Kerry Smits looked every bit the typical eight-year-old girl as she casually walked through the Redwood Restaurant to thank owners Jim and Marlene Dennie for their contribution to Shriners Children’s Hospitals.
But in Kerry’s case, that short walk might not have been possible without treatment over several years at a Shriners facility.
“I don’t think she would be walking right now if it hadn’t been for the Shriners Hospital,” said Kerry’s mother, Melanie Smits of Acton.
When Kerry was one year old, she was treated at the Shriners Hospital for Children in Erie, Pennsylvania for vertical talus, a rare deformity of the foot found in newborns, and a too-short Achilles tendon.
A pin was inserted in her foot to hold the talus in place and her tendon was lengthened. She returned for further surgery when she was five and received a positive report at a checkup last summer.
“They say everything is good,” said Melanie.
Although she and her husband David didn’t access it, Melanie said that in addition to providing world class treatment facilities, Shiners will also assist in covering expenses for families.
Melanie’s parents, Robert and Sharon Naylor, are Drayton residents and Robert is a member of the Pal Mocha Shriners. He explained the Shriners will cover meals, accommodations and even travel costs for parents who need it.
In December, the Dennies donated the proceeds, a total of $2,800, from the Redwood’s annual Breakfast with Santa to Shriners Children’s Hospitals.
Melanie and Kerry joined a group of local members of the Pal Mocha Shrine Club in presenting them with a plaque on Feb. 1 in appreciation of the contribution.
