Shriners Children’s Hospital Helps Arthrogryposis Patients With Top Of The Line Care
GREENVILLE, S.C. – Bahakel Entertainment’s Anna Kooiman sits down with Ali, a young girl from Mongolia at the Shriners Children’s Hospital, and talks about how living with arthrogryposis is getting easier thanks to the Shriners’ help.
Life-changing medical care at Shriners Children’s Hospital is helping kids with complex medical conditions like Ali, who previous struggled to walk, feel resilient and improve self-esteem.
“Where do you think you’d be without the Shriners Hospital?” asks Kooiman.
“I’d probably be in Mongolia. Unable to walk and still be stuck on the chair all day,” replies Ali.
Ali was born in Mongolia. A family living in Michigan graciously helped connect her with Shriners in Greenville. The vital care is partially made possible by everyday people opening their hearts and wallets, and Ali is able to thank them for being more independent.
Seven orthopedic surgeons offer world-class treatment. Patients like Ali consider them miracle workers.
“She has a condition called arthrogryposis. So she was born with very stiff knees and feet. We were able to do a surgery on her about almost two months ago to help straighten her knees out and help her to be able to walk more efficiently and sustainably,” says Dr. Lauren Hyer.
Children being able to physically move themself does wonder for their confidence and mental health.
“I think it does a tremendous amount for their confidence. It helps them to be able to interact with their peers, to be able to stand and look eye to eye with somebody who is their peer. I think that does a tremendous amount for their overall well-being, both socially and mentally,” says Dr. Hyer
Shriners is helping Ali see a bright future ahead.
“Maybe I would like to travel the world,” says Ali.
Stories like Ali’s of hope and healing are throughout the halls of Shriners Children’s Hospital in Greenville. It’s pretty incredible.
