Bill.Burgess@f101.n229.z1.fidonet.org (Bill Burgess) (03/16/91)
Index Number: 14043 Hello Julie and thanks for the welcome. It is always of interest to meet both those with afflictions and of course the families as well. With regards to the Shriners, we accept and treat both orthapaedic and burned children in 23 hospital units in Canada, U.S.A., and Hawaii and also accept children from other countries as well. The primary requirements are that the child has a chance of improvement by undergoing treatment and that the parents cannot afford the cost of the treatment. Here in Ontario we see less children than from the Maritimes due to our OHIP (Ontario Hospital Ins. Plan for outsiders interest) coverage but we still find many who need us. We never bill the parents for any of the costs incurred which is both a blessing and hard to believe for some. A parent may sleep in the same room as the child or be billeted out in a nearby hotel for brief periods if required, and the atmosphere is one unlike most other treatment centers because both parents and children are top priority for treatment and concerns. Kids do not miss out on schoolwork. Full time tutors run classrooms at each unit and children are expected to contact their teachers for assignments prior to coming to the unit for treatment. The Montreal Unit is located directly behind Montreal General Hospital, on Pine Street. Would be pleased to forward more by surface mail if you wish. E-mail may be your best choice. Will close for now and welcome any other enquiries. TTYL Bill -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!229!101!Bill.Burgess Internet: Bill.Burgess@f101.n229.z1.fidonet.org