Shriners Children's Erie

04/20/2026

🚲 Bike Rodeo Alert! 🚲

Join us Saturday, March 2 from 5:00–6:00 PM for a fun and educational Bike Rodeo in the Shriners Children’s Erie parking lot!

Hosted by Safe Kids Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, this event helps kids build bike safety skills in a fun, hands-on environment.

🚲 BYOB — Bring Your Own Bike
📝 Pre-registration is highly encouraged

Don’t miss this great opportunity to ride, learn and stay safe!

04/18/2026

TODAY’S THE DAY! 📄✂️
Need to shred your important documents? Join us today for Shredding for Shriners at Shriners Children’s Erie, happening 10 a.m. – noon.
Get a safe, secure way to dispose of sensitive documents while supporting our mission of providing exceptional care for children and families. ❤️
Bring your documents, protect your information, and support a great cause — all at the same time. We’ll see you soon!

04/17/2026

At Shriners Children’s, patients don’t just get care — they get the chance to do things not thought possible. Your donation helps children unlock their superpowers and go after their biggest dreams. 🦸 Make your gift to help a superhero heal and soar. 💛 Donate Today
Link: https://ow.ly/jQqE50YEsF2

04/16/2026

🖐️ April is National Occupational Therapy Month! 🖍️

Did you know occupational therapy at Shriners Children’s Erie can help children build fine motor skills, the small muscle movements in the hands and fingers needed for everyday tasks?

✏️ Fine motor skills include:
Grasping toys
Self‑feeding
Drawing, coloring & cutting
Buttoning, zipping & other self‑care tasks

These skills develop gradually and are closely connected to coordination, strength and visual skills.

Consider talking to your pediatrician about an occupational therapy referral if your child:
Consistently struggles with age‑appropriate hand skills
Avoids fine motor activities like puzzles, crafts or drawing
Shows frustration, meltdowns or low confidence with hand tasks

💙 Our occupational therapists are here to support your child’s growth, one skill at a time.

04/15/2026

This week’s patient spotlight during National Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month features Paisley, an inspiring patient ambassador whose strength, resilience and positive spirit shine brightly at Shriners Children’s Erie.

Paisley has been a patient at Shriners Children’s Erie since 2018, receiving Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS) care with Alex Betancourt, MS, MBA, CPO. She first came to Shriners Children’s Erie in search of a more comfortable prosthesis and found a care team dedicated to helping her thrive and pursue the activities she loves.

At just 9 months old, Paisley faced a cancer diagnosis that led to an amputation. Through incredible courage and determination, she beat cancer and continues to move forward with confidence. Since then, she has received several prosthetic legs to support her goals and keep her active.

Always on the go, Paisley enjoys swimming, playing softball and football and riding horses. Her adventurous spirit and perseverance are a powerful reminder that limb loss or limb difference does not define limits, it highlights strength.

During Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, we are proud to celebrate Paisley for sharing her story and helping spread awareness. She exemplifies why differences should be embraced, celebrated, and seen as part of what makes each individual unique.

Thank you, Paisley, for being a strong role model and an inspiration to our Shriners Children’s Erie community.🧡

04/14/2026

04/14/2026

✨ You have the right to choose where your child receives care.

For nearly 100 years, we’ve provided exceptional pediatric orthopedic care, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Our compassionate specialists are here to meet every child’s unique needs and help them reach their fullest potential.

Already referred elsewhere but want care from trusted leaders? Call 814-875-8700.
We’ll make it happen.

04/11/2026

🎉 It is National Patient Access Week! 🎉

This week we’re recognizing our incredible patient access team, along with our amazing therapy schedulers and Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS) scheduler staff, for the vital role they play every day.

Often the first point of connection for patients and families, this team sets the tone for the entire care experience. From welcoming voices on the phone to seamless scheduling and behind‑the‑scenes coordination, they combine efficiency and compassion to make patients feel supported from the very start.

Whether navigating complex schedules, handling insurance details or supporting families during stressful moments, they consistently go above and beyond.

A heartfelt thank‑you to Brenda, Chris H. and Erin from our therapy scheduling team, Danita, Kim, Kris, Lynne, Sandy and Selena representing POPS (not pictured). Your dedication, professionalism and empathy make a lasting impact across all departments and most importantly, for the patients and families we serve. 💙

04/10/2026

April 10 is National Siblings' Day, a day to celebrate the special bond between brothers and sisters.

Faith, a Shriners Children’s Erie patient ambassador, is supported every day by her incredible siblings: her twin sister Hope, her older sister Bailey and her older brother Brian Jr. We asked them to share why they believe their sister Faith is so strong and here’s what they had to say:

"My sister Faith is strong because she can do so much while living with cerebral palsy. I know I wouldn’t even be able to get out of bed if I were in her shoes," said Hope.

"My sister Faith perseveres through all the obstacles life throws at her," said Bailey.

"My sister Faith teaches the rest of us what real strength looks like. Her faith isn’t loud or flashy; it’s the quiet, unbreakable kind that turns every challenge into purpose and every limitation into a reason to keep pushing. That’s why her faith is so strong—because she chooses to persevere when it would be easier to give up, and to love when the world feels heavy. She doesn’t just have faith; she lives it. And in doing so, she lifts everyone around her," said Brian Jr..

On National Siblings' Day, we celebrate the love, strength and support that make families like Faith’s so special. 💙

04/09/2026

We are pleased to share that Terrance Ishmael, MD, will now travel from Shriners Children’s Philadelphia to Shriners Children’s Erie. This expanded presence brings specialized expertise closer to families in our region, supporting coordinated, high‑quality care here in Erie, reducing the need to travel for appointments and ensuring children continue to receive comprehensive care.

Dr. Ishmael’s clinical interests include complex spinal conditions, clubfoot, general pediatric orthopedics, fracture care and neuromuscular conditions. He is deeply committed to the mission of Shriners Children’s and also participates in surgical mission work throughout the Caribbean, helping provide life‑changing orthopedic care to children in underserved communities.

Outside of work, Dr. Ishmael enjoys spending time with his wife, Suneetha, and their son, Kai.

Please join us in welcoming Terrance Ishmael, MD, to Shriners Children’s Erie.

04/08/2026

In honor of National Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, we’re proud to spotlight one of our newest Patient Ambassadors, Chayse,a remarkable young person who embodies resilience, confidence and possibility.

Chayse’s connection to Shriners Children’s Erie began even before he was born. While eight months pregnant, his mom, Alicia, had her first appointment with our care team. From that moment on, Chayse has been part of the Shriners Children’s Erie family.

Diagnosed prenatally with amniotic band syndrome, Chayse is a double amputee but that has never slowed him down. Living by his motto, “No legs, no problem,” Chayse approaches life with determination, confidence and a whole lot of heart. His story is a powerful reminder that limb difference does not define limitations.

An accomplished athlete, Chayse thrives in adaptive sports. He plays wheelchair basketball with the Shriners Jammers and competes on the ice with the Mighty Otters sled hockey team, dominating both the court and the rink. When he’s not competing, Chayse enjoys swimming and gaming.

Beyond his athletic achievements, Chayse is a natural leader and mentor, always encouraging younger teammates and setting an example through his positivity and perseverance. His outgoing personality shines wherever he goes. He’s friendly, outspoken, and never shy about striking up a conversation. In fact, he recently made a new friend right in the Shriners Children’s Erie waiting room.

This National Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, we are proud to welcome Chayse as a patient ambassador and celebrate his story, one that inspires others, challenges assumptions and highlights what’s possible with confidence, community and support.

🧡We can’t wait to see how Chayse continues to inspire others.

04/07/2026

On Friday, March 27, we were incredibly thankful to Tracy, Kimberly and Nicole for bringing joy to our patients at Shriners Children’s Erie with so many beautiful Easter baskets filled with fun toys and activities kids are sure to enjoy. These thoughtful gifts were donated in loving memory of Elias Garrett through the Easter for Eli organization.

Easter for Eli honors Eli’s legacy by spreading smiles to children nationwide each Easter through special baskets and gifts. We are truly grateful to be part of this meaningful tradition.

Thank you, Tracy, Kimberly and Nicole for your generosity, compassion and for continuing to share Eli’s light with our patients and families. 💛🐣