Each year, thousands of children and teens receive transformative care at Shriners Children’s. Visit any of our locations across the United States, Mexico or Canada, and you will be captivated by countless stories of patients thriving after treatment. You’ll hear about that special something that sets Shriners Children’s apart.
Paige and Grayson exemplify how Shriners Children’s patients are pursuing their dreams.
Two patients are selected to represent the healthcare system throughout the year. These International Patient Ambassadors are introduced in July, at an annual convention that brings together Shriners worldwide. They showcase successful outcomes and illustrate how Shriners Children’s patients gain the confidence to overcome adversity and pursue their dreams.
This July, the 2024-2025 International Patient Ambassadors, Paige and Grayson, took the stage in Reno, Nevada, to share their excitement and gratitude. These inspirational patients have a busy year ahead, attending signature sporting events and the most widely televised parade in the world, the Tournament of Roses Parade.
MEET PAIGE
When Paige was 8, she experienced a terrifying allergic reaction to a seizure medication. At first, doctors thought she had developed strep throat or even pinkeye, a common childhood ailment. When her symptoms drastically progressed, she was rushed to the hospital with a 104-degree fever and her skin slowly blistering off her body.
Her diagnosis was Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), a painful and rare condition often described as burning from the inside out. Paige had developed a life-threatening form of the rash that eventually covered 80% of her body and mimicked the effects of a severe burn injury. Doctors knew her best chance of survival was at Shriners Children’s Texas.
Shriners Children’s burn care teams have the specialized expertise to treat conditions such as SJS using many of the same burn care treatments for skin conditions that have characteristics similar to burns.
Paige has had over 20 surgeries, with much of her early teen years spent going in and out of the hospital for treatment. Today, she experiences the lingering effects of SJS, including issues with her vision. But this hasn’t stopped her from accomplishing her goals. Paige grew up in Louisiana and is now a 19-year-old college student studying business management.
Paige has already been a patient ambassador for Shriners Children’s Texas, a role that gives her a platform to spread awareness about SJS. She is dedicated to helping children facing similar battles, including bullying from peers that often accompanies these types of conditions.
Paige looks forward to inspiring others with her story. “Without Shriners Children’s, I would not be where I am today. In fact, I probably would not be alive,” she said.
MEET GRAYSON
Grayson, 20, was born in Kyiv, Ukraine, without a femur. At 15 months, he met his parents while living in an orphanage in Ukraine. His mom and dad were ready to adopt and aware that Grayson would need specialized medical care.
Grayson’s mom, Ceci, knew who to call. She sought help from a contact at the Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS) department at Shriners Children’s Lexington.
When Grayson arrived in the U.S. with his parents, they weighed their options for treatment with the medical team in Lexington. They decided on surgery to remove part of Grayson’s foot and rework his ankle to suit a prosthetic leg.
Today, thanks to some help from his care team and a lot of personal perseverance, Grayson never lets his physical differences hold him back. He has tried everything from swimming to football, basketball, hiking, bicycling and skiing. Grayson is an Eagle Scout and enjoys shooting sports.
“Shriners Children’s Lexington has been a part of my life from the beginning,” Grayson said. “Shriners Children’s has literally given me the legs to be my fullest self. I am forever grateful for everything they have done for me.”
Grayson’s parents agree. “We’re so thankful for Shriners Children’s because we’ve been able to get above and beyond what Grayson needs. The quality of the care and the quality of the providers far surpasses anywhere else,” Ceci said.
Grayson grew up in Kentucky and is now attending college in Arkansas. He is majoring in construction science and dreams of being a real estate developer.
He is excited to serve as an International Patient Ambassador to give back to the organization that has treated him since he was a toddler. “I want to inspire other amputees and let them know about this special community that has become like a family to me,” said Grayson.
Learn more about our International Patient Ambassadors at shrinerschildrens.org.
