(TAMPA, Fla.) Olivia Stamps of Batesburg, S.C., and Brendon Wiseley of Tulsa, Okla., have been selected as Shriners Hospitals for Children national patient ambassadors for 2013- 2014. The announcement was made on July 3, 2013, after the premiere of their video, “Walking toward Endless Possibilities” during the Imperial Session of Shriners International in Indianapolis.
Every year, Shriners Hospitals for Children® chooses two national patient ambassadors to represent the thousands of children who receive care at the health care system every year. The Ambassadors share their stories to inspire others and raise awareness of Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Meet Olivia
Olivia has cerebral palsy, which affects her mobility. She was originally diagnosed at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Chicago, but since moving to South Carolina, she has been cared for by the Shriners Hospital in Greenville, S.C.
Olivia has benefited from Shriners Hospitals’ expertise in treating the orthopaedic effects of cerebral palsy and in movement analysis. In the movement analysis laboratories, available at 12 Shriners Hospitals facilities, high-speed cameras, reflective markers, force platforms and muscle sensors combine to record and measure how a child with a mobility impairment is moving. A team of medical professionals can then determine the best treatment plan to help the child improve.
After reviewing the data from Olivia’s analysis, her team recommended surgery to lengthen her heel cords and hamstrings. After surgery at age 6 and rehabilitative therapy, Olivia, now 10, has a perfect walking gait and can run, dance, jump on a trampoline, ride a bicycle and keep up with her peers.
Brendon is Back on the Track
Brendon loves to race. In fact, he was on the track in a micro junior car when he was 5, and is a track favorite in his hometown of Tulsa, Okla.
His ability to participate in the sport he loves nearly came to a quick end when he was 7 years old, and was injured in an accident involving a lawn mower. Although he lost a leg, the expertise of the prosthetics staff at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Shreveport and the health care system’s commitment to personalized attention and care combined to get Brendon back on track. Brendon is able to race again – the only difference – now he passes his helmet to collect donations for Shriners Hospitals.
The stories of Olivia and Brendon are representative of the successes that can be found throughout the 22-facility Shriners Hospitals for Children health care system. We applaud their achievements, and those of all the patients they represent in their roles as National Patient Ambassadors. Shriners Hospitals for Children is pleased to have been able to help them on their journey toward life’s endless possibilities.
Watch Olivia’s story and Brendon’s story on our YouTube channel.
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. Learn more at 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.
Original Story
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