[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10736]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING SHRINERS HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 9, 2006

  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 
Shriners Hospital for Children in Chicago on the occasion of its 80th 
Anniversary. Shriners Hospitals provide excellent specialized care in 
pediatric orthopedics without cost to the patient, parent, or any third 
party and without regard to race, color, creed, sex or sect.
  Shriners in Chicago is an outstanding resource for our community. To 
commemorate its 80th anniversary, Shriners held a large celebration at 
the hospital. Hundreds of former patients returned to celebrate the 
important role Shriners played in their lives. Without the hospital's 
generosity, many children would have struggled to receive treatment.
  Shriners hospitals also conduct research and provide for the 
education of physicians and other health care professionals. The 
hospitals treat children with congenital orthopedic deformities, 
problems resulting from orthopedic injuries, and diseases of the 
musculoskeletal system. They are also a large provider of 
rehabilitation therapy and plastic surgery.
  The first Shriners Hospital was opened in Shreveport, Louisiana in 
1922 by the Shriners of North America, a group affiliated with 
freemasonry. This international fraternity has approximately 400,000 
men belonging to 191 Shrine centers throughout North America. Since 
1922, the number of hospitals has grown to 22 including hospitals in 
Canada and Mexico. Their selfless dedication to children's health has 
made them the leading researchers in burn treatment.
  The hospitals are fully funded by gifts, bequests, income from an 
endowment fund, hospital fund-raising events, and the annual assessment 
paid by every Shriner. The Shriners are proud to call the system of 
hospitals ``The World's Greatest Philanthropy.''
  Since its foundation in 1926, the Chicago branch has treated over 
57,000 patients. Originally founded to treat polio victims, many 
hospital stays lasted over a year. Today, the average stay is four 
days. The hospital specializes in treating children with spinal cord 
injuries. Chicago greatly appreciates Shriners service and generosity.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend Shriners Hospital for Children for its history 
of dedication and service to the children of Chicago. I congratulate 
the staff and supporters of this important institution on its 80th 
Anniversary, and wish them every future success in their continuing 
efforts to meet the needs of Chicago's children.

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