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Shriners Hospitals for Children® is a health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. Children up to age 18 with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients’ ability to pay.

Watch a video about Shriners Hospitals for Children - click here http://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/Hospitals/Locations/Philadelphia/HearFromFamilies.aspx

http://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/

Occupational Therapists Help Kids Do What They Love

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

 

Occupational Therapist Justine Caramanna and Ben, a patient at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Philadelphia.

Contributed by Justine Caramanna, MS, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist

Kids will be kids. This expression has deep meaning. Our universal understanding is that children have a natural joy and curiosity. They spontaneously delve into life, have fun, and maybe cause a bit of mischief. But what happens when a child faces challenges that alter the ability to participate in the same activities as his or her peers? As an occupational therapist (OT), I have the honorable charge of helping people participate to their fullest, in meaningful occupations. At Shriners Hospitals for Children® — Philadelphia, this means I spend every day helping kids do all the things kids are supposed to do.

I first determine the goals of a patient with the family. Is it difficult to brush teeth, take notes in class, build block towers, or ride a bike with friends? I then analyze the activity to determine what challenges the child is facing and what strengths will help overcome those challenges. Finally, I use my knowledge, skills, and creative problem solving to design an intervention. An electric toothbrush can make brushing teeth easier, and decorating it with stickers will make it special and increase motivation! Putty exercises could help build hand strength for taking notes, and we will substitute cookie dough one day to make it extra fun. Block towers can be built using feet to lift blocks, and we will practice reaching with our legs by popping lots of bubbles! A custom handle bar attachment can be made for the child having difficulty holding onto his or her bicycle, and it will be exciting to ride around the hospital hallways and see how it works!

OTs are known for having lots of special gadgets, gizmos, and strategies for participating in activities. We are happy to use our creativity to work with families and develop personalized approaches and tools. I look forward to working with my patients each day. Children and adolescents are amazingly adaptable and resilient, in addition to being my patients; they have been my best teachers. I am reminded this month in particular, how lucky I am to work in this rewarding profession and with the wonderful team at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Philadelphia.

Happy Occupational Therapy Month! Honor the occupational therapist in your life by participating in your meaningful occupations. In other words, get out there and do what you love!

About Shriners Hospitals for Children
Shriners Hospitals for Children is changing lives every day through innovative pediatric specialty care, world-class research and outstanding medical education. Our 22 facilities, located in the United States, Canada and Mexico, provide advanced care for children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate. For more information, visit www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org.

To learn more about the Philadelphia hospital's programs and services, visit www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/philadelphia.

 

Shriners Hospitals for Children Introduces 2012-2013 Patient Ambassadors

Friday, July 6, 2012

(l-r) Jérémy Gabriel and Hunter Woodall

Hunter Woodhall from Syracuse, Utah, and Jérémy Gabriel from Quebec City, Canada, have been selected as the health care system’s patient ambassadors for 2012-2013. The announcement was made on July, 4, 2012, after the premiere of their video: “Two Worlds Apart – One Place of Hope” during the Imperial Session of Shriners International (National Convention) in Charlotte, N.C.

Every year, Shriners Hospitals for Children® chooses two patient ambassadors to represent the thousands of children who receive care at the health care system’s 22 facilities annually, regardless of their ability to pay. The Ambassadors will share their stories to inspire others and raise awareness of Shriners Hospitals for Children. Meet Hunter Woodhall and Jérémy Gabriel, the Athlete and the Artist.

About Shriners Hospitals for Children
Shriners Hospitals for Children is changing lives every day through innovative pediatric specialty care, world-class research and outstanding medical education. The 22 facilities in the United States, Canada and Mexico provide advanced care for children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate. For more information, visit www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org.

Shriners Hospitals for Children is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and relies on the generosity of donors. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.

INFORMATION FOR PATIENT REFERRALS

LINKS TO FURTHER INFORMATION FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS

PARENTS AND GUARDIANS, CLICK HERE FOR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: http://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/Hospitals/FAQs.aspx

PARENTS AND GUARDIANS, CLICK HERE FOR INFO ON: http://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/Hospitals/FAQs/OutpatientVisits/BringToFirstAppointment.aspx

PARENTS AND GUARDIANS, CLICK HERE FOR INFO ON: http://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/Hospitals/FAQs/GeneralInformation/GetInvolvedChildsHealthcare.aspx

PARENTS AND GUARDIANS, CLICK HERE FOR PLANNING YOUR VISIT TO THE PHILADELPHIA SHRINERS HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN: http://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/Hospitals/Locations/Philadelphia/PlanYourVisit.aspx

PARENTS AND GUARDIANS, CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS TO THE PHILADELPHIA SHRINERS HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN: http://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/Hospitals/Locations/Philadelphia/Directions.aspx

PARENTS AND GUARDIANS:  PATIENTS WHO RESIDE IN ADAMS, CUMBERLAND, DAUPHIN, FRANKLIN, HERSHEY, LEBANON, JUNIATA, PERRY, YORK AND THE WESTERN HALF OF LANCASTER WILL BE SPONSORED BY ZEMBO SHRINE. IF YOU ARE A PATIENT THAT RESIDES IN ANOTHER AREA, YOU WILL BE REFERRED TO ANOTHER SHRINE.  FOR THOSE SHRINERS HOSPITAL PATIENTS WHO ARE IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE WITH TRANSPORTATION TO THEIR APPOINTMENTS AT THE PHILADELPHIA HOSPITAL, PLEASE WRITE TO  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  OR CALL OUR BUSINESS OFFICE AT 717-238-8107.  A COMPLETE LISTING OF OUR TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM'S POLICIES/PROCEDURES AND INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO APPLY TO THIS PROGRAM CAN BE EMAILED OR MAILED TO A PARENT OR GUARDIAN UPON REQUEST.  ALL ASSISTANCE REQUESTS MUST BE PRE-APPROVED BY THE ZEMBO BUSINESS OFFICE AT LEAST TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE PATIENT'S APPOINTMENT.

Hospitals Listed by Specialty

For your general information- depending on the medical situation, most Zembo patients are usually referred to: Philadelphia for Orthopedic & Spinal Cord Injury Issues; Cincinnati and Boston for Burn Care; Chicago for Cleft Palate; Erie or Montreal for Osteogensis Imperfecta. 

HOSPITAL NEWS

CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW FOR  PRESS RELEASES:

Patients Break Ground on New Hospital in St. Louis  http://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/Press/PatientsBreakGround.aspx 

 Shriners Hospitals - Twin Cities Joins Mayo Clinic Care Network http://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/Press/Mayo_Clinic_Care_Network.aspx

Researchers Discover Cause of Debilitating Bone Disease at Montreal Shriners http://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/Press/Research_Discovery_For_MDMHB.aspx

Shriners Hospitals for Children Launches National Campaign: Love to the rescue http://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/Press/Love_to_the_rescue_campaign_launch.aspx 

Hospital Announces New Medical Staff Appointments http://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/Hospitals/Locations/Philadelphia/Press/NewMedicalLeadership.aspx 

Shriners Hospitals for Children Has Strong Presence at 2012 ABA Meeting http://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/Press/AmericanBurnAssocMeeting.aspx

 DONATIONS and FUNDRAISERS 

  Ways to Give 

Your gift makes a difference. Shriners Hospitals for Children® is a health care system providing expert pediatric specialty care to thousands of kids each year. As a nonprofit organization, Shriners Hospitals for Children® relies on the generosity of our donors to carry out our mission and change the lives of children every day. There are many ways to support our mission. 

One-Time and Recurring Cash Donations  Your unrestricted cash donations have the greatest impact on every child we treat. 

Corporate Giving and Fundraisers  Facilitating a corporate gift, workplace giving program, or special event fundraiser can lend valuable support to our hospital. 

Personal Fundraising Online Program  Supporters of Shriners Hospitals for Children® share their stories and raise funds online through the Hearts of Giving personal fundraising program. To learn more about setting up a personal fundraising page, please visit: www.donate2shc.org/personalfundraising 

To find out how your gift can have the greatest impact, please call our director of development, Terry Diamond at 215.430.4055, or e-mail her at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Service Projects

Some groups like to be involved in a community service project and we appreciate the generous support. If a scout troop or class wants to become involved in a service project, we can suggest the following: 

Craft Supply Kits  Select a craft and make a basket filled with all supplies necessary to complete the project. These special baskets will give children the tools they need to complete their own craft project. 

Waiting Room Fun Bags  Fill a bag with fun things patients can do while waiting to see the doctor. Separate bags can be made for young children and teens. All bags should be generic enough to be used by either a boy or girl. Crayons, markers, colored pencils, crossword puzzle books, paper and coloring books and teen/ sport magazines are among theitems you may wish to use to fi ll the bags. 

Tabs  Those pesky little tabs on every beverage can,what to do with them? Here’s the answer, save them and donate them to Shriners Hospitals for Children®. The money collected is used for the many patient needs, which include the cost for surgeries, medical supplies, medical equipment, and more. 

Stationery Kits  Create a kit for parents and patients that includes all the supplies that will help them keep in touch with family and friends. Kits should include: stationary, envelopes, stamps, pens, stickers and other items to enhance their message. Pens with different colors of ink are a fun addition. 

Toy Drives  As a club project, you may wish to collect new magazines, games, playing cards, books (Spanish & English) and other toys. Or, host a Teen Rec drive with the focus on collecting items of interest for our older patients (14-21 years). 

Patient Gift Guide

We realize that it is important to incorporate playtime for children in the hospital. The child life specialists carefully select toys and games best suited for each child.  For the safety of our patients, strict infection control policies are followed. We accept only new items.  If you have any questions about these donations, please contact Mary Ann at 215.430.4198 or via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   

All Ages• Acrylic paint by number sets• Disposable cameras• Scrapbooking materials• Books or CD’s in Spanish• “I Spy” books• DVD's (First run, G, PG, and PG-13 rated)• Batteries (AAA, C and, D)• Uno, Skip Bo, Yahtzee, Connect 4, Sequence and other games ages 8 and up• Small photo albums• iTunes gift cards• Walmart/ Target gift cards (small denominations)• McDonald’s gift cards• Portable personal DVD players 

Teenage (11 years to 18 years)• Board games: Master mind, Risk, Othello• Teen movies: PG & PG13• Teen music & country music• Teen magazines & books• Hand-held electronic games• Nerf balls• MP3 players - Any brand• Ear bud headphones• Wristwatches• Baseball caps & T-shirts with professional/college logos (adult size L, XL, XXL)• Car model with paints and glue sets 

Other Donations 

Checks are accepted for the following:• Donations for our car seat fund. 

Donations for our “families in need fund”:• Bus tokens for transportation to Shriners Hospitals for Children® for treatment.• Meal passes while staying at Shriners Hospitals for Children®Checks made payable to: Shriners Hospitals for Children® - Philadelphia, with specific fund noted in the memo. 

Items NotNeeded  Due to the generosity of several donor groups and toy drives, this holiday season we have an ample supply of the following items: • Toddler and preschool toys• Knitted slippers/bed socks• Infant bibs• Pre-op dolls• Large blankets & afghans• Match box cars• Used toys or stuffed animals• VHS tapes• Beanie babies• Stuffed animals 

Other helpful information:• Toys and games that can be used in a wheelchair or bed are preferred for our patients who have limited physical mobility.• Games and books that depict violence and toy weapons are not accepted. Sharp, glass or breakable items are not accepted.• Gift bags are helpful but you do not need to wrap toys.• R rated movies are not accepted.• Patient privacy regulations (HIPAA) prevent us from allowing donors to personally distribute toys to the children. 

About Shriners Hospitals for Children®Shriners Hospitals for Children® is an international health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research and outstanding teaching programs. Children up to age 18 with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care and receive allservices in a family–centered environment, regardless of the patients’ ability to pay. Shriners Hospitals for Children® - Philadelphia is a 59 - bed hospital specializing in providing pediatric specialty care to kids with orthopaedic conditions and spinal cord injuries.

 LOCAL CONNECTIONS AND EVENTS

Zembo Shriners think that this park is an awesome addition to our Central PA community! 

Adventure Park is located at 1775 Lambs Gap Road in Hampden & Silver Spring Townships. It includes Adventure Zone Playground, the New Fitness Trail, Volleyball Courts, Snow-Tubing Hills and more. The entire park is an accessible playground that allows all children, regardless of their ability, to play side by side. It is the result of hundreds of individuals and businesses partnering together for a better community. Come out and experience Adventure Park for yourself. You and your kids will have a blast!  http://www.AdventureParkandPlayground.com

Sun December 8th, 2013                  2013 Annual Children’s Christmas Party

1-3pm in the Zembo Auditorium

See Santa*, Entertainment, Food.  FREE admission & parking.  Open to children 12 yrs and younger. RSVP not needed.  Kids are encouraged to bring a gift for a child at the hospital.** All donated gifts are delivered to the children at the Philadelphia Shriners Hospital in time for the holiday. This event is sponsored by the Zembo Shriners and other local organizations. *Photos with Santa limited to children 10 yrs and younger. We cannot guarantee that all children will receive a photo. Please arrive and register early.**For a list of suggested gifts and requirements - email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Penns Woods Painters Treasure Boxes

Pop Tops Collection Program

October 25, 2011 - “Today, we have a new milestone for the tab program donations: $50, 563.00!!    Over the last few years, many Shriners, Patients, Families, Employees and Friends have brought in buckets and bags of tabs.   Thanks for collecting tabs!” - Stephanie Byrwa, Public Relations Specialist at Shriners Hospitals for Children®— Philadelphia 

You can drop off your can tabs (no cans please) at the Zembo Business Office during office hours.  Please have them in a sealed ziplock bag or container.  The collection box is located on the counter to your right as you enter our office or inside the 3rd street entry.  Our Transportation Drivers and Zembo Hospital Representative deliver the tabs on a monthly basis to the Philly hospital.  Thanks for your continued support of this program!

Collect Campbells Labels and Benefit Shriners Hospitals

Dave Varnicle Shepherds Unit Article    Link to related Newspaper Article

Use goodsearch.com and each search will benefit Shriners Hospitals. Click to learn more.

Who are the Shriners? For more information click on the links below...

Short History of Shriners International

http://zembo.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=23&Itemid=42 

PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ACCESS THE OFFICIAL SHRINERS INTERNATIONAL WEBSITE

http://www.shrinersinternational.org/

LINKS TO OTHER ORGANIZATIONS**

LINKS WILL OPEN A NEW WEB PAGE **The following agencies are not affiliated with or endorsed by Shriners International, the Shriners Hospitals for Children or Zembo Shrine. This information is provided as a public service only.**

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Ronald McDonald House

Ronald McDonald House located at 100 East Erie Ave, Philadelphia PA 19134.  This facility is located near our Philadelphia Shriners Hospital.  Parents and Guardians can arrange overnight lodging through their Nurse Care Coordinator in the event that their child has an overnight stay for surgery.  Contact your Nurse Care Coordinator to make your arrangements prior to the date of the surgery.  To access the official RMH website click on www.philarmh.org

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What is CHIP?

CHIP is short for the Children's Health Insurance Program - Pennsylvania's program to provide health insurance to all uninsured children and teens who are not eligible for or enrolled in Medical Assistance. There are a lot of reasons kids might not have health insurance - maybe their parents lost a job, don't have health insurance at work or maybe it just costs too much. Whatever the reason, CHIP may be able to help. All families need to do is apply.  Cover All Kids is the initiative that lead to the expansion of the CHIP program. Now, no family makes too much money for CHIP. It's the same great program, now available to all families.   Parents may think their kids can't get CHIP because they make too much money. Not true! CHIP has expanded to cover all uninsured kids and teens up to age 19 who are not eligible for Medical Assistance. No family makes too much money for CHIP because there is no income limit.  All families need to to is apply today.To access the official CHIP website for applications and further information go to www.chipcoverspakids.com 

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Capital Area Children’s Center

Located at 44 South 38^thStreet, Camp Hill Pa 17011.  This center has a “Lending Library” for physically challenged children.  Equipment can be “borrowed” from them and returned when the child no longer requires it or grows out of it.  Call 717-975-0611 to inquire about this program.

Q: Does the Borough Office have medical equipment for loan? A: Yes. The Medical Equipment Loan Program was originally established by the Camp Hill Borough Woman’s Club, Civic Club and Junior Civic Club. The program offers wheelchairs, walkers, shower seats, crutches and canes for loan up to sixty days, cost-free to Borough residents. Interested parties should call the Borough Office (717) 737-3456 to inquire about the availability of a piece of equipment.

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Capital Area Intermediate Unit

Capital Area Intermediate Unit sponsors a no charge pediatric needs conference each year.  Topics at the 2010 conference covered things like Pediatric Home Care, Estate planning, Autism Resources, Social Security / Disability, Epilepsy Resources, Cerebral Palsy resources, etc.  They also run several other programs for special needs children.  Go to their website at www.caiu.org

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Easter Seals Central Pennsylvania

Easter Seals Central Pennsylvania provides services to more than 3,000 adults and children with physical disabilities and developmental delays, including individuals affected by conditions like autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, spina bifida and traumatic brain injury (TBI).  To access the official Easter Seals website, go to www.easterseals.com

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United Way of SouthCentral PA

Our Mission:  To improve people’s lives by mobilizing the caring power of donors, volunteers and communities.  Bringing Lasting, Positive Change to Our Region – That’s United Way.  United Way targets its strategies at those critical passages in people’s lives that determine what the future will hold for them as individuals and for their families and communities. This approach maximizes United Way’s effectiveness, because it allows us to improve lives not just in the short term, and not just on the surface, but in a lasting and meaningful way that benefits the entire region.   United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania is focused on:  Preparing Children to Succeed in School and in Lifeby readying more young children for kindergarten and bringing older children and youth at risk for school failure back on track for high school graduation.   Building Financial Stability and Independence for Familiesby connecting out-of-school youth with alternative pathways to success, and by increasing the power of working families to earn higher wages and to save for a better future.   Keeping Seniors Healthy and Safe at Home by expanding access to the supports they need. The United Way also supports programs for special needs children and adults.To access the official United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania website for further information go to www.uwsepa.org ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

United Cerebral Palsy of Pennsylvania

United Cerebral Palsy of Pennsylvania is committed to advocating for the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities.  Established in 1952, UCP of Pennsylvania was established by a group of dedicated volunteers and professionals who felt strongly about advocating and creating opportunities for persons with disabilities.  In over 50 years of service, names and faces have changed, but the core mission and values of the Pennsylvania Board of Directors remain relatively unchanged. Advocating for the independence, productivity and full participation of people with disabilities means that UCP of Pennsylvania is active in presenting concerns of the disability community and working with Commonwealth Departments of Public Welfare, Office of Mental Retardation and Office of Social Program staff to craft programming and legislation that is beneficial and inclusive for all Pennsylvanians.To access the official United Cerebral Palsy of Pennsylvania website for further information go to www.ucp.org

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PA Department of Public Welfare

You can apply for and renew your benefits from the comfort of your home using COMPASS, the online resource for cash assistance, Food Stamps, help with child care, health care coverage, home heating assistance (LIHEAP), school meals, SelectPlan for Women and long-term living services. You can also find help and information at your local County Assistance Office.To access the official PA Department of Public Welfare website for further information go to www.dpw.state.pa.us

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Pennsylvania Association for the Blind

The Pennsylvania Association for the Blind “PAB” was founded in 1910. We were the nation’s first statewide nonprofit membership agency providing services to persons with vision impairment. Our central office is located in Enola, Pennsylvania. I believe that our success as an organization comes from our ability to focus on our core strength: providing services that enable blind and visually impaired people acquire the skills necessary to live independent and full lives. To access the official Pennsylvania Association for the Blind website for further information go to www.pablind.org

The Blindness Resource Center may help as well.... http://www.qualityansweringservice.com/resources/blindness-resource-center 

NEW!! kindly submitted by the students at NYU-    https://files.nyu.edu/am4457/public/Guide-for-the-Blind.htm 

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Autism resources

Autism Response Team – ART responds to family inquires and requests at 1-888-AUTISM2(288-4762) or write to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

for more information also check out:

  www.autismspeaks.org; www.autismharrisburg.org;  www.pennstatehershey.org/sites/autismcentralpa ; www.dpw.state.pa.us/ServicesPrograms ; or the Dauphin and Lebanon County Parent Support Group – Call Patty Deutsch at 717-533-9505 for information.

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Parent and Caregiver Support Resources

www.thefamilycaregiver.org ; www.nofec.org ; www.caregiving.org ; www.caregiver.org ; www.patientadvocate.org ; www.medicarerights.org ; www.nahhh.org ; www.lotsahelpinghands.com www.angelflightamerica.org ; www.patienttravel.org ; www.aircareall.org ; www.philarmh.org ; ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Pediatric Cancer and Organ Transplant Resources

www.cancer.org ; www.kidscancernetwork.org ; www.nccf.org ; www.starbright.org ; www.lls.org ; www.leukemia-research.org ; www.transplants.org ; www.transplantfund.org ; www.cota.org ; www.giftoflife.org ;

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Spine Conditions and Spinal Cord Injury Resources

Neurotrauma Registry: www.neure.com  A registry designed to provide an inclusive resource list for those with acquired brain injury, spinal cord injury or other complex neurotrauma.  Paralysis Resource Center: www.paralysis.org  The Dana and Christopher Reeve Paralysis Resource Center is a program created by the Christopher Reeve Foundation to provide a comprehensive, national source of information for people living with paralysis and their caregivers to promote health, foster involvement in the community and improve quality of life.  United Spinal Association: www.unitedspinal.org  The United Spinal Association is committed to enhancing the lives of individuals with spinal cord disabilities through various activities, including promoting research, education and advocacy.Kids, teens, and parents- The Halo Club: www.cervicalfusionfamilynetwork.org

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Pennsylvania Dental Association Website: A Great Resource for Pennsylvania Residents

Need to find a Pennsylvania Dental Association (PDA) member dentist in your area? Are you a senior citizen living in Pennsylvania looking for reduced-fee dental care? Are you looking for information on oral health topics such as brushing and flossing, fluoride or baby bottle tooth decay? Look no further! PDA’s website, www.padental.org, is an excellent resource, providing patients this type of information and much more in a user-friendly format. A vast number of helpful resources for patients and the public alike can be found by hovering over the “Patients” tab found on the left-hand side of PDA’s homepage or by using the specific web addresses cited below.  To find a PDA member dentist in your area via PDA’s website, go to www.padental.org/findadentist. Are you looking for a free or reduced-fee dental clinic in your area? Go to www.padental.org/clinicdirectory. This online directory is searchable by county and contains detailed information on free or reduced-fee dental clinics, such as location and contact information, hours of operation, services provided, patient eligibility criteria, fees and area(s) served.  To view informative articles on other dental care topics, go to www.padental.org/patientinformation.

 Camp Victory

Located at 58 Camp Victory Rd, Millville, PA 17846    In 1987, as the first step in developing a camp facility designed for children with debilitating, life-long health problems, 35 acres of the Wolff family farm was designated 'Camp Victory'. 

Today the campsite comprises 120 acres of easy terrain, both wooded and open. Twelve cabins accommodate up to 190 children.   Facilities also include two large, adjoining ponds for boating and fishing, a swimming pool, a ropes course with climbing wall, a volleyball court, two open-air pavilions, one screened pavilion, an open-air chapel, an outdoor stage, playing fields, quiet walking paths, a tree-shaded tent-camping site and a welcome center. The dining/recreation hall has two wings, enabling two partner groups sharing the same time span to have their own separate eating and indoor entertainment space.   Most important for the children is the "Med Shed." In effect it's a mini-hospital, a spacious, appropriately equipped center designed to handle, under professional supervision, the children's daily medical needs.  We continue to add such modifications and facilities as may prove desirable.  Some of the specialized camps scheduled are:  Camp Ability (Family Camp w/ Special Needs), Camp Chameleon (Epilepsy Camp), Camp Courage (Bereavement), Camp Cranium, Camp Dost (Cancer), Camp ECHO (Heart Disease), Camp Emerge (Autism/family camp), Camp ENERGY (weight management), Camp HERO (Deaf & Hard of Hearing), Camp Horizon (Skin Disorders), Camp JRA (Arthritis), Camp Kydnie (Kidney Disease), Camp Little Brave Hearts (Bereavement-ages 4 - 7), Camp Setebaid at Camp Victory (Diabetes), Camp Spifida (Spina Bifida), Camp Spifida Retreat (18+ year olds/Spina Bifida), Harrisburg Diabetic Youth Camp, Little People of America (Dwarfs), PPFFA Burn Camp (PA Prof Firefighters Assoc.)Contact Jamie Huntley, Director  at (570) 458-6530OR  Go to www. campvictory.org for more information.

Grottoes of North America Support Cleft Lip and Palate Patients

Grottoes of North America

Shriners Hospitals for Children is partnering with the Humanitarian Foundation of the Grottoes of North America, a Masonic-affiliated fraternal organization, to provide its cleft lip and palate patientswith financial assistance for routine dental care.  “We are pleased to join together as two Masonic philanthropies for the common goal of helping children with cleft lip and palate,” said Ralph Semb, president and CEO of Shriners Hospitals for Children. “This partnership will help us ensure that the dental care needs of our patients are taken care of between their visits to our hospitals. We are very appreciative of the Grottoes’ assistance.”  Grottoes of North America includes more than 15,000 members; approximately 70 percent are also members of Shriners International. The organization began its dental program for children with special needs in 1970. The program’s goal is to provide the funds needed to improve the dental health of special needs children, who are often excluded from normal childhood dental care. Any child under age 18 with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, mental retardation or organ transplant is eligible for their services.   “We’re excited about expanding our dental program to include the cleft lip and palate patients at Shriners Hospitals for Children,” said Alan Betker, chairman of the Humanitarian Foundation of the Grottoes of North America. Staff at a number of Shriners Hospitals for Children have referred special needs patients to the Grottoes of North America for years. The care coordinators at Shriners Hospitals for Children will help families who may benefit from the Grottoes’ dental program. They will consult with the patient’s treatment team about the dental needs of the child, and the dentist or surgeon on the team will let the care coordinator know what surgeries may be necessary, and what dental care will be needed to help ensure the best surgical outcomes.   For more information, please contact Jane Valentine, corporate director of nursing at Shriners Hospitals for Children, at (813) 281-7171 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .