The Shriners want to spread the word. If you know a child who needs special medical attention, they may be able to help and it won't cost you a cent.

"The Shriners main objective is to give a child a better life," said Jess Hopple of the Cape Shrine Club. "We have so many people in the Bootheel that are not exposed to this. We are trying to get the information out to as many people as possible."

The Shriners Hospitals for Children will be holding a free screening clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Westfield Shoppingtown in Cape Girar-deau. Appointments are recommended but not required. To schedule an appointment, call Dave McLain at 334-1414.

The free screening is being held to identify children under the age of 18 in this area who could benefit from the expert orthopedic and burn care provided at Shriners Hospitals. Two local doctors and four local nurses will be volunteering their time for the clinic, which is a first for Southeast Missouri.

There are 22 Shriners Hospitals across the United States. These medical facilities treat conditions such as scoliosis, neuromuscular disorders, hand and back problems, severe burns, leg and arm length discrepancies, rickets, congenital hip problems, orthopedic problems, spinal cord injuries, pigeon toe, club feet and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

According to Hopple, if a child has a medical abnormality and it is something one of their hospitals can treat, the child's situation is evaluated and usually approved. Hopple has sponsored 11 children over the past 32 years.

"One child I sponsored had medical bills that added up to $34,000, but it only cost me $1 and my signature. It cost the family nothing," he said.

Covers transportation

The Shriners organization doesn't cover just doctor and hospital costs. It also provides all necessary transportation and lodging for the patient and family involved.

To be a Shriner, you must be a Mason of the Masonic Order, which is a nationwide fraternal association. However, if you want to be a Mason, all you have to do is ask a Mason, according to Hopple.

"You have to have an inner feeling to become a Mason -- that's an individual thing, and as a Mason you can become a Shriner," Hopple said. "One of the main objectives of the Masonic Order is to take a man and make a better man out of him."

But the family of a child requesting medical assistance does not need to have any connection with the Masons or Shriners.

For more information about Shriners Hospitals, call (800) 237-5055 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or contact a local Shriner or Mason.

jgosche@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133