Any1 from Louisiana/Shrevepot Shriners?

[matt]

Is there anyone here from Louisiana or anyone that goes to Shreveport Shriners Hospital? I live 5 1/2 hours away from Shreveport, but it is so worth it because there is no cost to you. It is a great feeling to just walk into this great hospital and get it all free. Any1?

[M.Armstrong]

Hi Matt,

I took my son to them for a second opinion and thought that we might use them; however, it is about 8 hours away from where we live. It was okay, but I like our local doctor. He is only an hour away.

You will find that not one person will respond to you about Shriners. Why? I don't have a clue.

[Mary Lou]

M. Armstrong....

What did you mean when you told Matt that "not one person will respond about Shriners?"

I am taking my daughter to Shriners in Philadelphia later this month and anyone that I've talked to have all said good things about this hospital. We've been through so much with our local Children's Hospital (which is only 10 minutes away from our home) that hopefully it will be very beneficial for us to drive several hours to get to the closest Shriners.

Some people choose Shriners because of the fact the care is free. I've even had offers from different Shriner members to drive me in the personal vehicle to get to all appointments! I don't need anything like that. The reason I chose Shriners: there is an excellent doctor there who a friend has personally recommended to us and if we can't get the kind of care we deserve close to home, we'll take Shriners any day over our local Children's Hospital!

Mary Lou-Mom of 12 1/2 yr. daughter w/Kyphoscoliosis and seeking FOURTH opinion

P.S. I'll let you know what I think of Shriners after our appointment. Matt knows that I'll be in touch with him to tell him personally of our experience because he's already shared his experience with us.

[matt]

What do you mean that no one will reply to me about Shriners. From my home Shriners is about 6 and a half hours including stopping for food and restrooms. They have great care and they are free. The reason I went: Because they have one the best surgeons there named Dr. Richard McCall. Also, in the last 2 years I have had 5 surgeries and with medical costs coming out to about $106,700. Shriners is so great. So you may want to reconsider.

P.S. I just got done reading Mary Lou's email and you probably want to reconsider. Thanks Mary Lou for watching my back! Literally.

[M.Armstrong]

Hey.

What I meant when I stated that no one would respond to you about Shriners is on this forum. Shriners is a great facility where you can get free medical care. I don't know why but I have posted several times concerning Shriners and no one has responded to me. That is what I was talking about when I stated that no one would respond.

There are several reasons why my husband and I chose not to use them but it is not because of their care.

Sorry if I sounded misleading.

[Mary Lou]

:)
M. Armstrong...

No hard feelings. As a Mom, I'm sure you understood my comments. We are all looking for the best possible care/information for our kids. My daughter will be 13 next month and we just weren't pleased with our local doctors treating her like a two year old. I'm glad you found someone your family feels comfortable with and not to be selfish, but I hope we find someone we are comfortable with soon, because I know my daughter will be needing surgery and I would like to get it done soon. Had we felt comfortable with our local doctors, she would have had surgery done by now.

How is your son? Is he in a brace and if so, what type?

Again, no hard feelings. I'm sorry if I offended you with my comments. I'm wasn't trying to attack you.

Mary Lou

[mariaf]

Matt - I, too, can attest to the great care my son received at a Shriners Hospital (Philadelphia). While their care is free of charge, that's not why we chose them. Dr. Betz (Chief of Staff-Philadelphia) and his colleagues offered us options unavailable elsewhere. They are tops in the field and always at the forefront of new technologies. Since there is no money involved, all the decisions they make are based on one thing: the best interest of the patient! While I am not familiar with the Shreveport hospital, I'd certainly go for a consultation and form an opinion based on your impressions.

Good luck. (And tell my friend, Mary Lou, that Maria from NY said hello). (I'm still getting used to navigating this site!)

[marilyn]

I live in Shreveport, and have scoliosis. Fortunately, my husband is in the military, and TRICARE covers all my costs. Before we were married however, I looked into Shriners. They seem to be a pretty good facility, from all the info. my mom and I gathered at the time. But, I didn't end up going there, as I mentioned, so I guess I can't really say if they were good or not from experience. If I were you, I would try it.. you never know until you do.

[Terri]

Hi Matt,

We took my daughter, Amanda (13 years old) to Shriner's Hospital in Philadelphia, Dr. Betz. She has three curves in her back over a little over 50 degrees, she was diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis. He recomended surgery, we went to NY for a second opinion and he confirmed she needs surgery, He said Dr. Betz is an excellent surgeon. They want to do the surgery in 3-4 months, and I would like to do more research on Shriner's Hospital in Philadelphia. If I find out any thing about Shriner's I will let you know, or if any body knows anything about Shriner's please let us know. Thank you.

[Mary Lou]

Terri.....

I'm glad you are pleased with Shriner's and Dr. Betz. I felt an instant sense of relieve the moment I walked into that hospital. I'm not trying to sound negative, but don't plan on your daughter's surgery being done in 3 or 4 months. My daughter was seen by Dr. Betz in July and we were told she needed surgery, but we probably wouldn't be able to get into his surgery schedule for six months to one year! As you know, Dr. Betz is a very busy man and a great doctor. Personally, I would have waited to get into his schedule (and had considered doing so) but my daughter didn't want to wait that long.

I wish you and your daughter the best of luck. I just wanted to make you aware of the fact that the wait may be longer than you expect. Your daughter is in excellent hands with Dr. Betz.

Mary Lou

[Terri]

Thank you for responding so quickly, I see that you are located in PA so are we, may I ask where your daughter is having her surgery we were also told to look in Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania, I'm so afraid of making the wrong choice. I wish your daughter the best, please let me know how everything is going, does your daughter talk about it, Amanda at first didn't want to talk about it, now she is talking a little bit more. Thank you again. Terri

[OMG_ITS_ABBEY]

I go there....yeah that Dr.is really nice and i think the people are nice too

[LindaRacine]

Shriners Shreveport at risk of closing

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20090608/NEWS01/906080310

[Pooka1]

shriners (http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/06/08/shriners.hospitals/index.html)

I hope they find some way to keep all the hospitals open.

[Ballet Mom]

Pretty hard to raise money when you can't even use a circus as a fundraiser without people complaining.

[Pooka1]

Pretty hard to raise money when you can't even use a circus as a fundraiser without people complaining.

Well they shouldn't be using blood money in any case.

There is no reason they have to raise money through animal cruelty. Plenty of other charities manage to stay afloat without torturing a single animal. Your explanation is...?

[LindaRacine]

shriners (http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/06/08/shriners.hospitals/index.html)

I hope they find some way to keep all the hospitals open.

Yikes! Really sad.

[Ballet Mom]

It is another one of your opinions that they are engaging in animal cruelty. Much better that the elephants stay in Africa and get slaughtered by poachers for their ivory.

[Pooka1]

It is another one of your opinions that they are engaging in animal cruelty. Much better that the elephants stay in Africa and get slaughtered by poachers for their ivory.

It's my "opinion" that elephants suffer in circuses? I guess the court case that will be decided any day now is just a group sing-a-long that is waste of time in your mind.

[Ballet Mom]

I think a lot of lawsuits are ridiculous these days. A waste of time and money. But as long as you feel very pious and make sure you don't donate to Shriner's for their transgressions by using a circus as a fundraiser, at least you can feel good about yourself as you watch Shriners go down the tube. Don't worry about the suffering of the poor kids who won't get medical care for their conditions due to people like you who are lucky to have great medical insurance and can ride their expensive horses while thinking about the "mistreatment" of these elephants. I think keeping horses in a small stall all day is mistreatment and making them work under saddle and reins for room and board is cruel. Maybe we should have a lawsuit to say keeping and riding horses should be outlawed.

[Pooka1]

I think a lot of lawsuits are ridiculous these days.

Would that be an OPINION?


A waste of time and money. But as long as you feel very pious and make sure you don't donate to Shriner's for their transgressions by using a circus as a fundraiser, at least you can feel good about yourself as you watch Shriners go down the tube. Don't worry about the suffering of the poor kids who won't get medical care for their conditions due to people like you who are lucky to have great medical insurance and can ride their expensive horses while thinking about the "mistreatment" of these elephants. I think keeping horses in a small stall all day is mistreatment and making them work under saddle and reins for room and board is cruel. Maybe we should have a lawsuit to say keeping and riding horses should be outlawed.

So essentially you know less than nothing about horses and riding. You could have just said that.

In re Shriners, if other charities can stay afloat without torturing a single animal, so can Shriners. Why can't they?

[txmarinemom]

Pretty hard to raise money when you can't even use a circus as a fundraiser without people complaining.

Ballet Mom,

For someone who accuses others here on a not uncommon basis of being snide/rude/condescending and essentially "big meanies" in general, was that comment necessary?

[Ballet Mom]

txmarinemom-

Just couldn't resist joining in, could you? I'm quite sure Pooka is quite able to do her own defense...thank you very much. If Pooka wants to stand on a soapbox and shout to the world her opinions including the suing of Shriners to get her way, she should be open to others disputing her commentary.


After joining this forum, I would love to add Shriners as a charity of mine but the last call I got from them asked me to send money to send kids to a circus with animal acts.

I explained at length about how Shriners should not be sullying themselves with circuses with animal acts, espcially elephant acts. I said I would be a regular contributor if they severed all ties with circuses with animal acts.
/
/
/
People are idiots.

and


Hopefully someone will sue the Shrine circus to give up their wild animal acts.

That would be very harmful to children needing help and donations, not lawsuits, but if you and she think that's a good thing...go pound sand somewhere else.


http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/showthread.php?t=8726&highlight=circus

[Ballet Mom]

Not abuse and torture of horses? In one of the videos I found, one rider was saying her friend's horse had to be put down...i.e. shot in the head, because it's neck was broken.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uK2SB8xjxb8&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbjMNhFkM0g&feature=related


And in thousands of stalls across the country... one of many vices:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5_ks4xRmG4


I would say it is abuse and torture, you're just used to it.

At least Shriner's is trying to help kids, what are these people doing?

[Pooka1]

txmarinemom-

Just couldn't resist joining in, could you? I'm quite sure Pooka is quite able to do her own defense...thank you very much. If Pooka wants to stand on a soapbox and shout to the world her opinions including the suing of Shriners to get her way, she should be open to others disputing her commentary.


Again with opinion? Do you suppose I'm dreaming this up?

Rather than DERAIL this thread with links to video of circus animal cruelty, you should search youtube see how much you can take. Maybe you and Shriners can take more than the average person, I don't know. You are either part of the problem or part of the solution. Blood money isn't part of any solution... sorry if this is news.

And beyond the overt cruelty, the living and transport conditions in which elephants are kept are deplorable. The subject case has to do with Ringling Brothers bt I'm hoping it will apply to Shriners and other circuses with elephant acts. If this court case doesn't succeed, caring people will keep bringing cases until folks start making sense. Feel free to start any time and not wait for the court decision.

Finally, nobody is saying Shriners can't have a circus. Rational, empathic, caring people say they can't torture animals and should have an animal-free circus. Do you see that difference?

[Pooka1]

Not abuse and torture of horses? In one of the videos I found, one rider was saying her friend's horse had to be put down...i.e. shot in the head, because it's neck was broken.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uK2SB8xjxb8&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbjMNhFkM0g&feature=related


And in thousands of stalls across the country... one of many vices:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5_ks4xRmG4


I would say it is abuse and torture, you're just used to it.

At least Shriner's is trying to help kids, what are these people doing?

You don't have a damn clue as to how most horses live.

Do you have a dog? If so, are you responsible for all the people who abuse dogs?

You are being completely irrational.

[Ballet Mom]

In case you didn't notice, I was posting horse cruelty, not circus animal cruelty.

"an animal-free circus" LMAO

Exactly what is your proof that the Shrine Circus is torturing animals? Sounds to me like a libel suit and defamation of character suit for anyone wishing to pursue it.

[Pooka1]

It is impossible to discuss a subject with someone who is completely clueless on the subject.

[Ballet Mom]

Who's clueless?


The Annual Shrine Circus is one of the largest fund-raising events sponsored by the Shriners. The Shrine Circus provides a quality, fun-filled, family experience with proceeds going to a great cause—the good work of Shriners in your community.

[Pooka1]

Who's clueless?

You are.

Google "shriners circus animal cruelty"

5,180 hits.

Educate yourself. You are ignorant. Not dumb but ignorant. Until you do so, you are part of the problem, not the solution.

[Pooka1]

shrine circus record (http://www.circuses.com/feat/shrine/)

(emphasis added)

Cruelty Under the Shriners Big Top

Shrine Circuses have deplorable records of cruelty to animals, serious violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act, and animal attacks resulting in injury and even death. Elephants used by Shriners have rampaged, killing trainers and injuring children. Although many successful charitable organizations never use circus fundraisers, about 150 of Shrine's 191 temples host annual circuses. These circuses raise funds for the temples' administrative costs, not for the Shriners children's hospitals.

The Shriners do not operate their own traveling circus; instead Shrine temples produce circuses by either hiring an existing circus such as Tarzan Zerbini Circus, Jordan World Circus, Royal Hanneford Circus, Walker Bros. Circus, and George Carden Circus or putting together a collection of animal exhibitors, acrobats, and other acts that perform under the Shrine Circus name. Learn more by reading factsheets about these circuses.

Animals in circuses are beaten to make them perform tricks on command. If they do not perform properly, they are beaten some more. In cases where they snap and either run amok or attack someone, they are beaten again. After one recent incident, a whistleblower notified PETA that a gang of trainers armed with bullhooks, electric prods, and pipes were awaiting an elephant who stomped her trainer to death as she was unloaded from the transport trailer in an obscure location.

Circuses and animal exhibitors performing for Shriners have been cited and fined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for failing to provide veterinary care, failure to provide minimum space, inadequate and unsafe enclosures, mishandling animals, endangering animals and the public, failure to provide shelter from inclement weather, failure to provide exercise, and failure to provide nutritious food and clean drinking water.

In 2004, Shrine Circus elephant supplier Hawthorn Corporation admitted to 19 violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act and paid a $200,000 fine. Hawthorn had been charged with using physical abuse, causing harm and discomfort, failing to provide veterinary care, and unsafe public contact.

In 2001, a parent chaperoning schoolchildren to the Medinah Shrine Circus in Chicago reported that children were traumatized when they saw a trainer beating an elephant. She wrote to the local newspaper, "When the elephants were brought behind the curtain, the trainer began verbally abusing and hitting the elephant. We watched in horror as he swung a stick with all his force and struck the elephant in the back of the leg. This must have hurt because the elephant let out a scream that could be heard throughout the UIC Pavilion."

See Also:
Circuses.com
Animal-Free Circuses
Animal-Free Fundraisers
Donate Now
Subscribe to E-News
Become a Member

[Ballet Mom]

Sorry, but these instances sound like running every other business. Why not boycott and sue Disneyland for killing children on their rides? Because the kids aren't furry and cute like animals?

How do you justify the pictures of horses in chains, the total abuse of them including the beating with crops, the terrible falls they must endure, the putting down of them when they break down doing their darndest to do what is demanded of them, the sheer boredom in thousands of stalls across the country where they've been abandoned...and then sold to a meat processor after all their years of hard work to be eaten in foreign countries. What hypocrisy!

This will be my last post on this subject. People can decide for themselves.

[Pooka1]

more on shrine circuses (http://www.bornfreeusa.org/facts.php?more=1&p=717)

"Some Shriners are rethinking the use of animals in their circus fundraisers as it becomes recognized as archaic, unsafe, and inhumane. Please let the Shriners know that you want an end to animal cruelty at the Shrine Circus and will attend only animal-free circuses."

If the Shriners are starting to get a clue then you can too.

[Pooka1]

Sorry, but these instances sound like running every other business. Why not boycott and sue Disneyland for killing children on their rides? Because the kids aren't furry and cute like animals?

How do you justify the pictures of horses in chains, the total abuse of them including the beating with crops, the terrible falls they must endure, the putting down of them when they break down doing their darndest to do what is demanded of them, the sheer boredom in thousands of stalls across the country where they've been abandoned...and then sold to a meat processor after all their years of hard work to be eaten in foreign countries. What hypocrisy!

This will be my last post on this subject. People can decide for themselves.

Just because some folks are clueless as to how to handle horses doesn't mean everyone is. For example, my horse has free choice to go into a stall or stay out in a field. He sometimes chooses to go in the stall. Can you imagine????? And he has no stall vices. How is that possible????? I mention this only to show you how clueless you truly are. You have no clue what you are talking about.

Do you own a dog? Are you personally responsible for every idiot who mistreats their dog?

You are truly irrational on this matter though not other matters.

[Pooka1]

This will be my last post on this subject. People can decide for themselves.

You are either part of the solution or part of the problem.

[CHRIS WBS]

shrine circus record (http://www.circuses.com/feat/shrine/)

(emphasis added)

Cruelty Under the Shriners Big Top

Shrine Circuses have deplorable records of cruelty to animals, serious violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act, and animal attacks resulting in injury and even death. Elephants used by Shriners have rampaged, killing trainers and injuring children. Although many successful charitable organizations never use circus fundraisers, about 150 of Shrine's 191 temples host annual circuses. These circuses raise funds for the temples' administrative costs, not for the Shriners children's hospitals.

The Shriners do not operate their own traveling circus; instead Shrine temples produce circuses by either hiring an existing circus such as Tarzan Zerbini Circus, Jordan World Circus, Royal Hanneford Circus, Walker Bros. Circus, and George Carden Circus or putting together a collection of animal exhibitors, acrobats, and other acts that perform under the Shrine Circus name. Learn more by reading factsheets about these circuses.

Animals in circuses are beaten to make them perform tricks on command. If they do not perform properly, they are beaten some more. In cases where they snap and either run amok or attack someone, they are beaten again. After one recent incident, a whistleblower notified PETA that a gang of trainers armed with bullhooks, electric prods, and pipes were awaiting an elephant who stomped her trainer to death as she was unloaded from the transport trailer in an obscure location.

Circuses and animal exhibitors performing for Shriners have been cited and fined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for failing to provide veterinary care, failure to provide minimum space, inadequate and unsafe enclosures, mishandling animals, endangering animals and the public, failure to provide shelter from inclement weather, failure to provide exercise, and failure to provide nutritious food and clean drinking water.

In 2004, Shrine Circus elephant supplier Hawthorn Corporation admitted to 19 violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act and paid a $200,000 fine. Hawthorn had been charged with using physical abuse, causing harm and discomfort, failing to provide veterinary care, and unsafe public contact.

In 2001, a parent chaperoning schoolchildren to the Medinah Shrine Circus in Chicago reported that children were traumatized when they saw a trainer beating an elephant. She wrote to the local newspaper, "When the elephants were brought behind the curtain, the trainer began verbally abusing and hitting the elephant. We watched in horror as he swung a stick with all his force and struck the elephant in the back of the leg. This must have hurt because the elephant let out a scream that could be heard throughout the UIC Pavilion."

See Also:
Circuses.com
Animal-Free Circuses
Animal-Free Fundraisers
Donate Now
Subscribe to E-News
Become a Member

PETA...it figures. Udder nonsense!

[Pooka1]

PETA...it figures. Udder nonsense!

I think PETA is largely nutty also.

But there are facts in there can be checked out.

Are you saying it is all lies, stem to stern?

What about the other 5,179 hits? Are they all lying? Is it all a huge conspiracy? Is everything a huge conspiracy?

For those who think PETA is making this all up...

(links removed for being too graphic)

If you'll notice, youtube requires you be over 18 to see some of the circus elephant abuse. What does that tell you?

[txmarinemom]

This will be my last post on this subject. People can decide for themselves.

Uh ... yeah.

YOU derailed this thread, sweetheart, so take a deep breath. As far as whether I just *have* to chime in, I'm fairly certain I have the same right to do so as you.

All Sharon said about Shriners was "I hope they find some way to keep all the hospitals open.". Whether she agrees with the circus thing or not, YOU deliberately choose to poke a sleeping dog.

Better watch all that glass on the floor of your house ... I'd hate for you to cut your foot.

[Pooka1]

I have been trying to avoid posting that stuff because I don't want kids (or adults) getting nightmares. But ignorance must be countered or it will never go away.

I don't mind if a moderator removes my posts with the pictures/videos of circus elephant abuse. I just hope the point remains.

It is appropriate to judge humanity by how they treat animals. Charities don't need to sell their soul to help people.

[Qikdraw]

Shriners have never been my favorite people, but I do realise they have done good for lot of people. So I hope they can keep open as many hospitals as possible.

[Pooka1]

Shriners have never been my favorite people, but I do realise they have done good for lot of people. So I hope they can keep open as many hospitals as possible.

I think most Shriners are as clueless about the cruelty as Balletmom who is a master of the non-sequitor, BTW (viz the horse stuff).

Getting rid of circus animal acts is a matter of education, one person at a time if necessary. That and lawsuits because some people don't give a crap about suffering.

[Qikdraw]

I think most Shriners are as clueless about the cruelty as Balletmom who is a master of the non-sequitor, BTW (viz the horse stuff).

Getting rid of circus animal acts is a matter of education, one person at a time if necessary. That and lawsuits because some people don't give a crap about suffering.

Well to be honest my dislike of Shriners has nothing to do with their circuses. (although that certainly does not help their cause in my eyes)

Back when my family knew the surgery I needed was not going to be able to be done in Canada, and thus paid for by our healthcare, my parents applied with the Shriners to see what they could do. But they wanted the surgery done in their hospital with their doctors. Their doctors hadn't even looked at me and decided they wanted to change the surgeries up. My doctor was definately against this, and we went with his opinion. The Shriners 'lost' our application 4 times and basically kept using strong arm tactics, via scare tactics, on my mother to pressure her into putting me in their care. In the end we recieved no help from them and to this day I feel that they were just going after the publicity they could have gotten from my case rather than helping me.

However they do help a lot of people and I certainly do hope they will be able to keep doing so.

[LindaRacine]

"an animal-free circus" LMAO

Cirque du Soleil

And, it's been so successful that the founder is one of the richest men in the world.

[Ballet Mom]

Hi Linda,

I know they call themselves a circus, but I don't. Just as I don't call Chinese acrobats a circus. To me, they are a very successful Las Vegas show. But more power to Shriners if they think they can earn money for their hospitals by somehow using Cirque's format or getting Cirque to perform benefits for them. Better yet would be if the founder, as one of the richest men in the world, would feel it in his heart to help out the disadvantaged kids of the country who helped make him so wealthy.

Also, I don't think this would go over very well at a Shriner's benefit...just saying.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztXmzMvSXZ0

[Pooka1]

It is not relevant if someone or even many people consider animal-free circuses to be circuses.

What matters is education and trying to decrease suffering in the world in ways that don't increase it for others.

This isn't rocket science. Humanity can and does evolve...

- Slavery ended (though not completely in places)
- Women have the vote. :D
- Smoking is being severely restricted in public places.
- Only science can be legally taught in public school science classrooms.

Animal circuses need an Enlightenment (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_Enlightenment) just like the world needed an Enlightment. Cirque du Soleil is the leading edge of that enlightenment. People who countenance circus animal suffering need to be roundly criticized and marginalized until they start making sense.

[Ballet Mom]

People who countenance circus animal suffering need to be roundly criticized and marginalized until they start making sense.

I assume you don't go to any races either? Horse racing, greyhound racing, cross country racing. Make sure you let all your horsie friends know of your opinions of the pain and suffering caused by their sport. At least Shriner's is trying to help kids in need.

This link is for Pooka only. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1Z7t5jRfVw

[LindaRacine]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztXmzMvSXZ0

Unlike some, I'm actually flattered when I see someone imitating me. :)

By the way, as soon as this thread dies down, I'm going to trash it. It doesn't really have anything to do with scoliosis, and I am concerned about it being in the kids forum.

--Linda

[Pooka1]

By the way, as soon as this thread dies down, I'm going to trash it. It doesn't really have anything to do with scoliosis, and I am concerned about it being in the kids forum.

I am concerned also about kids seeing the pictures/videos. I would want their parents to see this material, not them. The point is to quash abject ignorance through education. I'll take the links down if the thread isn't gone soon.

[mariaf]

Back when my family knew the surgery I needed was not going to be able to be done in Canada, and thus paid for by our healthcare, my parents applied with the Shriners to see what they could do. But they wanted the surgery done in their hospital with their doctors. Their doctors hadn't even looked at me and decided they wanted to change the surgeries up. My doctor was definately against this, and we went with his opinion. The Shriners 'lost' our application 4 times and basically kept using strong arm tactics, via scare tactics, on my mother to pressure her into putting me in their care. In the end we recieved no help from them and to this day I feel that they were just going after the publicity they could have gotten from my case rather than helping me.

However they do help a lot of people and I certainly do hope they will be able to keep doing so.


I'm sorry to hear of your experience.

I just wanted to say that, as most of us know, Shriners offers medical care at no cost, but they do not pay for surgeries performed elsewhere. It's just not what they do and it's just not how their system works. So, I am honestly not surprised that they were unable to help you if your family was opting for another surgery with a doctor outside of the Shriners system (I think that's what I understood from your post - if not, I apoligize).

If someone needs help, and there is a doctor within the Shriners hospital system who can help, then he or she will help that child.

I just wanted to clear that up lest someone unfamiliar with the system misunderstands the services that are offered.

Regards,

[Ballet Mom]

Linda,

You have a good sense of humor!

I have no problem with this thread being tossed. I would recommend tossing the thread about the Shriners circuses "abuse" and suing the Shriners that I posted a link to earlier in this thread. I hardly think this forum should have advocates against such a worthwhile charity as Shriners. Especially, when there are so many other abuses of animals such as the horse industry who are doing it for the money.

People who countenance racing animal suffering need to be roundly criticized and marginalized until they start making sense!

[Qikdraw]

I'm sorry to hear of your experience.

I just wanted to say that, as most of us know, Shriners offers medical care at no cost, but they do not pay for surgeries performed elsewhere. It's just not what they do and it's just not how their system works. So, I am honestly not surprised that they were unable to help you if your family was opting for another surgery with a doctor outside of the Shriners system (I think that's what I understood from your post - if not, I apoligize).

If someone needs help, and there is a doctor within the Shriners hospital system who can help, then he or she will help that child.

I just wanted to clear that up lest someone unfamiliar with the system misunderstands the services that are offered.

Regards,

Yeah I realise how they work, but it was more the attitude they gave my parents during the whole process. They could have just said no and left it at that, but 'losing' our applications 4 times? Like I said, the feeling I have, and my parents, is that they were more interested in helping me because of potential publicity (because of the extreme case I was).

They do help a lot of people, and do a lot of good, which is why I hope they don't close any hospitals. There are very good doctors at Shriners.

Brad

[mariaf]

Thanks for clarifying, Brad.

I guess there are bad apples everywhere - and perhaps at that time your parents came across one or two of them. Fortunately, there doesn't seem to be any of that treatment at Shriners today (not that I've heard of anyway) - and most people I know who have gone to Shriners were treated with great care and respect for their child's best interests - as it should be everywhere, EVERY time.

Unfortunately, in the healthcare industry as a whole that is often not the case - not only publicity, but money often comes into play which is unfortunate.

I have a friend at Shriners who says that they practice medicine "as it should be" with no concern over money, only concern for the kids. Again, I'm truly sorry that was not your experience.

Best regards,