Dear Temple Affiliates,
We are thrilled to reconnect with you and share exciting updates from Shriners Children’s Erie! Our dedicated team has been hard at work and we have many wonderful stories and developments to share with you. Thank you, for your continued support and dedication to changing the lives of children. Let’s dive into the latest news!
If you plan to feature any of our content and need adjusted files, please don’t hesitate to contact Izzy Spires at [email protected] or (814) 875-8761. |
New International Patient Ambassadors
The 150th Imperial Session took place in Reno, Nevada, through the first week of July. Shriners Children’s proudly introduced their new International Patient Ambassadors, Paige and Grayson. These young individuals exemplify the courage, resilience, and spirit of Shriners patients worldwide. Their inspiring stories and achievements highlight the exceptional care provided by Shriners Children’s, showcasing the positive impact the organization has on the lives of children and their families across the globe.
Watch their videos in the links below.
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Shriners Children’s Erie Standard Bearer – Skyler
Introducing Skyler, a patient from Shriners Children’s Erie. Skyler will represent us at the Shriners Children’s Open, an official PGA Tour event in Las Vegas, that takes place October 14-20. Skyer will serve as a standard bearer throughout the weekend. Learn more about Skyler and how you can support this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him in the link below:
https://ow.ly/SqY250SP7jA | |
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Wheelchair Basketball Kickoff
The Erie Shriners Jammers Wheelchair Basketball Team is back on the court every Wednesday in July from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. The first two games were canceled due to rain so their season will be extended through the first two weeks of August.
With a legacy of over 20 years, the Shriners Jammers summer wheelchair basketball program offers an inclusive, fun and social environment for Shriners Children’s patients. The program focuses on teaching young athletes the fundamentals of wheelchair basketball, promoting physical fitness and fostering social interaction and friendships. The Shriners Jammers will also have the chance to play against a visiting team from the Erie community.
Kristin Maguire, CTRS, child life specialist and current organizer of the Shriners Jammers returns year after year to coach because the team provides a unique opportunity for patients to engage in an inclusive and supportive sports environment. Accessible sporting programs like wheelchair basketball are crucial for ensuring that all kids have the chance to participate in physical activities, regardless of their abilities. Providing accessible sporting programs like wheelchair basketball and sledge hockey provides patients with the opportunity to try a variety of adaptable sports, allowing them to discover new interests and talents. With all the proper equipment provided, the Shriners Jammers ensure that every young athlete can fully engage and benefit from the program.
If you would like to interact with and support the Shriners Jammers by bringing concessions or cheering on our team, please contact Izzy Spires at [email protected] or at (814) 875-8761. |
Community Therapy Referral Success
In 2021, Shriners Children’s Erie and Lexington implemented the Community Therapy Referral Program, with the first speech therapy visit in November of that year. This program allows a community physician to directly refer a patient to the rehabilitation/therapy services department for outpatient evaluation and treatment. The program has been very successful for Erie and approximately one-third of rehab visits are based on referrals from community-based providers.
Thanks to the amazing success of Erie and Lexington, 10 additional Shriners Children’s sites are now accepting the community therapy referrals: Chicago, Hawai’i, New England, Philadelphia, Portland, Southern California, Shreveport, Twin Cities, Spokane and St. Louis. This widespread implementation underscores the program’s effectiveness and our organization’s commitment to expanding access to specialized care for children across the country.
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Your Generosity Goes Further With Erie Gives 2024!
The 14th annual Erie Gives Day is scheduled for Tuesday, August 13 from 12:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. This 24-hour day of giving invites thousands of donors from across the country to support their favorite charity. All donations given during this campaign will receive a pro-rated match from the Erie Community Foundation and its sponsors, ensuring that your gift can make an even greater impact on the lives of children and families at Shriners Children’s Erie!
How to support Shriners Children’s Erie during Erie Gives
Donate by Check
- Mail to The Erie Community Foundation at 459 West 6th Street, before Friday, August 9, 2024
- Must be made out to The Erie Community Foundation (minimum donation = $25)
- Must be accompanied with this Check Donation Form
Donate Online on August 13
- Gifts will be accepted on August 13 beginning at midnight (minimum donation = $25)
- Online donations can be made via credit card (American Express, Discover, Mastercard, or Visa)
By Phone on August 13
- Call The Erie Community Foundation at 814-454-0843 between 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Thank you in advance for your generosity and support.
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Shriners Children’s – The AmazeKids
At the heart of the Most Amazing Care Anywhere lies the patients and proof that sets Shriners Children’s apart from other medical organizations. Or, as we like to call them – The AmazeKids – a “team” of five Shriners Children’s patients, of various ages and conditions who exhibit a strong ”CARE” character trait despite the challenges of their condition. These inspiring patients will serve as figurative standard bearers ultimately championing the power of possibility through: | |
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Courage or Confidence | Ambition | Resilience | Empathy
Through their individual stories they will inspire and educate prospective patients and their parents, with their positive messaging having the power to influence all kids and families.
Watch a video about The AmazeKids in the link below.
https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/news-and-media/amazekids |
Reeling in a New Adventure
Jesse is 6 years old and has a passion for fishing. He has always believed he could achieve anything, thanks to his supportive parents. When the time came for him to get a prosthesis, Jesse knew exactly what he wanted – an arm that could help him with his favorite hobby. As part of Jesse’s journey with Shriners Children’s Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS), he was asked to write in a journal about what he likes to do. However, Jesse took a different approach. Instead of writing about his current interests, he wrote about what he would be able to do with his new arm and included colorful drawings.
Alex Betancourt, MS, MBA, CPO and Hannah Clark, CPO, our dedicated prosthetists, were inspired by Jesse’s forward-thinking and enthusiasm. They worked diligently to create a prosthetic arm with a special fishing attachment for Jesse. Now, this young fishing enthusiast, who already owns 25 fishing poles, is ready to cast his line and reel in new adventures. |
Get Ready For Spooky Season With Spirit of Children
Trick or Treat! No tricks here…just a treat!
Use the coupon code below when purchasing your spooky costumes or accessories this year at any of our regional Spirit Halloween stores and support our child life department.
Every year, Spirit Halloween gives back by offering shoppers 10% off their total purchase. They then match that 10% with a donation to our child life department. Throughout the past 14 years, they have donated a total of $318,759 to the child life department at Shriners Children’s Erie.
To help our child life department and receive the discount, use the coupon below or enter coupon code CARING24 online.
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