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Transportation to Shriners Hospitals |
Sudan Shriners provide complimentary transportation for over 600+ patients (with a parent) to Shriners Hospitals for Children in Greenville, South Carolina, Cincinnati, Ohio, Boston, Massachusetts and Philadelphia, PA. We invite both parents of the child to travel on the first visit only. We have (7) vans available and there are always (2) volunteer Roadrunner drivers. If an overnight stay is necessary, we provide hotel accommodations at no charge. Sudan has a wheelchair lift van available for children with wheelchairs. If parents would rather drive their own vehicle, we provide a hotel room but the parents must call our office so reservations can be made in the child’s name. Families driving are reimbursed for (2) gas receipts. Mail us the gas receipt from filling up the vehicle when leaving home and then again from filling up at the hospital. |
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This program requires constant TEAMWORK between the Hospital, Shrine Center Staff, Roadrunner Unit and the parents. Our primary goal is to make sure the children keep their hospital appointments, thereby receiving the necessary treatment they deserve. The Shrine fraternity is comprised of volunteer members who freely give of their time and resources to ensure that the families are transported to and from our hospitals in a safe and efficient manner and this is why it is extremely important that parents take responsibility to call our office if they can not make the trip.
The drivers are on a limited time schedule and can only allow 15 minutes to wait at the designated pick up point before they must move forward. Please make prior arrangements to be picked up after the return trip from the hospital. The van will make periodic stops for meals and travel breaks. There is no smoking, food or beverages allowed on board. If a child needs a car seat please bring it with you or if your child has a wheelchair or needs a gurney, advise us in advance.
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As an option, if parents would prefer to fly, Airlift Hope America is available at (800) 325-8908 and Children’s Flight of Hope at (919) 971-0131. There is no charge for flying but there are a few rules that apply.
Donna Horton, (Email: dhorton@sudanshriners.com) Sudan’s Patient Services Coordinator’s office hours are Monday – Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm. Please call (800) 800-5399 or locally (252) 636-3311 if you have any questions. It is our pleasure to provide you and your child / children with these services. The Transporation Program is funded totally by your donations. If you would like to donate to this very worth cause, please click Donation Form.
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History of the Sudan Roadrunners
This unique unit was formed approximately 20 years ago and their purpose was to transport patients to and from eastern North Carolina to Shriner’s Hospitals. The Mission Statement is “To provide safe and courteous transportation for the patients and parents traveling to and from Shriners Hospitals for Children”.
Our first members were dedicated to the point that they used their own vehicles. Then, thanks to the hard work and support of many Shrine clubs and units, our members started donating new vans to the transportation department. The program now have a nice fleet of first class mini and large passenger vans, some equipped with wheelchair lifts to assure patients and their parents have a safe and comfortable trip.
The current Roadrunner membership consists of 34 active and 6 associate volunteer drivers who gladly offer their free time to safely transport patients and parents. In 2008, the Roadrunners made a total of 215 trips to the hospitals. Trips can run from a one-day turnaround to Greenville, SC, to a three-day trip to Cincinnati, Ohio but 91% are 2-day trips to Greenville, SC. They also made 5 trips to the Shriners spinal cord Injury hospital in Philadelphia, PA. Our members have driven thousands of miles to ensure our sponsored patients meet their scheduled appointments.
Sudan Shriners are very proud and fortunate to have the Roadrunners Unit, however it takes many dedicated Nobles working various fundraising activities such as fish frys, dances and other events to help donate to the transportation fund to ensure we can continue doing what we love. After all….it’s all about the KIDS!
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Sponsoring a child is simple, yet many Nobles hesitate because they are not sure of what's involved. Very little is required of a Shrine sponsor, and the steps are as easy as 1-2-3:
1. Obtain an application from your Temple Recorder, Temple Office or local Shrine Club. click for application
2. Help the family understand and complete the application. Although the application is a simple form, some families may need assistance. Be patient and take the family through the application step by step. Shriners Hospitals will help the family obtain any documents that may be needed after the application is approved. Be sure to sign the "Sponsor Signature" section of the application. |
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3. Send the application directly to the nearest Shriners Hospital or your local Shrine Center for follow through.
As you can see, sponsoring a child is quite simple and only takes a little time and patience. There are no other requirements of a sponsor.
Many lifelong friendships have developed between patients and their sponsors. This system is unique and very special to Shriners Hospitals for Children. More than half a million children have been helped at the Shrine's 22 orthopaedic and burn hospitals. Each of these children had a Shrine sponsor who helped make his time at Shriners Hospitals a little bit easier and a lot more memorable. |
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Meet Marley
Through the last 7 years the Sudan Temple has been so generous to our family as we deal with my daughter, Marley’s brittle bone disease. I just wanted to tell you a little about our experiences at the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Montreal.
Please let me tell you about the “Best Little Hospital in the World”. The Montreal Shriners Hospital only has 40 beds and there are usually less than a dozen orthopaedic surgery patients in the hospital at a time. But the entire staff is so professional and dedicated to making these special kids healthy and happy.
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When we go to Shriners, Marley gets the world’s best care from Dr. Fassier. He is recognized internationally as one of the best surgeons for OI (brittle bone disease) problems. His bedside manner is better than his surgical mastery. Everyday, often after 6pm, he visited Marley. She loves him so much she calls him Dr Fuzzy Bear rather than Dr. Fassier.
In summary, we are so pleased that we had the good fortune to go for treatment in Montreal. We just thank God for all the Shriners and dedicated hospital staff that make all this possible.
Thank you for all your generosity and support,
Sincerely,
Mark, Marley and Sydney
(Excerpts from the Spring 2007 Shriners Hospitals Newspaper Crusade)
Marley has been with the hospital program since 1999. She has a twin sister, Sydney. |
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Marley Wiseman with Grandparents during her July 09 visit to Shriners Hospital - Montreal. |
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