a treat for such a little guy! By the time we got home, my cousins and sister were ready to sell our birthright for first dibs on the bathroom!
So, when I became a Shriner in 2008, I started to become more acquainted with the inner workings of what it means to be a Shriner. Sat. June 6 is Shriners International Awareness Day (something you may have seen reference to on my Facebook and Twitter statuses).
So, who are the Shriners and what do they do? The Imperial Shrine is an organization made up of Master Masons (Freemasons) with the purpose of supporting the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Shriners have lots of events for members like black tie balls, casino nights, parties, socials, gatherings, etc. etc. etdc. Pretty much anything you can think of. And while we're having fun, there's the specific intent that we're also supporting the Hospitals by raising money, awareness and volunteerism.
The Shriners Hospitals for children are a group of approx. 20 different hospitals nationwide which provide orthapedic and burn care to children-for absolutely free, regardless of a family's ability to pay. As with so many orthapedic conditions, this may be on going; years of surgeries and rehab and prosthetics may be required. All for free in some of the most state-of-the-art facilities imaginable.
If you'd like to learn more about the Shrine, Shriners Hospitals or becoming a Shriner, please visit:
www.ShrineHQ.com
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2 comments:
First off, as a family with a Shriners patient, I want to thank you for all you do for the children. I do not think my son would have survived without the Shriners in Galveston. Today he is an active and happy 6 year old. I thank God and the Shriners every day for giving us back our son. I can not adequately express in words my admiration and appreciation to the Shriners organization. I am extremely sad and scared about the closings of not only our Galveston hospital but all of the hospitals. I know I am not alone when I say that this would be a great travesty to lose these hospitals. It is not about the money. I would gladly have the Shriners file with my insurance just to get the care and expertise of their staff. Now I do not feel like anyone other than a Shriners Doctor would be able to care for my son. The care we received was barnone topnotch state of the art. My son looks amazing today thanks to the Doctors and staff at Galveston Burn Institute.
Again, thank you for all you do and anyone reading this please donate to the Shriners. You have no idea what they have done for children all over the world and their families.
Hi there! Thanks so much for echoing what we Shriners know and practice every day! And I'm so glad you commented and reinforced that message! Also very glad to hear your son is doing well!
If you'd like, please drop me an E mail at: Marcus@MarcusEngel.com and I'd be happy to send you a complimentary copy of my autobiography, "After This...An Inspirational Journey For All The Wrong Reasons." Just a way I can say thank you for helping raise the awareness of Shriners Hospitals for Children! Also, I'll be in Texas for a week or more this October, speaking for various medical conferences and colleges. Would love to meet you and your son while I'm local!
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