Case Study: Shriners Hospital

In the state of Utah, poor health care is still an issue for many residents. As such, it's no surprise that cost is the most reported obstacle to getting the required health care that so many children need. In many cases, children who were not treated by a physician or facility, were turned away due to high costs or insurance coverage issues. Sadly, individuals who cannot obtain the needed health care they require, tend to have increased death rates and debilitating disabilities related to chronic disease. In the following paragraphs, I will discuss an organization that responds to these needs, and the role I have played, and will continue to play, in an effort to reduce the unnecessary suffering that plagues so many children.

Although
there are many ways to help these children, treatments can be unattainable for so many families due to high costs. For instance, the average cost of treatment for children in the state of Utah is $8,000, and is increasing every year. One of the organizations striving to reduce the suffering of these children is Shriners Hospitals for Children Care. Their promise is “All children receive care regardless of the families’ ability to pay.” To accomplish this, Shriners relies heavily on generous donations; of which they're primarily funded.

I've had the pleasure of working with Shriners Hospital through my many years of competitive dance.
Our dance studio, along with two other studios, put on a annual performances each year called “Art with Heart” in an effort to help Shriners with their cause. With our motto in mind, “Children who dance so other can walk” we were able to donate our proceedings to the Shriners fund after each event. In addition to the money earned at the performance, each dancer also individually raised money as well as hung posters at local business to raise awareness. At each performance, I was fortunate to meet many of the children that benefited directly from our donations. I was truly humbled and grateful for each experience.

As Miss Farmington, I want to draw awareness to this wonderful organization and all of its efforts. I will continue to partner with existing dance performances in an effort to bring more attention to these events. Additionally, I will hold dance camps to raise donations, with all proceeds going to the Shriners.

There is a need for Shriners services more than ever. With increased cases of children suffering from a linty of disabilities, such as spina bifida, cleft palate, and scoliosis, organizations like Shriners need our support more than ever
before.