by Sangay Glass

Created on: May 16, 2007

Every time I see a Shriner, I always stop and give them a heartfelt thanks.

The Shriners are a brotherhood of the Freemason Fraternity whose outstanding charitable acts should set the standard for health care systems around the world.

In the 1920s the thriving Shriners were ready to find a cause to support. When it was suggested that they open a hospital specifically for crippled children many Shriners were uncertain that they weren't ready for an endeavor that would have each member to promise a yearly two dollar donation.

However, when Nobel Forrest Adair of Atlanta, Georgia, spoke on the subject at a decision making session he was applauded for his dedication to the cause.

In his closing statement he said, " If there is a Shriner in North America who objects to having paid two dollars after he has seen the first crippled child helped, I will give him a check back for it myself."

So began one of the largest undertakings of a small scale charitable group. Today, there are over 515,000 Shriners who dedicate their time, money and hearts to make sure their 22 hospitals throughout the USA, Canada, Mexico and the Republic of Panama are able to give exceptional and loving care to children who need it.

Shriners 18 orthopedic hospitals get children costly artificial limbs, braces, walking devices, corrective surgeries, and physical therapy to name just some of the services. They even treat long term orthopedic cases and spinal cord injuries when insurance has decided the case has exceeded coverage.

Shriners 3 burn hospitals give continuing care to children who will need years of skin grafting surgeries, teaches them how face new challenges, and finds the newest treatments and makes them available at no cost.

Yes, I said, "No cost!" Shriners have cured or substantially helped more than 650,000 children worldwide at no cost to the parent or child no matter what their race, country of birth, or financial status. This even includes local and international transport to and from the hospitals.

And... the hospitals are state of the art facilities with a hand picked staff who are always warm, and loving. They are always smiling and always happy to lend a hand, offer words of encouragement, or just give a child a hug.

If The Shriners can make this all possible through fund raising, and help over a half million children on donation alone, maybe we should stop looking to politicians for health care policies, and look to the men of the Shrine.

May God Bless The Shriners so they may continue their work.

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