C¬es Shriners Hospitals Join Forces To Help Young Musician (NAPSA)—Three years ago, although only 14, Shriners Hospitals patient Kyung Sun, of Spartanburg, S.C., was an accomplished tenor saxophonist and bassoonist. Then, he was involvedin a horrific plane crash. In August 2002, Kyung Sun was flying with his grandfather when something went wrong. Witnesses said the small plane took off but never appeared to gain altitude or speed. Before the pilot could land safely, one wing hit the runway. The plane crashed and began to burn. Firefighters pulled Kyung Sun to safety but, sadly, the boy’s grandfather and another passengerwere killed. Kyung Sun lost the majority of his left arm and mobility in his leg as a result of that accident. In addition, more than 33 percent of his body was burned. Kyung Sun wasfirst sent to a burn hospital in Augusta, Ga., then transferred to the Shriners Hospital in Cincinnati for further treatment. After the immediate needs of his burn injuries were met, Kyung Sun was transferred to the Shriners Hospital in Greenville, S.C., for treatmentof his orthopaedic problems. Learning to play again After extensive treatment and therapy for both his burns and orthopaedic needs, Kyung Sun was eager to get back to his usual routine and to play the saxophone again. “Everyone said he should learn to play the trumpet, but he was determined to continue to play the saxophone,” said his mother. As a result of his perseverance, Kyung Sun nowplaysa onehanded saxophone custom-made for him. Ed Skewes, director of the orthotics and prosthetics depart- DETERMINATION AND PERSEVERANCE — Kyung Sun now plays a one-handed saxophone custom-madefor him. ment at the Greenville Hospital, wasjustifiably impressed. “Heis, and will continue to be, a positive role model for all of us,” said Skewes. Kyung Sun has overcome many obstacles and says he has learned a lot from his accident. “Pain is momentary, first of all,” said Kyung Sun. “It’s kind of funny...I learned to be respectful and control my temper. Life is too short not to care.” 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 regardto race, religion or relationship to a Shriner. If you know a child that Shriners can help, call 1-800-2375055 in the United States or 1800-361-7256 in Canada.
