A letter from Mel Bower, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Shriners Children’s
Dear Readers,
It’s the holiday season – that special time of year when the world seems to slow down just a bit, the noise of modern life lessens, and people seem to notice one another, perhaps even in a more considerate, compassionate and gentle way.
Mel Bower
It is the season of hope.
We have often said Shriners Children’s locations are places of hope. As we’ve celebrated our 100th anniversary this year, we have referred to our history as one of compassion and innovation. It is also a history and legacy of hope. For a century, Shriners Children’s has provided excellent care regardless of a family’s ability to pay; has listened and developed treatment plans for children whose families have been told “nothing can be done to help” at other healthcare facilities; and has helped patients discover their potential and go on to believe in and achieve their dreams. Over time, we have made a difference in the lives of more than 1.5 million children.
As we look toward our next hundred years, we want to expand our reach and share our unique brand of expertise, compassion and care with as many children as we can, wherever they may live. We hope to increase our presence in many ways, including through telehealth, community affiliations, and outreach efforts and clinics.
In this issue, we share stories of hope through patient stories, research initiatives, a new clinic and donor opportunities.
We thank you for being part of our Shriners family and wish you every joy during this special time of year.
Sincerely,
Mel Bower
Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
Shriners Children’s
PATIENT PERSPECTIVES
9-year-old Diesel spent more than 60 days at Shriners Children’s Ohio recovering from burns to more than 40% of his body after an accident on the family farm. Below is a thank you note from his mom, Ginger.
Dear Shriners,
I don’t know where to begin. We can’t thank you enough for the care you gave to our son, Diesel. He was severely burned in August 2021 in a farming accident. We were scared to death when the local hospital said they were transporting him to Dayton – three hours away from home. We were in straight panic mode. We knew nothing about Shriners and nothing about severe burns. We spent two months in that hospital with our son. We are now so thankful that God sent us there. The hospital has the best doctors, nurses and staff. They are top notch! Today, Diesel is back to doing what he loves, like swimming, fishing, camping and riding his dirt bike.
We love Shriners! Thank you for the great care that got our boy back to being the boy we know.
Ginger
