Local Shrine Club Provides Wheelchair

Members of the Northwest Shrine Club recently delivered a new wheelchair to Alex Arriga of Ferndale. Alex is a patient of the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, but needed a more specialized chair than the hospitals typically help to provide. Alex is an aspiring basketball player and a common chair would not stand up to athletic competition, nor provide the stability required. Members of the Northwest Shrine Club raised over $1,800 in local funds, mostly among themselves, to provide the chair which was delivered at a ceremony in October, 2007. Nile Shrine Center dignitaries in attendance for the evening included Richard E. Sardeson, Potentate and Gene Gilbert, Assistant Rabban.

Northwest Shrine Club 2007 President, Al Tomko stated, “As local Shriners we were made aware of this boy’s need by a family friend who is also disabled and coaches Alex.”  Tomko went on to state, “Most people are not aware of the tremendously competitive spirit among athletes with disabilities. To compete, they need to overcome many more obstacles than their non-disabled counterparts. As such, they develop a mental toughness and personal discipline that can take them anywhere in life, family and business. To support that, we’re more than pleased to play a small part in this young man's life and future.”  

The Shriners of North America is a charitable organization that funds 20 hospitals for Children in the United States, one in Canada and one in Mexico, which include orthopedic and burns hospitals. In 2007 the Shriners Hospitals budgeted nearly $750 million in absolutely free medical care, surgeries, Physical Therapy, prosthetics, burn care, sports injuries and more, for kids under age 18. Parents never receive a bill, no government funds are used, and family insurance is not billed. This free medical care is provided regardless of race, religion, national origin or anything else irrelevant. The Shriners began in New York in 1870 as a fraternal organization bound by moral and spiritual ideals. You will find them at parades, circuses, local events and other conspicuous means of fund raising, always wearing the trademark red hat, called a "Fez," which although Arabic in appearance has nothing to do with Islam. Shriners are similar to other service groups like the Lions, Rotary or Kiwanis, however the Shriners focus exclusively on their Hospitals for Children. If you know of a child that could be helped by the Shriners contact a local Shriner or call 206-284-0910.