= Children’s Dreams Really Do ComeTrue (NAPSA)—When the first Shriners Hospital for Children opened on September 16, 1922, in Shreveport, La., no one would have dreamed that more than 35,000 children would make their way through its doors during the next eight decades. Even fewer would have realized that one day the hospital in Shreveport would treat children throughout Louisiana, Texas, Mis- sissippi, Alabama, Oklahoma and Arkansas, and as far away as Central America. The Shriners had a big dream back then, and that dream continues every day with the work performed by the hospital staff. “I am in awe of the care our physicians andstaff provide to the children at this hospital,” explained Tom Schneider, administrator. “I had no idea of the specialized care that pediatric orthopaedic physicians provide until I came here nearly 10 years ago. The commitment and support of the Shriners, the public and our staff is truly amazing. Ourstaff is particularly dedicated to the treatment of cerebral palsy, scoliosis, spina bifida, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and leg lengthening.” Chris Coy is a good example of how Shriners Hospitals help make children’s dreams come true. When Chris was diagnosed with stomach cancer, he wasonly five weeksold. At age 3, he suffered from a vascular infection that spread into his legs. Then, at age 4, after enduring three years of chemotherapy, his left foot and ankle were amputated, thus requiring a prosthetic limb below his knee. Although Chris, now 18, still suffers some heart damage from the chemotherapy, his dreams have evolved into a reality by his sheer dedication andlove of racquetball. When Chris was just 8 years old, he played his first Junior World Tournament. In 1998, he earned his first medal at the Junior Olympics Championship in Even though Chris Coy, 13, has spent a lot of time in hospitals since birth, especially the Shreveport Shriners Hospital, he has gained wide acclaim in racquetball. Colorado. In December 2000, after winning numerous awards and tournaments, Sports Illustrated named Chris “Young Sportsman of the Year.” Chris’s determination to overcome his disability and move on is quite evident in the goals he had set for himself. “I want to win a national and junior worldtitle.” His ability to dream and catch that dream is a lesson forall. For more information on Shriners’ network of 22 hospitals that provide medical care and services totally free of charge to children with orthopaedic problems, burns and spinal cord injuries, write to: Shriners International Headquarters, Public Relations Dept., 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607, or visit the Web site at www.shrinershq.org. Treatmentis provided to children under age 18 without regard to race, religion or relationship to a Shriner. If you know a child Shriners can help, call 1-800-237-5055 in the United States, or 1-800-361- 7256 in Canada.
