Shriners Children’s Float, Hope Shines On, Wows at Rose Parade

Grayson:

Well, it's been an early morning so far, but as people have started rolling in, the atmosphere's just nothing like it. It's hard to describe. Just being able to talk to people, and me and my mom were handing out lots of pins.

Leslie D. Stewart:

And hundreds of people are walking in the staging area, and they've come by, and they look at our float. And, of course, they see our fezzes, and they want know, "What's Shriners Children's?

Alec:

To be able to ride the float in my wheelchair, and to be able to sit there comfortably, it's so kind. I'm so thankful that Shriners Children's prioritized me being comfortable on the float.

Kaleb:

I'm with three other patient ambassadors, so we're going to have a fun time. And it's nice to hear and see the recognition. Because Shriners really do a great job, and it's important for people to know that.

Paige:

I'm very excited to spread the word of Hope Shines On for Shriners because that's truly what Shriners does. My story is still shining with hope because of Shriners. I'm here today because of Shriners.

Grayson:

And then I get to throw the ceremonial pass. The throw is the official start of the Rose Bowl game from the parade.

Judy Burke:

I am so excited to see all the people in the stands, the people on the streets, looking at the float, hearing the stories about Shriners Children's, talking to our patients, getting a feel for what we're all about.

Richard G. Burke:

Tremendous job this year, had the clams open up and close. The big bird also talks.

Judy Burke:

My favorite feature is the waterfalls. I love the idea that the birds turn their heads.

Megan Stewart:

My favorite features are, of course, all of the very fine detail. The float song is Moana's How Far I'll Go. And it just beautifully parallels the way that Shriners Children's patients have courage, hope, and healing every day.

Group:

Happy New Year.

[end card] Shriners Children's logo

Speaker 1:

Shriners Children’s has always taught us to never limit ourselves, and for them to be able to include and prioritize a ramp to be able for us to enter and exit, it means a lot.

Speaker 2:

This is probably as close as far as an ADA-compliant float that we've done. It's the only ADA-compliant float in the parade this year. We've actually built in a ramp to go all the way to the ground so that the boys can back their wheelchairs up, and they're going to get a great ride in this canoe here.

Speaker 1:

Not only do we feel good and comfortable outside of the hospital, but when we're on the float, we're going to feel safe, as well.

Speaker 2:

Those two young men be able to be in their wheelchairs and ride the float, really, it's an honor for us to be able to make that happen. There's a lot of people in the world that dream of riding in a Rose Parade float, so the fact that we can make this happen for these boys is very rewarding.

Speaker 3:

Shriners doing what Shriners do best, making it. We can participate in this event, and us being here means that we can propagate what Shriners do, and it's just great to be here to be able to participate in it.

Speaker 2:

Thank you again, Shriners Hospitals, for participating and helping us celebrate New Year in the right way.