Tonight, my heart brims with gratitude for the opportunity to be here with Logan and our family, surrounded by remarkable volunteers. The Shriners have truly woven themselves into the fabric of our lives, and we are immensely thankful for the unwavering support you provide to Logan. The day he was born, May 14, 2014, marked a profound turning point in our lives. From the outset, I faced numerous challenges that I was not fully prepared to confront.
Logan was quickly taken to the Janeway Hospital, where uncertainty loomed over his future. After undergoing various tests, he was diagnosed with arthrogryposis, a rare condition that impacts his muscles and joints. For the first six weeks, Logan remained in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), battling the unknown. The doctors delivered sobering news, explaining that “life isn’t all rainbows and sunshine.” They cautioned me that Logan might never walk, sit up, or feed himself—heart-wrenching revelations that left me with many questions about what lay ahead.
Upon Logan’s release from the hospital, concerns about his future weighed heavily on my mind. As a mother of a lively six-year-old daughter and an energetic 15-month-old son, grappling with this diagnosis felt like an insurmountable challenge. After a few days of trying to adjust to our new reality, I found myself in tears on the back deck, desperately seeking information online. During my search, I discovered the Shriners Hospital, but was unsure if they could assist children with Logan’s condition. Nevertheless, I decided to reach out and made the call.
On a Friday afternoon, a compassionate woman took my details and promised to follow up. As the long weekend passed, I was filled with doubt, wondering if I would hear back. However, the following Tuesday brought a call requesting more information about Logan—an encouraging sign. A few weeks later, George Warford contacted us to visit our home and discuss Logan’s needs. He shared valuable information about the Shriners’ mission and the opportunities available for children in our province, including the possibility of traveling to Montreal for specialized care.
That meeting marked a pivotal moment for us. Although uncertainty still lingered, a sense of hope began to blossom. In Montreal, we met dedicated doctors who not only focused on Logan’s well-being but also showed genuine interest in our family. They conveyed that while the journey ahead would be long, they believed Logan would walk one day and astonish everyone. A plan was set in motion for us to return in ten days to officially begin Logan’s journey as a Shriners patient.
Initially, our trips to Montreal were frequent, taking place every ten days for serial casting leading up to his first surgery. During that surgery and recovery process, staying in a hotel for up to four weeks felt daunting, but the Shriners ensured that my other two children felt included and cherished throughout the experience. Their care extended beyond just Logan, making our stay as comfortable as possible. Logan has now traveled to Montreal over 60 times and has undergone five surgeries. He walks into the Shriners Hospital today, and everyone knows him by name.
On one of our visits, Logan was asked if there was anything he wished he could do that he couldn’t. He replied, “I would love to ride my bike with the other kids on my street.” That request stayed with me as we prepared to return to Newfoundland. Shortly after, the hospital’s occupational therapist reached out, informing me that the Mazol Shriners had agreed to provide Logan with a specialized bike. Logan was ecstatic to finally receive a bike he could ride. Although he had to wait a few months for it to arrive, the excitement was well worth it. The other kids soon admired Logan’s cool new bike.
Today, Logan is one of the most active kids around. He plays softball, has a passion for fishing, and can easily spend hours by the pond doing what he loves. His determination to try new things is nothing short of inspiring. We owe an immense debt of gratitude to the Shriners and all the volunteers who have made these possibilities a reality for Logan. Witnessing his progress in such a short time is truly a blessing.
As I sit here among such incredible individuals, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you. Your commitment to helping children like Logan is deeply appreciated. I will continue to advocate for the Shriners, and whenever anyone inquires about Logan, I will share the story of the profound impact the Shriners have had on him and countless other children in our province. Together, we are making a meaningful difference, and it is an honor to be part of this extraordinary community.