“Your child has a slight cleft” the doctor said to
me with a look of comfort and assurance.
In a very frightened voice I asked, “What’s a cleft? Is
he going to be ok?” Once the doctor put Connor on my chest my eyes honed in on this
adorably cute, perfectly round and deep dimple on Connor’s left cheek. From that point
forward the focus shifted from the adorably cute dimple to the cleft lip, cleft palate, cleft
esophagus, and cleft gumline.
Connor, our family, and the millions of other
families are so lucky to have an organization to
heal our children from birth through adolescent
life. We chose Shriners Hospitals for Children - Chicago over the two most prestigious
children’s hospitals in the midwest because of
the cleft clinic and Mary O’Gara. The clinic in
Chicago is a place that empowers my family.
You walk into a hospital that is filled with child
sized chairs and ottomans, kids artwork and
friendly faces. You will even find an indoor basketball court and
soccer net. Pianos, pin ball machines, video games, and TVs with
DVDs are lined up around the edge of the court. The outside
playground is comparable to something you would see on TV.
Simply amazing.
Going to Shriners every 6 months is a reminder to
all of us about how to be selfless, how to turn challenges into
opportunities, and how to love unconditionally. There is NO other
organization that I have ever been a part of that offers those three
lessons in a genuine, natural, child and family centered
environment in addition to providing excellent medical treatment.
Shriners are inclusive to all, accepting of everyone, and together,
make an unique fraternity that accepts and heals any child who
needs it regardless of race, ethnicity or financial circumstances.
I was raised in Sycamore and have always been so proud to be
part of this community. It is a wonderful place to live and raise
children. With the help of my family, friends and community we
have had three successful Shriners Scramble golf tournaments.
To date we have donated $56,500. We welcome golfers,
non-golfers, dinner only guests, donations and prizes to be
used for our raffles & auctions. From, Kelly & Connor
Provide the highest quality care to children with neuromusculoskeletal conditions, burn injuries and certain other special health care needs within a compassionate, family-centered and collaborative care environment.
Provide for the education of physicians and other health care professionals.
Conduct research that improves the quality of life of children and families.
This mission is carried out without cost to the patient or family and without regard to financial need or relationship to a Shriner.
Going to Shriners every 6 months is a reminder to
all of us about how to be selfless, how to turn challenges into
opportunities, and how to love unconditionally. There is NO other
organization that I have ever been a part of that offers those three
lessons in a genuine, natural, child and family centered
