Our Care Extends Beyond Our Walls
At Shriners Children's Erie, our team is committed to caring for the overall health and well-being of our patients. This includes their minds as well as their bodies. In that spirit, we offer a wide variety of programs.
Our extensive patient programs give children the opportunity to participate in enjoyable activities and in camps that can help them return to their communities more active and confident.
Shriners Children's partners with a number of community organizations to provide opportunities for children to explore and grow their overall potential. Your nurse or care manager can direct you to opportunities in the community.
Programs
Patient Ambassador Program
Current and former patients come together in our Patient Ambassador Program as champions for our program. Not only do they serve as positive role models in their community, but they also donate their time and energy to promoting our medical center as well as the Shriners fraternity. Email Micheal Widrig for more information.
Therapeutic Riding Program
Horses are majestic animals that help children with spinal cord injuries and conditions from spina bifida, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis or trauma deal with incontinence. By alternating between sitting front and rear facing, children are able to strengthen different muscles, which can improve continence. Email Heather Taylor for more information.
Sledge Hockey Program
Shriners Children's patients with a physical disability are encouraged to join our hockey program, which supports weight-loss goals, increases strength, provides emotional support and serves as a productive outlet for anxiety and frustration. Past players have achieved gold medals in Paralympics and received college scholarships to play sled hockey. Email Michelle DeRooy for more information.
Timmy's Day Out
Timmy's Day Out is a summer program for kids and teens with spina bifida, cerebral palsy and other specific medical conditions. The program takes participants on outings to participate in exciting activities. Past trips have included Presque Isle State Park, local movie theaters, bowling and the Cleveland Aquarium. This program is based on Shriners Children's Erie staff referrals and is open to current patients only.
Wheelchair Basketball
Current Shriners Children's Erie patients are eligible to participate in wheelchair basketball through The Erie Shriners Jammers. This six-week program occurs on the outside basketball court and our team plays against outside community groups each week. Previous participants often return to mentor younger players. The program fosters skill development, social interaction, recreation, play and community engagement. Parents are also afforded an opportunity to meet other parents whose children have disabilities. Contact Kristin Maguire for more information.
Shriners Children's Erie offers a wide variety of programs and services that cater to the overall health and well-being of our patients and their families. View all patient programs and services offered by Shriners Children's.
