Shriners Hospitals for children to be in Rose Parade

Shriners Hospitals for Children® is participating for the third straight year in the annual Tournament of Roses Parade on Tuesday, January 1, 2013 at 8:00 a.m. (PST), in Pasadena, Calif.. Their float, titled “Helping Kids Live their Dreams,” embodies the Tournament of Roses’ theme – “Oh, the Places You'll Go!" – that there are no limits to what children can accomplish.

Riding on the “Helping Kids Live their Dreams” float will be representatives from Shriners International as well as four patients from Shriners Hospitals for Children who exemplify the hospital’s mission. Two patients, Carrie Holmstrom and Hunter Woodhall, are decorating the float along with local patients from Shriners Hospitals for Children — Los Angeles. Ms. Holmstrom and Mr. Woodhall are available for interviews during this time nd can share their personal experiences with the medical system. Both individuals will also be riding on the parade float on January 1st.

Who:
- Carrie Holmstrom, age 23, had surgery to remove both her feet and all the fingers on her right hand following a car accident six years ago. She awoke from a medically induced coma and within eight months took her first steps on artificial legs she received at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Springfield (Mass.). Carrie, who lives in Houston, recently ran her first 5K.

- Hunter Woodhall, age 13, was born with a lower limb deficiency that required surgery to remove both his feet. At just 11 months old, he was fitted with artificial legs at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Tampa and quickly walked on them. Hunter and his family moved to Utah, where he grew to become an accomplished athlete. Specialists at Shriners Hospitals for Children – Salt Lake City offered several orthopaedic options to allow him more flexibility in sports. Hunter excels on the basketball court, football field and wrestling mat, and is an avid runner, skier and swimmer.

When:
Media day: Sun., Dec. 30, 2012, 3:00 PM (PT)

Where:
Rose Palace (835 S. Raymond Ave. Pasadena, CA 91105)

Why:
Shriners Hospitals for Children provides advanced care for children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate without regard to the ability of a patient or family to pay.  Shriners Hospitals for Children is a proud participant of the 124th Annual Tournament of Roses Parade, and shares the organization’s passion for personal empowerment and well-being.

For more information on Shriners Hospitals for Children, please visit www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org