Shriners may close 6 hospitals

[angel]

I heard on the news last night that at the Shriner's convention in July they may vote to close 6 of their 22 hospitals. The one in Erie PA is on that list and that is also where my child recieves excellent care. It said there are 4 options, however they didn't elaborate on the other 3. It is because of the economy and the fact that they are loosing so much money.
I have no idea what the other 5 hospital locations are but this is a tragedy! They give such wonderful care to so many children with spina bifida. I am starting my letters right now to each and every board memeber. I will also be writing our congressmen and also a letter to president Obama. I don't know if it will do any good but I have to do something. They have been so important for decades in the effort to help those with SB that i feel i have to try something.
Just wanted to pass along the news.

Angel

[Cru Jones]

This is an absolute tragedy. The freedoms I enjoy today are because of the generous support and excellent care I received from Shriners as a child. This breaks my heart. I donate as much as I can, I hyperlink to Shriners donations page on my MySpace and Facebook pages, etc. I know there are some celebrities that support Shriners (Country Music Singer Brad Paisley is a Shriner). I wonder what the chances are of getting through to them to see if there is anything they can do.

[angel]

I know there are petitions going for this hospital. We are fighting like mad to keep it open. It all comes down to money. The endowment fund took a big hit when the economy tanked or at least that is how I understand it.
I didn't go to shriners (although i think i would have been better off if i had) but my son who has SBO does go to shriners and the care is top of the line!!! I just can't imagine having to find other doctors and go to a hospital where you are just a number. EVERYONE at shriners knows him, knows his name, what school he goes to, everything about him. He is treated more like family than a patient and the medical care. They have done so much for him I can't even begin to go into it all.
I do a lot of volunteer work there. I facilitate a support group for parents who's children have SB. I have SB myleo and have been on both sides. I grew up with it and now my child is growing up with it.
It just breaks my hart to think of all the kids who's lives will absolutly suffer because of this. Unless you have been affiliated with them it is so hard to understand just how good they are!

Angel

[LisaJoy]

This story ran in the Nashville paper just yesterday, so it seems to be slow getting out there. There's a need for massive publicity on this!