Kerbela Temple - OUR SUCCESS STORIES

Alex

In June of 2005 our family took a weekend camping trip to Townsend, TN. While we were there, our three year old son Alex fell backward into the campfire. He was burned multiple places over his body. His hands, arms, legs and back had burns and blisters, and some places had skin hanging loose. We immediately rushed Alex to a local hospital where he was treated for first, second and possibly third degree burns. We were told that he needed to get to a burn treatment center so that he could receive specialized treatment to try to avoid any long-term effects from the burns. Later that same day our friend Wanda heard about the accident and called to check on Alex. She works for the Shriners in Knoxville and immediately offered to make the appropriate contacts to get Alex to the Shriners Hospital in Cincinnati, OH. With in just a day or two we had an appointment at the hospital and an offer from the Shriners to provide transportation to and from the hospital at no charge. We graciously accepted the offer from the Shriners to transport Alex and his mother so I would not have lost time at work.

When my wife arrived back home after her first day with two wonderful representatives of the Blount County Shriners, she was very impressed. These two men had made every effort to make the meeting and the trip as comfortable as possible for her and Alex. She said Alex took up with them immediately; in fact he talked about them by name for the next several days! The hospital was most professional and helpful too. You could tell these people had a lot of love for the kids and have the patience to work with them in such a way as to perform their jobs and yet respect the child's situation and pain.

More trips to Cincinnati were necessary in the next few months, and the Shriners continued to provide help, support and transportation. I never knew these people did so much or could make such a difference. I had no idea that Alex would be eligible to receive help from them, and I guess I didn't expect them to care so much!

Today Alex is running and playing and acting as if this terrible event never happened. He has one small place on the back of his right ankle that might leave a small scar. Other than that, all traces of the burns have disappeared. This is due to the excellent treatment and knowledge of Shriners Hospital in Ohio. Thanks to the services of the Shriners we can say that is was a sad event with a happy ending. We are very grateful for everyone who did anything to get Alex through this painful accident. When we didn't know what to do, they did! There were so many who were so very nice and helpful. We would encourage anyone who needs help to contact the Shriners, and anyone who wants to provide financial support for a program that is really making a difference to give and help them help the kids!

Donnie and Jane, Alex's parents

Alexis

Alexis moved here in 2005 from Corpus Christi, Tx. Shriners Hospital for Children in Houston, Tx. diagnosed Alexis with a rare bone disease called Blount's disease, which affects the bone development and makes the legs and feet turn inward.

Alexis was operated on at Houston SHC, and her right leg was rotated 17 degrees to try to help keep it straight. The Blount's disease eats up growth plates which means that Alexis will have to endure more operations as she grows.

During the months of recovery, every week the Shriners came to visit her and involved her in the functions that Shriners held. Alexis showed children and adults that it's okay to be handicapped. Thanks to the Shriners, she has been molded into a very proud child. She is only seven years old, and she has many more operations to go through. She knows she will one day walk normally because a Shriners will always be at her side.

Alexis was chosen from the Shriners in San Antonio as their "Fez Child." She was so proud to place the fez on the Shriners head.

Alexis wants to stand up in front of people to let them know that Shriners DO make miracles happen. We fear she would have always been in a wheel chair if it were not for the assistance of the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Now Alexis can walk for a short while, and the hospital let her pick out her beautiful wheelchair with purple and paisley with her name on her back cushion.

One day, with the help of the Shriners Hospitals for Children, Alexis will be able to tell people everywhere that Shriners DO make miracles happen!

Alexis' family

Antwan

My son Antwan, a twin, was born at 26 weeks old and weighed only two pounds and 12 ounces. When he was 18 months old, his pediatrician diagnosed him with cerebral palsy. Braces on both his legs helped him to walk without falling. For five years he wore braces and was ready to be fitted for another pair when a Shriner saw him walking and asked me about Antwan's legs. I told him he had cerebral palsy. He took my name and telephone number and soon contacted me.

Within days a Shrine van picked up our family, and we were off to Lexington, KY where we met the nicest staff at this hospital. We had no knowledge about this hospital until that day when we arrived. The atmosphere there was unforgettable. It was not like a hospital, but more like a family center.

Today at the age of 12, Antwan does not need braces, and with physical therapy and stretch exercises he still has a dragging motion on his right foot. Much thanks to the doctors and staff at Shriners Hospital. Today Antwan is able to play basketball and baseball without limitations.

Antwan's mom

Ariana

My name is Ariana. I was premature and had pneumonia at birth.

One day my mother met a man wearing a Shriners baseball cap, and she asked him about how to get me involved with their organization. Early the next morning, a Shriner was waiting for her at work to get all the paperwork started for me to be evaluated at Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Within just a few weeks, I was being fitted with braces for my legs, and I was diagnosed as having cerebral palsy. Now that we knew what it was, we found hope for the future. In no time at all, I was walking unassisted.

A few years ago, I had surgery on my heel cord. It was painful, but not that scary. The staff at the hospital was so nice. I had everything explained in a way that I could understand, and they answered all of my questions.

Now, I only have to wear a brace on one leg. I play baseball, basketball, ride a bike and play the trumpet. Most people don't even know that anything is wrong with me, except for a slight limp. I thank the Shriners for allowing me to lead a very normal life.

Ariana

Austin

Austin is nine years old, and he went to Shriners Hospital for Children because his right hip and let hurt him all the time. The doctors at SHC evaluated him and took x-rays. They told us he had perthes disease. They decided to try a brace that is used for this disease. The brace is called a cowboy brace because it goes around the waist and the legs, and it keeps the legs spread out. He wore the brace for eight months, and the bone of the hip and socket started growing. He doesn't have to wear the brace any more.

Austin will not be able to have a job that requires standing, and he will face having arthritis as he grows older. The doctors told us that he will probably be in a wheelchair by the time he's an adult. However, Austin is very spunky, and he doesn't let it get him down. He continues his checkups regularly, and he gets exercise to help with pain and stiffness.

If we had to pick any hospital for treatment, it would be the Shriners Hospital in Lexington, Ky. The staff and the doctors are wonderful. Our family would recommend Shriners to anybody. We love you, Shriners and staff, along with our special van drivers.

Austin's family

Bali

Our daughter Bali was born in July, 2001. She is a beautiful, smart and active little girl, but if it weren't for the Shriners, our daughter would be wheelchair bound.

I carried her breech during my pregnancy, and because of that both of her legs were pulled out of the hip sockets, and cartilage grew into them. She has hip dysplasia in both hips.

We turned to Shriners for help, and on our first trip to Greenville, Sc, we got the news that there is hope. The doctors all agreed that Bali had the worst case of hip dysplasia they had seen in years.

They scheduled Bali to have a procedure to try to put both of her legs back into the sockets. On the first try, the right hip went in, but the left hip did not. Three days later, they tried to put the left hip in the socket with no success. They decided to let it be and allow her right hip to start to form.

After weeks of wearing her cast, we went back to Greenville SHC to have the procedure again to try to get the left leg in the socket. Once again the surgery was unsuccessful, but her right hip was beginning to form. The was a success to our eyes.

Dr. Pete scheduled her for surgery a few months later so they could go into her hip and remove the blockage of cartilage in the hip socket. With success both of her legs were in the sockets. She continued to see the doctors every six months for check-ups with the great news of the continued progress.

We were told when Bali was four years old, that she may have to have surgery again to help form the sockets for her growing legs. We went for a check-up, and Dr. Pete informed us that everything was looking great, and he didn't want to do surgery until November, 2005. We went for our checkup and got the outstanding news that both Bali's hip sockets were forming all on their own. Dr. Pete scheduled us for another check-up in November 2006. We will see how well she has done in a year, then the doctor will decide if surgery will be needed.

The Shriners have done so much. They take us to all our appointments, and they care so much. We could never afford all of the procedures, surgery and all the hospital stays.

Without the Shriners our daughter would not be walking and would be in a great deal of pain. When you see Bali, you would never know she had a disability. The success the Shriners have had with her in such a short time is unbelievable.

The care and dedication to the progress of Bali truly represents what it's all about, the children. Thank you all!

Bali's parents

Caitlin

There is nothing more helpless than watching your child endure pain. God has shown me blessings through this experience, and one of the blessings is the Shriners.

Six year old Caitlin was burned from a boiling pot of water. We were airlifted to Shriners Hospital burn center in Cincinnati OH. Even though Caitlin was in an extreme amount of pain, she was excited to ride in an airplane for the first time. The pilot and nurses quickly put us at ease with their smiles and reassurances. Sometimes a smile can say a thousand beautiful words. They treated Caitlin as if she were their own child. The attention and care they delivered even in the first hour was beyond the call of duty with wonderful people with wonderful smiles.

Patiently and firmly the nurses instructed me how to bathe and wrap Caitlin twice a day. The doctors took special care to explain what had and is happening to Caitlin's body as a result of the burns. It is comforting to know she will be taken care of by the best, free of charge, until she is grown.

Caitlin amazingly enough fell in love with everyone and everything pertaining to the hospital, despite the circumstances. The nurses spoiled her by playing with her all the time, and she loved her new teacher. The animals that are allowed to visit put the hospital at the top of her "places I love" list.

A weight was lifted from me when Shriners told me there was no charge. No charge for the care Caitlin received. No charge for the gas and time it takes to get us to and from the hospital in Cincinnati, OH. No charge for the supplies. No charge for the smiles. It warms my heart to know Caitlin cannot wait until Papaw Bill picks us up and takes us to the hospital.

My family nor I will ever pass another Shriner standing in front of a store or in the middle of an intersection without donating money to their buckets. I thank the Lord for the Shriners who changed a devastating experience into a blessing. There would be no Shriners without the supporters who donate to Shriners Hospitals for Children, and without the Shriners there would be no future for my child. Thank you Shriners for everything.

Caitlin's mom

Cindy

I want to start by saying "thank you" for all the Shriners have done for me and my family. It is because of you I have the quality of life I do.

Many years ago doctors told my parents there was nothing wrong with me. My parents were persistent in trying to find answers as to why their seemingly healthy 18 month old baby girl wasn't walking. After filling out the necessary papers with Mr. Linster, I had my first visit to the Lexington unit of Shriners Hospital where my parents were told I had cerebral palsy, Shriners could help me, and I would walk.

There were many trips over the years for my progress to be checked, for braces and shoes to be fitted. This continued until I was 13 at which time I had my first surgery to release my left heal cord. Within a year my right heal cord was done. The doctors and nurses took very good care of me and helped me through a rather bad bout of homesickness as I am sure they still do today for other patients.

In 1968 I was the Kerbela's Poster Child. I got to be in parades with the motorcycle unit, be on television and meet Bob Hope. This is a part of my life I now look back on with fond memories.

All the help I received enabled me to be one of the first children in Knox County main-streamed into public schools opening the doors for others. I attended and graduated from college, worked in education even when people told me I couldn't because of my disability. I also met and married my wonderful husband Rick. There have been some hard times in my life, but the Shriners also taught me to handle those too by instilling a "never give up" attitude in me that I carry today. The men in the red fez will always hold a special place in my heart.

Cindy

Cody

When it comes to the wonderful and loving Shriners, they are serious. They instill love, energy, time and devotion in all efforts of the Shrine legacy to give every child the gift of quality. A chance to improve their quality of life, quality of friendships, and most of all the assistance to provide quality medical needs that otherwise may not be possible. This is done through yearly various fund raisers such as the Paper Sale, Circus and endless amount of generous donations.

Cody has been associated with the Shriners since he was four. When I took him to Shriners Hospital for Children, they told me Cody should be walking in no time. In the course of four operations involving his legs, ankles and hamstrings, the doctors accomplished exactly that. Cody is now approximately 6'2" and walking! With several Special Olympic medals under his belt, Cody walks with a walker, sometimes a cane, and enjoys every day with a contagious smile and a flirty look for any female looking his way.

One of Cody's favorite things to do is take a trip to Lexington Shrine Hospital with his two favorite Shriners. Let's not forget the people who make the miracles happen, the doctors and nurses of all the Shriners Hospitals. It is impossible to imagine a life without people like them. Children are walking and enjoying many miraculous feats today because of them. They are medically able to do things they may have not thought was ever possible.

Thank you will never seem like enough to express what Shriners has done for Cody and our family.

Cody's mom

Moments after the birth of our son, Daniel Jr., known as DJ, it was discovered that there was a problem with his leg and foot. It was determined he had a birth defect known as Fibular Hemimelia, absence of the fibula bone, and his foot was malformed, only having three toes. No explanation could be given for the deformity; it was just the way God made DJ. Enter the Shriners.

DJ was accepted as a Shriner patient and was seen by the Chief of Staff at the Tampa Unit of the Shriners Hospital for Children when he was a little over a month old. It was recommended that his foot be amputated, rather than put him through more than 20 surgeries to lengthen his deformed leg with no guarantees of success. To amputate his foot was a decision we anguished over, whether or not we were making the right decision for DJ. Those fears were eased by the staff at Shriners Hospital.

DJ's foot was amputated when he was barely nine months old at the Tampa Shriners Hospital for Children. He received his first prosthesis when he was eleven months old, a month ahead of schedule because he healed so rapidly after his surgery. DJ began walking when he was fifteen months old, and since then there's been no stopping him.

DJ receives a new prosthesis on a yearly basis from the Lexington SHC, sometimes sooner based on his growth rate and how fast he wears them out because of his active life. DJ cares for, trains and exhibits miniature horses, rides 4-wheelers, shoots skeet, swims, does chores on our farm and plays lots of sports here in Sweetwater, TN. Because of DJ's baseball talent, he was elected on to the Little League All Star team last year and they placed 2^nd in our district.

We are so proud of DJ and his accomplishments, something made possible with the assistance of the Shriners. Thank you, Shriners, for helping DJ and all the other children you assist!

DJ's family

Emily

On August 27, 2004, my daughter Emily's life changed drastically as the result of severe burn injuries received as a passenger in an automobile accident. Yes, we received "the call" all parents dread. Emily had sustained third degree burns over 70% of her body. Within a few hours we were informed that "if she lives she will probably lose both of her legs." They clearly did not expect her to survive. The burns were too deep and too large, and the odds seemed just too great. Over the next three days we were repeatedly told that it was time to say "goodbye." When Emily was still clinging to life on the third day, the decision was made to have her flown by the Shriners Hospital transport team to their children's burn center in Cincinnati, Oh. The hospital staff who had worked so diligently, moment by moment, to preserve Emily's life stood with tears in their eyes by the ambulance door to say goodbye and good luck and to pray for a safe flight. They had played their part in our miracle which was to continue on at Shriners Hospital for Children Burn Unit. It was during this flight that Emily first regained consciousness for a brief time. She woke again as she was being wheeled through the hospital doors. From the chaos of a major trauma center, we were transported into an all encompassing, almost magical, environment of both patient and family care. We were given a motel-like room within the hospital and the privilege to be at Emily's beside 24/7, as much for our sakes as for hers. There were no set visiting times as before. Our family lived in the family care unit, and Emily survived in the ICU. Emily's body healed. Our hearts healed.

For four months we lived in the hospital learning the intricacies of all the burn care and rehab steps that enabled us to bring Emily home for Christmas, her only wish. Emily had survived 17 skin grafting surgeries, triumphed over life-threatening lung and skin infections, and received more than 135 blood transfusions all while being supported on a ventilator for weeks. Near death at one point, it became necessary to paralyze her in order for a specialized ventilator to work. Emily's doctor stood for hours by her bedside on that very dark day when all that could be done medically had been done, patiently awaiting the smallest indication that this miracle of life would go on. No one was giving up. No one at Shriners Burns Hospital ever gives up. Each life is too precious and too valuable. Each staff member is too dedicated and too determined. Odds are not mere chances but are challenges to be met head on.

Emily had one-on-one nursing care around the clock for months. Concentrated daily rehab sessions occupied the hours each day that were not already filled by her twice a day, three hour bath and dressing change sessions. With determination and the incredible support of all the hospital staff, Emily relearned how to sit, stand and walk. Everyone at Shriners Burns Hospital, from the security staff at the front door to the many expert health care professionals to the last person to sweep at night, takes a genuine interest in every child and every family. They all care, and they all encourage and cheer. This hospital could have been viewed as a house of great tragedy if not for the spirit of the staff which has made this only a place of great hope.

Each day at Shriners began and ended with complete medical rounds at Emily's bedside that included all disciplines, from doctors, nurses, pharmacy, nutrition, physical therapy, respiratory therapy, social services and child life specialists. The goal was to help and to heal in all ways possible. That goal was met and exceeded. After discharge, Emily's progress was monitored through repeated visits to the hospital's outpatient clinic. Almost

monthly Emily was transported to Cincinnati by her special Kerbela drivers, Frank, Glenn, Al and Jesse. They have assumed the responsibility of insuring that we travel safely, securely, are well fed and well loved. These noble men supplied care, encouragement and humor in such great measure that the ride itself was an important factor in Emily's recovery. They, along with the doctors and the hospital staff, have helped in the process of turning a big burn of greater than 70% 3rd degree back into 100% smiling, laughing Emily, all parts and pieces intact and functioning. The men give generously of themselves and their time to each of their Kerbela children. Everyone on the van is made to feel special. These men and the support of the entire Kerbela Temple have been an extraordinary blessing to us.

In May 2005 we returned to the hospital after many clinic visits for Emily's first follow-up surgery. We returned happy and hopeful and empowered to face the future because of the wonderful gift we had been handed in the middle of our unfathomable tragedy, Shriners Burns Hospital. She will be returning to the hospital for some fine tuning surgeries in the future, but all of the major procedures have been done. Emily received a beauty and fashion make-over on a local TV station in August, but she had already had the greatest make-over ever in Cincinnati. We are profoundly grateful! We feel that many years ago God had purposed in the hearts of some special men the idea "that you are never as tall as when you stoop to help a child." Out of this belief grew a hospital system that spreads across North America in 22 facilities dedicated to meeting the orthopaedic and burn care needs of all children and their families. The care is complete, compassionate, and it is free. No cost is ever mentioned, and no supplies or treatments are ever withheld. Follow-up care continues until the best possible outcomes are achieved. The Shriners raise all funds to support their hospitals and their children. The only thing bigger than a Shriner's fez is his heart. Our family knows this first hand.

Emily's journey is recorded at our church website: www.meridianbaptist.org

Emily's family

Hayle

Hello, my name is Hayle. I became a patient of Shriners Hospitals for Children in 2002 when I was 2 2 years old. I was diagnosed with double hip dysplasia, which was very rough considering I was in a cast from the top of my chest to my toes. Nothing like this has ever happened to our family, and trust me I have a very large family. Thanks so much to the staff who I've been told helped a room full of totally lost and who's heart ached beyond imagination find laughter through their tears. It definitely takes extraordinary people to be able to do their job and they are!

Every since I was two years old, all I could think about or even talk about was cheerleading. I tried the cheerleading, but decided I was best as a gymnast. Gymnastics Counts is where I attend, and I'm in a class called Hot Shots where Miss Jessica is my teacher and friend. My class is by invitation only, and I have been told that I am really good.

I've recently returned from seeing my special doctor at SHC, Dr. Talwalker, and he has told me that I have two more surgeries. But, I am not afraid because Dr. Talwalker and the surgical staff make me feel safe. He takes the time to talk to me and show me my pictures of my body. He tells me everything he has to do to make me all better. Miss Jessica has told me that she will hold my spot in Hot Shots until I have recovered from my surgery.

My family and I would like for Dr. Talwalker, the surgical staff and just everybody at Shriners Hospitals for Children to know that they are truly appreciated.

Hayle

Jake

Jake is a wonderful seven year old boy who loves life. When Jake was five months old, he was diagnosed with scoliosis, which is the sideways curvature of the spine. As time went by, Jake's right foot had started turning in, one hip was higher than the other, and his ribs were pushing against his left lung. His left lung couldn't fully expand any longer. Jake's scoliosis was getting worse. I was very concerned about the situation and decided to find a doctor who would care for Jake. We had heard that the Shriners had the best doctors and hospitals in the country, and we wanted the best for Jake.

When Jake was 22 months old, we had our first visit with the doctors at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Lexington, Ky. Dr. Iwinski explained the scoliosis and what treatment options were available. Dr. Iwinski said the most important thing was to get the ribs off his lungs so his lungs could grow. These doctors are great. We learned so much in that one visit with the Shriners Hospital doctors.

Within two weeks, Jake was in the first of four body casts. After the body casts, Jake was in a brace. His lungs now had room to grow.

By the time Jake was six years old, his scoliosis had progressed to the point that he had between a 90 and 95 degree curve in his spine. The left side of his chest was pushed in so that you could actually see each beat of his heart. He had a hump on his back. One hip was much higher than the other. His spine was starting to twist, and his body was bent from the curve in his spine.

On August 23, 2005, Jake had surgery. Two growing rods were put in his back. The surgery reduced the curve in his spine by half. His hips evened out. The hump on his back was reduced. His chest now looked normal, and to Jake's delight he stood two inches taller. Two weeks after surgery, Jake was attending school part time.

In February, 2006, Jake had more surgery for more correction on his spine. Jake will continue to have surgery every six months for several years. The doctor's goal is to get Jake's spine as straight as possible. Jake is doing great, and we have to try to slow him down so his back can heal. I truly believe that Jake would not be doing as well as he is if it weren't for the Shriners.

The Shriners Hospitals for Children is unbelievable. I have never been to a hospital that makes you feel so welcome and cared for. The doctors, nurses and many workers at the hospital treat you as if you are the most important person there. During five years of doctor visits, x-rays, body casts, braces, hospital stays and surgeries, we have never been charged a cent for anything. Plus, there are the many wonderful Shriners. These men will drive you to and from your appointments at the hospital and will provide your meals. The Shriners work so hard and do so much for children.

It is a great honor for Jake to be chosen as the 2006 poster child for Kerbela. Jake is having the time of his life and making wonderful memories. The Shriners have done so much for Jake. They have changed his life for the better. We wanted the best for our son, and we have the best. We have the Shriners.

Jake and family

Jennifer

This is Jennifer, and she is now 14 years old. Jennifer had a stroke before she was born, and as a result was not able to use her right arm and leg as she developed.

After lots of physical and occupational therapy, when she was two years old she started going to the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Tampa, Fl. They did a wonderful job making several different braces for her right leg and splints for her right hand.

As she got older, the doctors started to notice how her spine was curving. They made her a back brace to try to slow down the scoliosis. Eventually, Jennifer's spine curved 86 degrees and was starting to push on her internal organs. It was time to talk about surgery. In 2002 Jennifer had posterior and anterior spinal fusion at Shriners Hospital correcting her curve to 20 degrees. Her back surgery was successful, and she still gets good follow-up reports.

In 2004 our family moved to Morristown, TN, which transferred Jennifer to the Shriners Hospital in Greenville, SC. The doctors and nurses at Greenville SHC have been so nice to us. They have continued the great care we received in Florida, including just recently performing a wrist fusion and thumb reconstruction surgery on Jennifer's right hand. With the help of Shriners Hospital, we hope Jennifer will one day be able to use her right hand.

Our family cannot say enough about the wonderful things the Shriners have done for Jennifer, especially the helpful way the driers have made the long trips to the hospital anytime we needed to go.

Thank you Shriners for making such a difference in our daughter's life.

Jennifer's parents

Lindsay

My daughter Lindsay was born with arthrogryposis in 1987, and she has been a patient at the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Lexington, Ky. since she was six months old. On our first visit, it was listed on her chart as "probable walker." This gave us hope.

The Shriners have been a big part of our lives. When Lindsay was poster child for Kerbela in 1990, she had two surgeries on her legs and feet, wore braces on her legs and had a special walker, and her therapy regimen included occupational and physical therapy.

When Lindsay was seven, she had surgery to help release her left elbow. Lindsay could now hang on to things better. The was her last surgery.

When Lindsay was ten, she was not using braces, but she was still going to physical therapy. Lindsay was also Poster Child for Kerbela Temple a second time for 1997. I felt this would be a way to show what great work the Shriners Hospitals for Children do, and it also was helpful in giving back to the Shriners for all they have done for Lindsay.

The Shriners and their hospitals and doctor have helped in letting Lindsay be as independent as she can be, and we are very proud of her. Lindsay now goes to Lexington SHC every two years for checkups.

Lindsay is now 18 years, and has turned into a wonderful and beautiful young lady. She is a freshman at Maryville College and is doing great, and she even made the Dean's List this past fall.

We thank God for the Shriners and all the very hard work they do. Tell everyone to buy a paper so that the Shriners can keep helping all their children.

Lindsay's mom

Noah

On Friday, June 20, 2003, my family's life completely changed forever. It started out being a regular day. I picked my children up after a long day at work, and we went home as usual. Around five o'clock I began to prepare dinner, so I plugged up the Fry Daddy so I could fix some chicken nuggets for my children. Noah was standing about a foot away from me, and we were talking. Before I could do anything, Noah reached up and pulled the cord of the Fry Daddy and hot grease poured all over Noah's little body. I pulled his shirt off over his head, and he took off screaming. I tried to get to him, but I fell in the grease before I could catch him. I crawled to the living room and called 911. I then found Noah in a fetal position behind a chair in his room. I picked him up and carried him to the bathroom where I ran a luke-warm bath as instructed by the 911 operator. Noah would not sit down, so I splashed the water on his little body. The EMTs arrived and took Noah from me. My other son, Sammy, and I were able to ride to the hospital with Noah. He continued screaming and crying all the way to the hospital while he was reaching for me and wanting me to hold him, but I wasn't allowed.

We arrived at a local hospital where the doctors stabilized Noah enough to airlift him to a hospital in Chattanooga. The first night was one of the worst. He stayed in ICU and was then transferred to Shriners Hospitals for Children burn unit in Cincinnati, Oh. The Shriners sent their jet to pick up Noah, my mother and myself the next day. That is where the miracles began. It seemed like doctors and staff came out of the woodwork. Noah and I ended up staying almost six weeks. He had two surgeries and lots of therapy. The staff taught me how to apply his medicine, do therapy and deal with his emotional feelings.

Days began getting better as time went by. After we came home, we still had to visit the burn center often. Soon the visits got further apart, and we now go once a year. Noah functions as a regular four year old boy who is very outgoing and almost always happy. His scars are still there, but they make him more special.

Before Noah's accident, I had seen Shriners, but I didn't not understand what they do. I can honestly say that my son probably would not have made it through this terrible accident if the Shriners had not been involved. Shriners are Heaven sent. May God bless all of you.

Noah's mom

Paul

Nine-year old Paul is a dancing machine! He loves tap dancing and has won many awards. There was a time, however, when his anxious parents wondered if he would ever be able to run and play, much less dance.

Paul was adopted from the Philippines when he was nine-months old. While he was waiting for his parents to arrive from the United States, his orphanage caught on fire. Paul was one of the children rushed to the local hospital, but not before suffering second and third degree burns on his arms, legs, back and head. One of the special missionaries sat with im during his two weeks in the hospital.

After receiving this awful news, Paul's parents prayed and worked frantically to get all the paperwork completed so they could travel to the Philippines as soon as possible. A very good friend from their church accompanied them and made it possible for them to travel first class.

When they returned home, the parents searched for the very best care possible for Paul. Paul's grandfather was a Shriners, and he suggested that they try the Shriner Hospital for Children Burn Unit in Cincinnati, Oh. From the very first meeting, the parents were amazed at the extraordinary level of care at the burn unit. Specialists conferred with them and outlined the long-range plan for Paul's treatment that included special garments and surgeries.

Paul had his first surgery in June 2001. Skin was grafted to both sides of his tiny knees. He remained in the burn unit for seven days after his surgery. During this difficult time, Paul was in a private room with an extra bed for his mommy to stay with him. His daddy staying in the parent house. During the seven day wait, Paul rode around in a wagon and had access to a playroom and art classes. After the seventh day, the bandages were removed and the doctors announced that there was one hundred percent success from the grafts. What wonderful news.

After the initial stay in the hospital, the family returned to Cincinnati SHC many times for follow-up appointments. Each time they were driven in Shriners van by kind volunteers who take care their every need, all at no cost to the family.

Paul's progress has been phenomenal. He has been taking dance lessons for about three years and has won many awards. He would not have been able to pursue his special interest in dance without the help of the Shriners.

Paul's parents want to thank everyone who has every donated a dollar to the Shriners and to let them know what wonderful work they do in caring for burn victims, all at no cost to the family.

Tyler

A young woman, very ill with cystic fibrosis, lay in the hospital bed. She was giving birth two months early as she was struggling to breathe. During the birthing process, the baby sustained a brain injury resulting in cerebral palsy (CP). He was immediately placed on oxygen; tubes and wires were coming and going every which way. He was so tiny that Tyler fit in only one of his daddy's hands.

Much has happened since that day. Tyler is now six years old, and his mother died last year. The cystic fibrosis finally won the battle, and his dad is in Korea with the Air Force. Tyler is being raised by his grandparents until his dad can return from overseas. Tyler is a very happy, loving and active six year old. He could even be called rascally. He is an honorary member of the Blair Volunteer Fire Department, attend kindergarten at Dyllis Elem. School, and loves to play on the computer. He is able to read second and third grade level books. He is amazing, but he did not achieve all this on his own.

Shriners Hospital for Children in Lexington, Ky. is working with Tyler providing gait studies and braces for him as he outgrows each pair.

The Shriners in our area provide travel and meals for each trip to Kentucky. Finances are difficult for the boy's family, and this specialized care could not be obtained if it were not for the assistance of the Shriners. The braces alone would be unattainable without their generosity. We are very thankful for the assistance of the Shriners in Knoxville, most especially van drivers Mr. Bert and Mr. Jack.

Tyler's grandparents

Illustrious Sir 2007 Edward L. Everhart		Paper Sale Chairman 2007 Rudy Cummins
	Kerbela Temple Poster Child 2007 Katie