(Editor's note: This story was originally published on October 13, 2023. But it's so powerful that we decided to rerun it during this year's Shriners Children's Open.) did.)
It's moving. uplift your mood. can't believe it.
Those words help describe the scene at the PGA Tour's Shriners Children's Open this week at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas.
We also discuss the work Shriners Hospitals does for children across North America.
2024 marks the 18th consecutive year that the PGA Tour has partnered with Shriners Hospitals. This tournament helps raise funds for hospitals and awareness for pediatric injuries, orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and more.
“What's really special about this is that it gives us a platform to tell our story to a new and diverse audience each year,” said Mel Bower, chief communications and marketing officer for Shriners Hospitals.・Said this in an exclusive interview with Thru.
“This is more than just a tournament in name. Our patients are actively participating, so it's truly a Shriners tournament for kids. We'll be cheering on the professional golfers. Our patients are in the ropes. Some people walk together and serve as flag bearers.
Shriners patients making a difference
Twenty-three Shriners patients are officially serving as ambassadors for this week's tournament. Many others are trying to provide assistance as well.
Many of them act as flag bearers, carrying score signs on the fairways during tournaments. Some are there to spread awareness on behalf of the Shriners.
One of this week's ambassadors is Juan Diego, a 19-year-old man from Teguicurpuga, Honduras. He traveled to Las Vegas this week with his father and uncle. It will be their first time participating in a tournament and their first time visiting Nevada.
“The Shriners are one of the biggest reasons I'm Juan Diego today,” he said.
“I am an independent young man who can lead a normal life, including university and private life. [Shriners] That's why I'm here today. ”
When Juan Diego was 13 years old, his mother moved him to a new apartment in Honduras that was still under construction.
The new unit was on the third floor, with large windows facing the street that had not yet been fitted with glass.
Its exterior windows were exposed to high-voltage lines hanging from utility poles that provide power to the city.
“Faster than I could blink, I literally felt all the charging, all the electricity coursing through my body,” Juan Diego explained.
“It happened so fast that you didn't have time to react. Your heart was beating so fast that it felt like it was going to explode. Then suddenly all the lights went out and you were alone in this lonely cave. I felt like I was there because I could hear my mother screaming in worry.”
The wire electrocuted his hand, severely damaging his palm and fingers and leaving both hands damaged.
Faced with limited medical options in their home country, Juan Diego's family filed an application through a foundation in Honduras. The foundation had ties to Shriners Hospitals for Children.
His application was subsequently accepted, and in 2018 he headed to Shriners Children's Hospital in Boston, which specializes in pediatric acute burns.
Over the next few years, Juan Diego spent countless months intermittently in New England. While receiving treatment from specialized doctors and therapists, I also met new people.
He still keeps in touch with many people, including his occupational therapist (OT).
Juan Diego even sent OT countless photos from his experience at the Shriners Children's Open in Las Vegas.
While in Boston, he also contacted a fellow patient, a girl named Valentina from Venezuela.
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“She's my best friend,” Juan Diego said with a laugh.
His time in Massachusetts also led him to fall in love with American football. He's a big New England Patriots fan, but interestingly, the player he looks up to the most is Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen.
He also enjoys soccer, with center defensive back being his favorite position.
However, his true passion lies in diplomacy and international relations, which he is currently majoring in at university.
“I want to be a diplomat, ambassador of Honduras, maybe prime minister,” Juan Diego explained. “That's my plan now, mainly to help more people across my country. That's the big idea.”
That is the ultimate goal of Shriners. To help more young people, as Juan Diego hopes to do one day.
Simply put, Juan Diego defines what it means to be selfless.
He is the perfect messenger for Schreiner and his attitude is contagious. Overcoming unfortunate circumstances and enormous obstacles, he continues to fight every day.
Shriners Standard Bearer & Adaptive Golf Clinic
Each year, children from all over the country are selected to represent the Shriners and serve as standard bearers throughout the tournament. This year, 21 such kids held that honor and walked with the pros with their scores.
On Friday afternoon, the nonprofit health system held an adaptive golf clinic at TPC Summerlin's driving range.
The clinic is operated by the U.S. Adaptive Golf Alliance and offers Shriners patients the opportunity to play and improve their golf with professionals. This exchange resonates not only with the children, but also with the players.
Lexi Thompson came close to becoming the first woman in modern PGA Tour history to qualify. Immediately after the round, she was asked for her initial thoughts.
“Meeting some of the Shriners kids who are ambassadors was probably the highlight… giving them golf lessons and hopefully inspiring them to pursue what they want.” ” she answered.
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Thompson's selflessness speaks volumes about what the Shriners and this tournament mean to so many people, not just her.
“This is a very unique PGA Tour golf tournament, and it's not something you see every weekend all year long,” Bowers said.
“When a patient walks with a pro inside the ropes, it sort of tells two stories. The pro golfer is trying to play the best he can. But our patients also want to win. Masu.”
Many of the patients in the field this week are fighting a battle that is completely foreign to most people. But throughout the PGA Tour, those battles remain with golfers, caddies, fans and everyone who attends the event. It creates a sense of empathy and appreciation for all involved.
That's what makes this tournament special.
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“They are overcoming medical challenges,” Bower added.
“Some of them have been battling something since birth. And here comes a symbolic victory. Golfers are on their own path, and our patients are on their way. Because they are right beside you and on your own path to living your best life.”
Golf Channel's live coverage of the 2024 Shriners Children's Open begins at 5:00 PM ET each day of play.
Jack Mirko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation's Playing Through. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko Cover more golf. Be sure to check it out @_PlayingThrough Too.
