Dear Readers,
As I’m sure you know, creating a magazine takes a tremendous amount of time. As I write this message for our summer edition, we are all living in the midst of a health care crisis unlike anything we have ever experienced. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought tragedy, upheaval, fear and seemingly limitless turmoil and change to all our lives.
While I don’t know as I’m writing what the situation will be when you read this, I do know one thing: Shriners Hospitals for Children are places of determination, resiliency and hope. No matter how difficult the future may become, our dedication and commitment to our mission of making a difference in the lives of children, and improving the world around us, will remain steadfast.
Nearly 100 years ago, the Shriners fraternity responded to the aftereffects of a polio
epidemic by creating Shriners Hospitals for Children, which has become one of the largest, most respected and revered pediatric health care systems in the world. We know that spirit of determination and compassion still lives in the hearts of everyone connected to Shriners Hospitals for Children and will see us through this crisis, and on to an even stronger future. We are, and will be, here for you.
One of the hallmarks of Shriners Hospitals for Children is a concern for the overall well-being of our patients. We provide programs that build confidence and self-esteem, teach skills that will last a lifetime, and offer opportunities for fun and new experiences. We share some of those efforts on the following pages and hope you both enjoy and are inspired by them, especially during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Mel Bower
Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
Shriners Hospitals for Children
Patient Perspectives
Patients of Shriners Hospitals for Children — Portland show their thanks for the excellent care they received.
