Lu-Na’s Amazing Shriners Children's Journey

Lu-Na’s mother, Laura, remembers seeing the Shriners in her Florida hometown while growing up, but admits that all she knew was that the Shriners International fraternal organization did “something good.”

Years later, she and her family would learn just how much good they do, especially for children.

When Laura and her husband were in the process of adopting Lu-Na from China, they learned that she had a limb difference. They were also told that the tibia bone in her right leg was missing, and there was a strong possibility she would need surgery. Despite these challenges, the family decided to continue the adoption process, and when she was 2, Lu-Na would eventually have her right leg amputated below the knee.

While Lu-Na was healing from her amputation, Laura learned about Shriners Children's and their mission of caring for and helping transform the lives of children around the world. They were living in New York at the time, and the closest location was Shriners Children’s Philadelphia.

Laura quickly called the facility and said that becoming a patient was an easy process for Lu-Na. “We made an appointment, and we were off and running – literally,” she said. The Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS) department would soon provide Lu-Na with her first prosthesis.