Shriners Children's Portland patient alumnus Megan gives back to hospital using her creativity.
When Megan was 5, her mother learned about Shriners Children’s Portland and decided to give the hospital a try.
Megan’s first surgery at the Portland Shriners hospital occurred in April of 2000. Due to traumatizing experiences at other hospitals, Megan had a phobia of hospitals and she was anxious at the thought of surgery. A step above the rest, the child life team at Shriners Children’s Portland recognized these fears and worked closely with Megan to help her better understand her hospital experience and support her along the way. They used medical play to educate her on the procedures that she would undergo and explained the types of medical equipment that would be used. These techniques empowered Megan, and the fears she had of hospitals were replaced with confidence.
Megan remained a patient of Shriners Children's Portland for 16 years, and graduated from the hospital system in 2012 after a total of 28 surgeries.
In the years since she began receiving care at the Portland Shriners hospital, Megan has authored and illustrated three children’s books. Inspired by her hospital experience and the exceptional care she received, Megan has donated proceeds from her book sales to Shriners Children’s Portland, a total of $10,000. Copies of these books hold a special place in the family resource library at the hospital, which is accessible for all patients and families to enjoy.
“It’s a loving hospital,” said Megan. “It’s like a second home, they are like family and they work to meet your needs.”
Megan was inspired by the care she received at the Portland Shriners hospital and she became a registered nurse in June of 2020. Guided by her desire to give back, Megan has also become a member of two masonic women’s groups: Daughters of the Nile and Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America. Local chapters of these organizations support Shriners Children’s Portland through monetary and gift donations as well as volunteerism.
“Membership is important and I try to support our cause. I started volunteering in 2006 and gained my membership in 2008," said Megan. “I try to be as active as I can.”
Megan is also a member of the Patient Alumni Network, continuing to give back to Shriners Children’s in any way she can.
Inspired by her hospital experience and the exceptional care she received, Megan has donated proceeds from her book sales to Shriners Children’s Portland, a total of $10,000.
Copies of these books hold a special place in the family resource library at the hospital, which is accessible for all patients and families to enjoy.
Shriners is a totally different hospital – in a good way. They really helped me with my self-confidence and my self-image.
