Shriners Hospital Tampa

Jim at the entry to the Shriners Hospital

A visit to the Shriners Hospital in Tampa is a testament to what can be accomplished when a group of people decide to address a need by taking on whatever work it requires to raise the necessary money and educate others as well to embrace their worthy cause.  Today we saw first hand what saving soda tabs can accomplish viewing a room where custom wheelchairs are made for children.

Entry Greeters

Adorable wall paintings everywhere.

The Shriners raise money to fund 22 hospitals across the country treating (at no charge to their families) children in need of orthopedic or burn care.  These children because of their financial condition would otherwise not be able to avail themselves of the needed care.  Hearing the testimony of a person assisted as a child who now walks because of receiving care at a Shriners Hospital, it is nearly impossible to hold back sympathetic tears of gratitude of your own along with theirs.

Aquarium found in the main lobby.

A play room on the lower level.

The hospitals are made to appear child friendly rather than sterile institutions of frightening proportions.  From small furniture made to fit little ones to wall paintings of cartoon friends, the children are surrounded by color and the warmth of people dedicated to their care.  Each child receives a toy and a blanket to call their own for their journey through the hospital to home again.  Even arrangements for parents to sleep, launder clothing, eat and relax are provided in a "Ronald McDonald Home" styled wing of the hospital for those staying for longer periods of time.

Brace worn outside the body to straighten a limb.

Photos of X-rays to demonstrate to children what they show inside their subjects.

An x-ray machine with "Tiger" and other characters painted on the wall.

Research and the latest medical techniques are carried on side by side in addition to facilitating the training of new doctors.  Volunteers are welcomed throughout the hospital.  This awe inspiring place is worthy of whatever contribution any of us can provide and I hope to be a volunteer there in the near future.

One amazing thing we saw at the hospital was a framed 24,000 piece jigsaw puzzle a quadriplegic patient put together over a period of eight months using only his mouth and the partial use of the palm of one hand.  The whole picture is about 6 feet by 12 feet.  The hardest part for Daniel to complete were the fish, coral and hidden city (lower right.)

Entire view of the 24,000 piece puzzle.

Detail of a portion of the puzzle.

The room where custom wheel chairs are configured.