SHC-Portland Donor Development Annual Report

A lifetime of gratitude Generous donors

Past patient thanks Shriners Hospitals for his ability to walk

for a lifetime of care

“If it hadn’t been for Shriners Hospitals for Children, I don’t think I ever would’ve been able to walk,” said Steve, a current donor of Shriners Hospitals for Children – Portland. 3-year-old Steve was born with clubfoot on both of his feet. Eventually, Steve’s family was approached by their neighbor who was a member of the Shriners fraternity. This kind-hearted neighbor shared information about Shriners Hospitals for Children and how they treat conditions like Steve’s.

“She would not be the person she is today without Shriners [Hospitals],” said Kathryn, mother of former Portland Shriners Hospital patient Kristine. “That’s why we are so committed to Shriners and donate as much as we are able to.” Kristine became a patient at the Portland Shriners Hospital when she was 3-months old and continued to receive care until she graduated from the hospital at 21 years old. Due to severe complications at birth, Kristine was diagnosed with double spastic diaplegia, a form of cerebral palsy that affects the limbs. For Kristine, that meant limited function in her right arm, and complete loss of function in her other limbs. Kristine required extensive care to address her unique needs. Once referred to Shriners Hospitals for Children - Portland, Kristine’s parents were optimistic about her outcomes and confident in the care that she would receive. “They were such a blessing! We could afford some treatment, but we couldn’t afford the level of treatment that she needed,” Kathryn added. Their insurance covered only a small portion of her medical expenses. In alignment with the mission of Shriners Hospitals for Children, this was not a barrier to care – Kristine was still able to receive the extensive treatment she needed. After insurance, Kristine’s family paid what they could, and the rest of the bills were absorbed by the hospital.

“When we were able to [donate] to the hospital, we began doing so, and we’ll continue to do so,” said Kathryn. In addition to their monetary donations, Kathryn and her husband Dennis have donated several pieces of assistive technology devices when Kristine no longer needed them. Kristine now lives independently and dedicates countless hours to volunteering in her community.

Steve and his family visited Shriners Hospitals for Children, and Steve was quickly admitted as a new patient. Ultimately, Steve received inpatient care at Shriners Hospitals for Children 4 different times to correct the positioning of his feet, each for a duration of 6 months, which was common in the 1950s. “I don’t remember all of it because I was very young, but I remember it being a great environment,” said Steve. “I remember nothing but good things about the nurses and the doctors.” As an adult, Steve learned that Shriners Hospitals for Children accepts donations. He immediately contacted the Portland Shriners Hospital and received a tour of the facility. Steve was so impressed with the level of care that he witnessed during his tour that he’s been donating to the hospital ever since. “I donate to the Portland Shriners Hospital because of everything that was done for me and all of the good that I can see is still being done for kids today,” said Steve. “I’m very proud to contribute even just a tiny little part of that.”

Shriners Hospitals for Children — Portland

2020 Development Report

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