Celebrating 100 Years of Shriners Hospitals for Children (Canada)
“The excitement of working with the hospital patients and for the benefit of our hospital through the years is one of the best rewards in the world.” John H. Grow
This year marks a significant milestone as we celebrate 100 years of the Shriners Hospital for Children (Canada). The hospital has profoundly transformed the lives of children through its pediatric orthopedic care, research, and education. It has been a leader in supporting pediatric medical organizations and doctors across Canada. Countless children from Ontario and throughout the country have traveled to the hospital for treatment.
In 1925, the first hospital was established on the southern slope of Mont Royal in Montreal, built on donated land with funds raised by the Shriner fraternity across Canada and the United States. This vision, initiated in 1920, embodies the generosity and commitment of the Shriners dedicated to improving the care of children everywhere. The hospital is internationally renowned for its research into metabolic bone diseases, significantly advancing treatments worldwide. Under the leadership of Dr. Francis Glorieux, M.D., Ph.D., groundbreaking discoveries in bone disorders have been life-changing. His team, which includes Dr. Francois Fassier and Dr. Pierre Duval, developed the Fassier-Duval telescopic rod, a revolutionary surgical treatment for patients with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), or brittle bone disease. This innovative solution allows a child’s bones to grow while minimizing fractures and the need for additional surgeries, and it is now implemented globally for managing OI.
On February 18th, we kicked off the centennial celebrations, welcoming Shriners and guests to join in the festivities and announcements. Later, the Shriners Board of Governors invited guests to the boardroom for a light lunch and a special presentation from the Canadian Osteogenesis Imperfecta Society. Led by Jacinta Whyte, President & Chairperson, a dedicated advocate for children facing this disease, the event culminated in the presentation of a plaque recognizing the formal launch of the COIS Francis Glorieux Research Fellowship and recognize his lifetime achievement and commitment to helping the OI community and OI children in particular.
Another announcement made was for the two inaugural recipients of the FG Fellowship neither of which are part of his research team rather are the new generation of researchers that COIS are investing in, one of which is part of the orthopedic department at Shriners Montreal.
The members of Karnak Shriners for Quebec and parts of Eastern Ontario which includes the SD & G Cornwall Shrine Club are active supporters of the Shriners Hospital for Children (Canada).
WEB LINKS:
Shriners Hospital (Canada): https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/locations/canada
Karnak Shriners: https://www.karnakshriners.org/
SD & G Cornwall Shrine Club: https://www.facebook.com/p/S-D-G-Cornwall-Shrine-Club-100082679310714/
Canadian Osteogenesis Imperfecta Society: https://www.cois-scoi.ca/en/presidents-message
Be a Shriner Now https://beashrinernow.com/
About the Author
John H. Grow has been a volunteer of the Shriners Hospitals for Children (Canada) since 1990. He is a Shriner’s Ambassador, awarded in 2022
John H. Grow, ISA-AM, is a partner in the appraisal firm of Prestige Evaluation Inc. The firm specializes in antiquities, watches, clocks, jewelry, fine art, and collectibles in general. John works with clients worldwide, museums, corporations, foundations, financial / Insurance firms, and government agencies. He provides Pro-Bono services to select Medical institutions & Foundations. He regularly appears on radio and television shows and charity appraisal fairs. A long-time member of the International Society of Appraisers. (ISA) & Canadian Chapter of the ISA. https://www.isa-appraisers.ca/appraiser/john-grow/
Prestige Evaluation Inc. can be found at http://prestigeevaluations.com and the email is [email protected]
