Shriners Hospitals for Children is one of the most respected pediatric healthcare networks in the world, known for offering life-changing treatment to children regardless of a family’s ability to pay. For more than 100 years, the organization has combined medical excellence with a mission centered on compassion, accessibility and community support.

Founded in 1922, Shriners Hospitals began with a simple goal: provide specialized medical care to children suffering from orthopedic conditions. Over the decades, the mission expanded to include burns, spinal cord injuries, cleft lip and palate, and a wide range of complex pediatric conditions. Today, the network serves thousands of children every year across North America and beyond.

A Mission Built on Compassion

Shriners Hospitals operate with a unique philosophy:
No child is turned away due to financial challenges, insurance issues or ability to pay.

This mission is supported by the Shriners fraternity, donors, volunteers, and community fundraising efforts. Families describe the hospitals as “life-saving” and “hope-giving,” often highlighting the emotional support, travel assistance and personalized care they receive.

Specialized Pediatric Care

Shriners Hospitals focus on areas of medicine that require deep expertise and advanced equipment. Their primary specialties include:

1. Orthopedics

Shriners is internationally known for treating:

• Scoliosis
• Limb differences
• Hip, hand and foot disorders
• Clubfoot
• Musculoskeletal conditions
• Sports injuries
  The hospitals use state-of-the-art imaging, surgical technology and physical rehab centers to support long-term recovery.

2. Burns and Skin Injuries

Several Shriners locations are national leaders in pediatric burn care. Treatment includes:

• Acute burn management
• Plastic and reconstructive surgery
• Scar treatment and laser therapy
• Emotional and psychological support
  Their burn hospitals have pioneered modern burn-care techniques used worldwide.

3. Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation

Shriners provides comprehensive care for children with spinal injuries, including:

• Rehab and mobility training
• Assistive devices and wheelchair expertise
• Occupational therapy
• Long-term recovery programs

4. Cleft Lip and Palate

Children with cleft conditions receive complete, coordinated care, including:

• Surgery
• Speech therapy
• Dental and orthodontic services
• Long-term facial growth monitoring

Shriners uses a team-based approach so children can see multiple specialists in one place.

Leading the Way in Research and Innovation

Shriners Hospitals are not only treatment centers—they are research hubs contributing significant breakthroughs in:

• Pediatric orthopedic surgery
• Bone and joint disorders
• Burn wound healing
• Spinal cord injury recovery
• Tissue regeneration
• Robotics and prosthetic technology

Their research partnerships with universities such as Harvard, USC, and others help accelerate discoveries and improve treatment standards globally.

Family-Centered Care

One of the reasons families trust Shriners is its family-first philosophy. Care does not end at medical treatment—it includes:

• Travel and lodging assistance
• Social workers and emotional support
• Patient education
• Assistive devices and therapy care plans
• Long-term follow-up

Children are treated with dignity, kindness and respect, creating a healing environment that feels supportive rather than intimidating.

Global Outreach and Telehealth

Shriners Hospitals extend their mission worldwide through:

• International outreach clinics
• Telehealth consultations
• Surgeon training programs
• Free medical screenings

This global model ensures thousands of children from medically underserved regions get life-changing care.

Shriners and Community Engagement

The Shriners fraternity plays a major role in raising awareness and funding. Their community events, parades, sports partnerships and public charity drives help support children’s treatment, research and hospital operations.

Pop culture awareness also grew thanks to the famous Shriners Hospital commercials featuring young patients who shared their stories and inspired millions.

Why Shriners Hospitals Matter Today

In a healthcare system often criticized for high costs and limited accessibility, Shriners stands out for:

• Compassion-driven care
• Highly specialized pediatric expertise
• A commitment to charity and community service
• World-class research partnerships
• A 100-year legacy of helping children live full, healthy lives

Parents continue to choose Shriners because they provide both medical excellence and genuine emotional support.

Conclusion

Shriners Hospitals for Children represents one of the most impactful pediatric healthcare organizations in modern history. With a century of innovation, a global mission and a commitment to serving every child in need, Shriners continues to transform lives through expert care and compassionate outreach.

Their legacy is built on one powerful message:
Every child deserves a chance to grow, heal and thrive — no matter their circumstances.