Over the weekend, Shriners Hospital for Children marked a century of medical service with an event that was more than just a simple celebration—it was a testament to the lives changed over the hospital's long history. According to FOX2Now, hundreds of former patients and caretakers gathered for a carnival-themed party commemorating the hospital's 100th anniversary, an event that not only celebrated the past but also highlighted the ongoing legacy of the institution's care.
A highlight of the celebration was the appearance of Edna, a 98-year-old woman who, as a child, was treated at Shriners. Her story is emblematic of the sustained impact this hospital has had. In 1941, Edna faced a challenging condition: born without a femur bone and with a poorly developed foot. Shriners Children's St. Louis provided her with the care to not only just walk, but to dance and live a full life. "Well if it wasn't for Shriners Children’s St. Louis, I wouldn't be getting around as well as I do now," Edna said in a statement through Spectrum Local News.
The Amazing Care Family Affair, a centennial event, not only celebrated the institution’s history but also brought together a community united by shared experiences and successes. Shriners' dedication to pediatric care played a big role in this. Edna’s story, which includes meeting her husband on a dance floor and raising three kids, reflects the many lives touched by the hospital over the past hundred years. This sentiment was clearly felt by everyone at the event.
Reflecting on the journey and noting how different the hospital is now from when she first entered its doors, Edna's connection to the hospital remains unshaken. "A lot has changed," Edna recalled during a recent tour of the facility, as reported by FirstAlert4, But she is firm that the main goal of Shriners—helping kids—is as strong as ever. Her wooden crutches, old but still meaningful, show the long history she and the hospital have had together.
