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We call them "Our Kids" because once our Noble organization begins to offer
help to a child in need, that child becomes a part of our family. We, then, as
fraternal brethren and providers of the finest medical care available - seem to
become a part of that child's family as well.
Every child's smile is why our clowns put on makeup.
Every child's tears; why we're quick to lend a hand.
Every child's triumph is shared by every Shriner.
For over 80 years and all across the land.
The impact that Shriners Hospitals has on these children is demonstrated time
after time when a recovering child, perhaps years after their medical treatment,
hugs a Shriner they've only just met to thank them... or in a quiet hospital room
where relieved parents know their child is in the best hands... and when a little
face looks up from his hospital bed with bright eyes and says in a tiny voice to
the man wearing his Fez, "you're my second Daddy".
These really are "Our Kids".
Pat Morita was diagnosed with spinal tuberculosis at age two. His parents were
told he would never walk, but they refused to give up hope. Morita entered a
tuberculosis sanitarium, where he remained until age nine. Then, his life changed
for the better, when he was sent to the San Francisco Shriners Hospital for surgery.
"I'd like to think I was one of their test cases. Back then, the only treatment for
tuberculosis was sunshine, exercise, and rest."
With the Shriners Hospital's help, Morita overcame his disease and was able to
pursue his dream of becoming an actor and comedian. While many people today
remember him as Mr. Miyagi in the box office hit "Karate Kid", he also was popular
as Arnold in the "Happy Days" television series and as a stand-up comedian in
venues such as the Copacabana in New York and casino palaces in Las Vegas.
Pat Morita has also volunteered at Shriners Hospitals' events for many years.
Joking that he is the Shriners' "oldest poster boy," Morita co-hosted the Shriners
Hospitals 75th Anniversary Television Special with Peter Graves at Disney World.
He has also starred in television and radio public service announcements, and
sang the National Anthem at the Shrine East-West Game earlier this year. He
further spoke at the recent dedication of the new Shriners Hospital in Sacramento,
Calif.
While at a recent Imperial Council Session, Morita said, "This is an event in
celebration of a journey to begin anew, to be taken by each of us with renewed
vigor, commitment, perseverance, and passion to continue carrying on the work of
the foundation laid by the Shriners into the next millennium."
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