Two Shriner Temples Bridge the Distance to Help a Child

It takes nearly 20 hours to fly more than 7,000 miles from Manila, the Philippines, to Sacramento, California, but for Paul and his mother, Richelle, no distance was too great to travel if it meant receiving medical care.

Paul was born with Larsen syndrome, a rare genetic disorder affecting the development of his bones, joints and connective tissues. He also has scoliosis, a condition where the spine curves to make a C shape or S shape, rather than growing in a straight line. Lacking local options for the specialty care he needed, Paul’s parents turned to social media for answers, and that’s how they were referred to Mabuhay Shriners.

“We are deeply grateful to Mabuhay Shriners in the Philippines – from start to finish, they were there to help us,” said Richelle.

After an initial visit to Shriners Children’s Hawai`i, doctors determined that Paul would require complex spine surgery, requiring long-term hospitalization and recovery in an intensive care unit (ICU). Because the Hawai`i hospital didn't have an ICU, Paul’s case was transferred to Shriners Children’s Northern California.

Enter the Ben Ali Shriners Islanders Club.

Nobles of the Ben Ali Shriners Islanders Club celebrate their shared Pacific heritage, build lasting friendships and strive to give back to the community. Rooted in the rich cultures of the Philippines, Hawai`i and beyond, members of the club unite through fellowship, tradition and service.

The Ben Ali Shriners Islanders Club has helped several patients from the Philippines in recent years, so they knew exactly what to do to help Paul. They coordinated everything with their brothers at Mabuhay Shriners to ensure Paul and Richelle would arrive in Sacramento safely and welcomed by those who spoke their language, understood their culture and shared a commitment to help. This personalized approach to patient care is not uncommon when a patient arrives from the Pacific Basin.

“The Islanders Club will provide support such as transportation, housing, logistics, meals, basic daily necessities – among other things – to both … child and guardian while the treatment is ongoing,” said Noble Ed Caballero.

Paul’s healing journey is just beginning, but thanks to the combined compassionate efforts of two Shriner temples, every step means progress.

“We are so thankful for everyone who has never tired of supporting us through this healing process,” said Richelle. “We thank God for enabling us to connect with Shriners International. We find hope knowing that Paul is on the path to full recovery, thanks to the coordinated efforts of everyone involved.”