Shriners Hospitals for Children is changing lives every day.

The 116th Islendingadagurinn is now but a memory. Congratulations go out to President Sandra Sigurdson, her hardworking committee members, and the many volunteers. Their countless hours and dedication made for a marvelous celebration.

The traditional program brought forth a deep feeling of pride in our Canadian heritage. The speeches of Mayor Chudd, MLA Bjornson, MP Bezan, the Prime Minister of Iceland, Winnipeg Councilor Thomas, and many others, evoked pride in Gimli’s many accomplishments. Family members led the audience in cheering the spirited toast to Iceland, given by local fisherman Robert Kristjanson.

All eyes then fell on the Fjallkona, Mrs. Benetta Martin (nee Helgason). Bena is a direct descendant of the original pioneers who landed at the White Rock in 1875. She was regal in appearance and her speech was most enjoyable. A truly great representative of Mother Iceland.

All of the Shriners present then focused on Bena’s lovely attendants, Erica Grant and Freya Martin. Erica is a former patient of the Shriner’s Hospital in Montreal. Those who were familiar with Erica’s amazing journey held their breath as she approached the stairs. How would she manage the stairs? We sighed with relief as she completed navigating the stairs, guided ably by Past President Tim Arnason, who deftly guided her to her seat.

Erica is a remarkable young lady. She was born with Amyoplasia, a condition that prevented her from standing or walking. Starting at a very early age, numerous operations were performed to try and straighten her legs. Unfortunately, the diagnosis was that she would never walk.

The Shrine was called upon to see if they could help. A short time later, in January 1997, she was off to Montreal Shriner’s Hospital for a consultation. The doctors at the Shrine hospital said that they could continue the procedures started in Winnipeg or they could try a radically new procedure from Russia, never tried in Canada. Without going into great detail, the procedure that was perfected by Dr. Ilizaron, requires bolts and screws to be inserted in the bones of the patient’s legs. Then, using wrenches, they had to be tightened every 6 hours.

After 72 days in hospital, one leg was straightened. On her next visit, which lasted almost 6 months, the other leg was straightened. The cost of all the operations, airfare, and even the lodging for the accompanying parent, were fully paid for by the Shrine.

And at the end of the second stay in Montreal, for the first time in her life, Erica was able to walk with the aid of a walker. Before she left the hospital and with a cheering audience of hospital staff, she walked 15 feet on her own!

All Shriners of Khartum Temple are justifiably proud of Erica’s progress and the part that they have played in getting her life off to a new start. They are equally proud of all the patients that they have helped in the past. After all, the Shrine is not just about marching in parades or hosting circuses for family entertainment. These things serve a much greater cause. The core purpose of the Shrine has always been to help children who have significant physical challenges live their best lives, without ever having to worry about or be limited by, their ability to pay.  

Ken Kristjanson
Past Potentate
Khartum Temple