Last year, Shriners Children’s Erie proudly launched a new initiative aimed at making the building more pediatric-friendly and welcoming for families. As part of this effort, the team hosted a special photo shoot featuring several Patient Ambassadors, showcasing their hobbies and passions beyond their medical journeys. Ava wore her team’s uniform and posed with her volleyball, Christian swings his tennis racket for the camera, Henry brought along his basketball and adaptive sports wheelchair, and Ryan proudly stood in his school’s marching band uniform while wearing his drums.
Once the final images were returned by the photographer, they were turned into larger-than-life vinyl graphics and installed on the front windows of Shriners Children’s Erie. The new display has transformed the appearance of the front of the building. For the ambassadors themselves, the experience was one of a kind.
Ava said the experience was surreal. “It meant more than I could describe to do something for the people and facility that did so much for me,” she said. “To go from being a young girl treated inside that building to seeing myself on the outside as an example to new patients was mind-blowing.” She hopes her image will bring comfort to others, especially young girls beginning their scoliosis care. “Even if they don’t know me or my story, I hope they see that their long journey could lead to unexpected opportunities.”
Christian stated that being chosen to have his photo displayed on the building was a moment of pride and gratitude. “I was absolutely honored,” he said. “Shriners Children's Erie has done so much for me over the years and thanks to them, I’m able to do the things I love and feel confident in my abilities.” He hopes his image, alongside the others, inspires kids to dream big, embrace new challenges and try new things. “Even if they don’t know my story, I hope they see what’s possible and that Shriners Children's Erie will do all they can to help kids achieve their goals.”
We hope others will see the faces and be reminded that Shriners Children’s Erie is a safe place where all children are welcome and cared for like family. We hope Ava and the other ambassadors are seen as role models for what is possible.
Henry expressed his gratitude for being chosen as one of the faces on the front of the building. “It makes me feel appreciated and grateful that they chose me to help others know that I’m different, and there is nothing bad about that.” He also hopes his image serves as a reminder that care, comfort and confidence are possible here. “If I’m getting good care here, you can too!”
Henry’s parents, Natalie and Seth, shared how much it means to them to be a visible part of the community at Shriners Children’s Erie. “We feel honored to represent one of the many faces of Shriners! It literally brings a smile to our faces even when we’re not there. We hope people see the variety of differences and abilities of these patients and notice the giant smiles on each of their faces!”
Ryan said the moment he saw his image on the windows brought “pure, overwhelming joy” and left him smiling for the rest of the day. “Being on the windows of Shriners Children’s Erie made me feel happy that I could show and share my progress with other patients and represent all the good Shriners Children’s has and can do,” he said. He hopes the images will be inspiring to others. “I truly believe that when families and patients see the images, they will be inspired to grow and adapt like we have.”
Ryan’s mother, Andrea, was equally emotional. “I had all kinds of emotions seeing him larger than life on the window. His picture reflects the size of his heart and determination. It made me proud that he has never quit and goes after what he wants. I hope kids walking into the building see these images and realize the sky is the limit and that it inspires them to dream big.”
For patients arriving at Shriners Children’s Erie for the first time, these images can offer a sense of comfort and reassurance. They serve as proof that the patients are not alone and are stepping into a place where healing and hope go hand in hand. For returning families, the portraits can be deeply personal reflections and serve as a reminder of how far their children have come, and the incredible progress they have already made, with even greater milestones still ahead. Through this initiative, the organization continues to reaffirm a commitment not only to providing world-class pediatric care, but also to uplifting the voices and honoring the faces of the children who are at the heart of the mission.
Ava beams with excitement as she points proudly to her photo.
Smiles spread across their faces as Henry’s family gathers around his photo, soaking in the special moment together.
Ryan grins as he points up at his giant photo displayed in the window, clearly proud of the moment.
