Shriners Children's New England Newsletter

BSA. According to Melissa, Bethany is always the most cheerful person in the room. For Matt, Teddy and Bethany, one of the biggest benefits of being treated at Shriners is the sense of belonging they feel. “It is the most welcoming, incredible facility we’ve ever seen,” said Melissa. “My kids come in to the monthly clinic and see others who look just like them. They have made friends and chatted with their peers about surgery.” LIVES CHANGED The whole family has formed special bonds with the staff at Shriners Children’s. Melissa is grateful for the incredible pre and post-op care her kids have received, recalling a time Teddy played Connect Four in the pre-op room for a full hour with a member of his care team. “Our kids’ lives have been changed by Shriners Children’s,” she said. After 5 years of being Shriners Children’s patients, Melissa is passionate about helping others by sharing her family’s experience. “Shriners took the guesswork out of the treatment plan for me so that I could focus on parenting, instead of the incredible amount of medical research that I had been doing,” she said. “Parents shouldn’t have to spend that much time trying to assemble their own team, when the best team already exists at Shriners!”

BETHANY

Remembering Dr. Stoddard

The Shriners Children’s New England family mourns the loss of Philip Stoddard, M.D. Known for his dedication and gentle demeanor, Dr. Stoddard touched the heart of every staff member, patient and family who knew him. Dr. Stoddard began working at Shriners Children’s New England in 1987, and served as Director of the Cleft Lip and Palate Clinic from 1998 until his death in March 2022. His strong vision led to the creation of a robust cleft lip and palate program, including a wide range of specialists to help deliver the best outcome for each patient. He leaves a legacy of compassion and professional excellence that will never be forgotten.

Fa l l 2022 5