Screening helps youths find special medical care

The Shriners have been giving children in need of orthopedic care their support for over 15 years.

In cooperation with the Flathead Valley Orthopedic Center, the Flathead Shrine Club annually sponsors screening clinics for children. The last clinic was held April 30. Six doctors spent the morning examining 26 children; of those, 10 were referred for care to the Shriners Hospital in Spokane.

Don Slaybaugh, clinic coordinator, credits the great success of the clinic year after year to the dedication of the Flathead Valley Orthopedic Center in donating the time of the doctors and staff with complete use of the facilities.

Doctors on board that day were Don Ericksen, Larry Iwersen, Bert Jones, Ned Wilson, Al Olszewski and Rod Brandt. There were also two physicians assistants, four nurses and three clerical staffers.

Thanks also go to Ericksen's daughter Ingrid, along with her friend Bridget, who served as hostesses, seeing that all of the children had a teddy bear while they were in the examining room.

Right now there are 124 children from Northwest Montana who are patients at Shriners Hospital and various other hospitals that specialize in the treatment they require.

The Shriners hospitals offer free medical care for children with orthopedic problems (of the bones, joints or muscles) or any problems associated with burns.

Nationwide, the 22 Shriners hospital are available to any needy child at any time. Contact any local Shriner or call 1-800-825-2513 to start the process of leading a child to orthopedic care at one of them.

Cheerful Heart volunteers sincerely thank those individuals, organizations and businesses in the Mission and Flathead valleys that helped make their Treasure Fest Garage Sale such a huge success.

Last Saturday's sale at the New Life Christian Center in Polson brought in more than $3,800 for the organization.

Cheerful Heart Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides free nonmedical assistance for Lake County cancer patients and their families. The dollars from the Treasure Fest, and from other donations, benefit several projects at the Polson Oncology Clinic.

The Wigs, Hats and Scarves program provides attractive headwear for people undergoing cancer treatment.

The organization also is purchasing books for a cancer resource lending library as well as items for patient comfort at the clinic, and its volunteers provide for the care and cleaning of the oncology clinic's blankets.

One of the volunteers' most essential tasks is transporting patients to treatment in Kalispell or Missoula, as well as paying them home visits and taking care of other small tasks for cancer patients.

"We know there is a need for the 'treasures' we offer at our garage sale, so start setting aside those unwanted items in your garage," says Valerie Lindstrom, a member of Cheerful Heart's board. "With your help we can make next year's sale as good, or better, than the last three."