Shriners Hospitals for Children races into their 95th anniversary celebration with NASCAR driver David Ragan in the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway

Since opening its first location in Shreveport, LA in 1922 to treat children with polio, Shriners Hospitals for Children has become a global leader in the treatment of pediatric orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate. Founded by Shriners International, the health care system now has 22 locations in North America and conducts outreach clinics around the world. Shriners Hospitals for Children is known for its innovative treatments, world-class research and unparalleled comprehensive care.

"As both a Shriner and a father, this is a very special car for me to drive," said Ragan. "It represents the more than 1.3 million kids cared for by Shriners Hospitals for Children. Every child helped by Shriners Hospitals is a testament to the hope, love and quality care that they provide."

During Saturday's race, Ragan will be cheered on by a Shriners Hospitals patient who is reaching his dreams. Sixteen-year-old Riley Desin has had more than a dozen surgeries at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Tampa for hereditary multiple exostoses, a genetic condition that affects his bones. He loves to play basketball and watch NASCAR races any chance he gets.

"Kids like Riley remind us why our mission to provide the best pediatric care possible is so important," said Chris Smith, chairman of the Board of Directors for Shriners Hospitals for Children. "Many routine medical treatments were first pioneered at Shriners Hospitals for Children. With the help of David Ragan and our supporters, we look forward to another 95 years of global pediatric specialty care."

About Shriners Hospitals for Children
Shriners Hospitals for Children is changing lives every day through innovative pediatric specialty care, world-class research and outstanding medical education. Our 22 locations in the United States, Canada and Mexico, provide advanced care for children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate. Learn more at shrinershospitalsforchildren.org.

Shriners Hospitals for Children is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and relies on the generosity of donors. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.

About David Ragan
David Ragan is a two-time winner in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series with a long history of being at the top of his sport, including earning Rookie of the Year in the NASCAR XFINITY Series and Monster Energy Cup wins at the famed Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway. Ragan currently races the No. 38 Ford for Front Row Motorsports.

Off the track, Ragan serves as an official Love to the rescue® ambassador and is a member of Shriners International.

About Front Row Motorsports
Front Row Motorsports is a winning organization in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, the premier division of NASCAR competition. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by Tennessean Bob Jenkins. FRM fields two full-time entries, the No. 34 of Landon Cassill and the No. 38 of David Ragan, from its Statesville, NC, headquarters just outside of Charlotte. The team's partnership base includes organizations such as Ford Motor Company, Love's Travel Stops and CSX Transportation. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on Twitter at @Team_FRM and on Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

Contact: Meredith Resnick
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 202-549-0807

SOURCE Shriners Hospitals for Children

Related Links

http://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org