Shriners International is a fraternity based on fun, fellowship and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief and truth with nearly 200 Shrine Centers in several countries and thousands of clubs around the world. Our fraternity is open to men of integrity from all walks of life. Shriners support the Shriners Hospitals for Children®, a health system of 22 locations to help children with pediatric problems, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, pediatric burns and cleft lip up to age 18 regardless of the family’s ability to pay.
2019-2020 Imperial Potentate Jeffrey L. Sowder and First Lady Cheryl Sowder
Imperial Sir Jeff Sowder
2019-2020 National Patient Ambassadors
This is My Moment tells the stories of Madelyn and Cristian, Shriners Hospitals for Children 2019-2020 national patient ambassadors. When Madelyn, 19, was born, doctors told her family she was beautiful, healthy, tiny — and born without her left arm. Her journey with Shriners Hospitals for Children – St. Louis began when she was just 3 months old. During her childhood, she used prosthetics, mainly for balance, and occupational therapy at the hospital helped her to function and interact in the world.
Cristian, 18, was born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus. For several years, his parents had difficulty finding doctors who understood how best to help him. That changed in 2012, when a Shriner referred him to Shriners Hospitals for Children. Cristian was 13 when he had the surgery that he says changed his life and gave him hope, at Shriners for Children Medical Center.
