An Incredible Organization

It's hard to put into words how grateful Tim and I are for the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Our journey started with the organization a little over a year ago and continues on today. For those of you who don't know, Grant was born with a large nevus (basically a big mole) on his scalp. He wasn't more than 10 minutes old and the NICU team was telling us that we'd need to have it removed due to the size and risk of melanoma. Long story short... we went to a dermatologist who recommended the same, went to a plastic surgeon who scheduled the surgery, and insurance denied us saying it was "cosmetic". So, we were quickly onto Plan B...which has been an absolute blessing for Grant!

My grandfather has been a long time member of the Shriners in Baltimore and has been deeply involved in their philanthropy - the network of amazing hospitals for children across the country. The hospitals specialize in care for children with burns, spinal cord injuries, orthopaedic defects and injuries, and cleft lip/palate. The hospital in Cincinnati also specializes in birth marks, which includes nevi. The most amazing part is that care is offered to children at no cost due to the private donations the organization receives. When my grandfather suggested reaching out to them to see if Grant would qualify for care I felt guilty thinking his nevus was no where near what the other children were facing at these hospitals and we shouldn't be eligible. He encouraged us to apply for care and Grant was approved! We were floored and felt (and still feel) so incredibly grateful. Having a healthy child is an enormous blessing and something that no parent should ever take for granted.

Grant had his procedure done in March this year and the experience was incredible and humbling. It was so difficult to see him in pain and confused as to what was happening (I still am a little traumatized by it), but everyone that came into contact with Grant during the stay was thoughtful, patient, and unbelievably caring toward him. The skin graft on his scalp has healed completely, but will never grow hair. Dr. Kitzmiller offered to do scar revision for Grant, which will happen in a couple years, that will make the originally surgery nearly undetectable and give Grant a full head of hair again.

I wanted to share the story after a follow up visit to see Grant's surgeon this week in Cincinnati because I am completely amazed again and again at the generosity that this organization offers to it's patients. Thank you to the Shriners and their donors!