Hospital & Patient Services
https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en
We never realized the scope of what you do and how you impact families until the diagnosis of our grandson while still in the womb. When we learned that his right leg would never form properly and he was diagnosed with fibular hemimelia, we were devastated. The struggle was a long and prayer-filled one for our daughter to have a child and now she had a viable pregnancy, we were informed of the issue. First your heart sinks and then as a parent you want to fix your child’s hurt. Watching our daughter and son-in-law was hard. We knew God was with us and we knew all would be well, but the how and the unknown ways heavy on your heart.
Then came the Shriners. I had Teeny Jones’ number in my phone from business dealings so I reached out. My thought was to get some information and be ready when Ben was born to help our family. What I got was Teeny jumping into action and getting Caitlin and Justin, our daughter and son-in-law in touch with the Shriners hospital and Johnnie Albritton prayer and checking in on us steadily.
Fast forward to today – On January 21, 2025, Ben had his first surgery. As grandparents, we were allowed to be there with our Caitlin and Justin. From the moment we stepped out of the car at 6am and pushed the button at the elevator to speak with someone to the moment we left and the nurse made sure Ben was secure in his car seat, there was nothing but total care for everyone.
I witnessed teamwork between every person associated with the hospital. Every person had a smile. Every person helped the other to accomplish tasks. The floor cleaner pushed the big machine and smiled while he worked. He even asked us if the machine was bothering us. Not one moment at the hospital in Greenville, SC was difficult except the reason we were there.
Our family feels it important that you know how extremely rare it is to experience the total care we received through the Shriners. While we know that Ben will have more visits to come, it will not be as scary. We know it’s a safe place that will care for Ben and our family and do what is best for him.
In the busyness of life, we tend to forget the “why” of why we do things. This is your “why”. You support an organization that turns the turmoil of a family’s uncertainty into the hope for a child’s future. YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
We know that God directed us to you and we pray that he continues to bless you all!
Ben’s Gigi and his entire family
Da’Myilin has been receiving services from Shriners since 2014. He had clubfoot correction surgery (right foot). He was 6 months when he started going. He’s now 10 years old. The doctor (Gibson) was one of the best. I’m very grateful for the doctors and Shriners for all they do for Da’Myilin and I. Everything has been going well and he continues to get seen once a year as long as no other problems occur.
(Mother of Da’Myilin)
Gunner has been seen at Children's Hospital since 2019. We have enjoyed all of our visits and trips with our Roadrunners. We are very thankful and grateful for everything you guys have done for us.
Gina
Shriners Priority - Ben & Others
On April 25th at our Spring Ceremonial, in Farmville, NC our Sudan Mini Rig Parade Unit met Ben and his parents. After a short visit with this “Shriner’s Kid”, Ben, was voted into the membership as an Honorary Member of the Mini Rigs, and presented his baseball cap! This is a story from his parents, Caitlin and Justin and how we changed an entire family’s life!
“On August 17, 2023, during my anatomy ultrasound, we learned that Ben had a right leg anomaly. We were overwhelmed with fear—unsure of what the future would hold or how we would make sure he would receive the care he truly deserved!
Not long after, we met a local Shriner who welcomed us with open arms and guided us to Shriners Children’s in Greenville, SC. Before Ben was born, we met with Dr. Westberry, who reviewed the ultrasound and patiently answered our many questions, bringing us comfort during such an uncertain time.
After Ben was born, he was officially diagnosed with Fibular Hemimelia – a rare congenital condition where part or all of the fibular bone is missing or underdeveloped. Ben’s fibula was significantly shortened, causing his right leg to, be much shorter than his left and preventing his ankle from forming properly.
Following multiple visits to Shriners Children’s for consultations, X-rays, and developing a care plan, we made a difficult but necessary decision to move forward with surgery. At one year old, Ben underwent his first surgery with the amputation of his right leg. We stayed at Shriners for several days, surrounded with compassionate care and support.
About six weeks later, Ben returned for a second procedure to remove the cast rods and staples. The visit marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter being fitted for his first prosthetic leg.
On April 14, 2025, something incredible happened when Ben stood on two feet for the first time in his life. It was one of the most emotional and joyful moments we had ever experienced. With continued therapy, and hard work at home, Ben reached another milestone and took his first independent steps on July 16, 2025!
Today Ben is full of life, running, playing outside, and can even pedal a bicycle! Watching him is something we once feared would never happen. His journey with Shriners will continue with follow-ups and new prosthetics as he grows!
We can never fully express our gratitude to all Shriners everywhere for supporting the care programs at Shriners Children’s! We are beyond blessed and forever thankful for what Shriners has done for our son and family!”
Roadrunner Trip with “Iker” & Sudan Roadrunners
I became a Sudan Roadrunner in 2014. There have been many good experiences I would not trade for anything. We see miracles, develop friendships with others we would never otherwise have met, and we develop relationships with families that are rewarding. On top of that, I believe it is in self-interest and critical to our own well-being to exercise, gratitude, generosity, kindness, and optimism, especially in the later seasons of life.
Recently, Walter Waters and I met in New Bern, drove out to Mt. Olive to pick up Iker and his mother. I had called a few days earlier to arrange this and spoke to Iker’s dad. His mother had quickly passed the phone to her husband who spoke near perfect English. He asked about the cost, and I assured him we would cover it all. We found their mobile homes on a dirt road. We saw our passengers coming out, and after introductions, we loaded up and began the long trip to Shriner’s Children’s, Greenville, SC. Iker is six years old. He told me that he speaks English but that his mother does not. He would be the interpreter. Iker was very happy after Walter gave him one of the Easter baskets that had been donated by the Golden Age Club. We arrived just in time for dinner at the hotel. They came from their room after Walter and I had already started eating in the crowded dining room. After a few minutes, Iker came right over to our table, looked me squarely in the eye and said that he needed my help. He wanted a hot dog, and I half-wondered why he needed help. I thought maybe he couldn’t reach high enough up to get one, as he wasn’t very tall. I found that he couldn’t fix himself a hot dog because he had only one hand. He had been hiding that all day, or maybe I just had not noticed. He smiled widely when I fixed him a hot dog with ketchup on it.
The next morning, we loaded up the van after they were done at the hospital. I noticed that his Easter basket was gone except for a stuffed turtle. Iker told me he was going to give it to his little sister. I don’t hear as well as I once did, but I heard Iker singing softly almost the whole six-hour trip back to Mt. Olive. We arrived about 4:00pm and said our goodbyes and recorded the date for the next appointment. Before we could even leave, Iker came back out and said something to me I couldn’t quite understand about chickens. Walter told me that Iker wanted to know if we like eggs. We told him we did like eggs. He ran off as fast as his little legs could carry him and returned carrying a plastic ice cream bucket, filled with eggs, with his one hand. He had a smile on his face about as big as the bucket. Iker’s mother was standing in the doorway with his little sister, and they too were smiling. Walter and I both knew that they didn’t have much to give, but they wanted to give what they had. Absolutely humbling.
This article was submitted by Nobles Bill Fitzpatrick and Walter Waters.
Transportation to Shriners Children's
Sudan Shriners provides complimentary transportation (with a parent) to Shriners Children's Greenville, South Carolina, Cincinnati, Ohio, Boston, Massachusetts and Philadelphia, PA. We invite both parents of the child to travel on the first visit only, for liability reasons, no other children are accepted, only patient. We have (7) vans available and there are always (2) volunteer Roadrunner drivers. If an overnight stay is necessary, we provide hotel accommodations at no charge. Sudan has a (1) wheelchair ramp vans available for children with wheelchairs.
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If parents would rather drive their own vehicle, we provide a hotel room but the parents must call our office so reservations can be made asap. If anything is damaged or stolen from the hotel you will be charged for it and it will be necessary for you to provide your own room and transportation for future appointments. Families driving is reimbursed for (2) gas receipts with a cap of $150. Mail us the gas receipt from filling up the vehicle when leaving home and then again from filling up at the hospital. Please remember that all the funds we provide are from donations only.
This program requires constant TEAMWORK between the hospital, temple staff, Roadrunner Unit and the parents. Our primary goal is to make sure the children keep their hospital appointments, thereby receiving the necessary treatment they deserve. The Shrine fraternity is comprised of volunteer members who freely give of their time and resources to ensure that the families are transported to and from our hospitals in a safe and efficient manner and this is why it is extremely important that parents take responsibility to call our office if they cannot make the trip.
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The drivers are on a limited time schedule and can only allow 15 minutes to wait at the designated pick-up point before they must move forward. Please make prior arrangements to be picked up after the return trip from the hospital. The van will make periodic stops for meals and travel breaks. There is no smoking, food or beverages allowed on board. If a child needs a car seat please bring it with you or if your child has a wheelchair or needs a gurney, advise us in advance.
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As an option, if parents would prefer to fly, Airlift Hope America is available at (800) 325-8908 and Children’s Flight of Hope at (919) 971-0131. There is no charge for flying but there are a few rules that apply.
Sharon Evans, (Email: sevans@sudanshriners.com) The office hours are Monday – Thursday 8:00am to 4:30pm. Please call (252) 637-5197 if you have any questions. It is our pleasure to provide you and your child / children with these services. The Transportation Program is funded totally by your donations.
History of the Sudan Roadrunners
This unique unit was formed approximately 35 years ago and their purpose was to transport patients to and from eastern North Carolina to Shriner’s Hospitals. The Mission Statement is “To provide safe and courteous transportation for the patients and parents traveling to and from Shriners Hospitals for Children".
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Our first members were dedicated to the point that they used their own vehicles. Then, thanks to the hard work and support of many Shrine clubs and units, our members started donating new vans to the transportation department. The program now have a nice fleet of first class mini and large passenger vans, some equipped with wheelchair lifts to assure patients and their parents have a safe and comfortable trip.
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Sudan Shriners are very proud and fortunate to have the Roadrunners Unit, however it takes many dedicated Nobles working various fundraising activities such as fish frys, dances and other events to help donate to the transportation fund to ensure we can continue doing what we love. After all….it’s all about the KIDS!
