Patient Alumnus Raises Over $25,000 for Shriners Children's Spokane

On Friday, Feb. 28, the second annual Drop the Mitts for Shriners Children’s hockey game took place at the Spokane Arena. Drop the Mitts is a charity game benefitting Shriners Children’s Spokane, created by patient alumnus and hockey player Ben.

For an avid hockey player such as Ben, holding a charity hockey game only made sense. Generations of Shriners Children’s patients, both former and current, came together to recognize and celebrate the cutting-edge orthopedic care Shriners Children’s Spokane staff provides to children throughout the Pacific Northwest.

“Ever since my surgery, I knew I wanted to do something more to give back, and finally got the opportunity to make that happen,” said Ben. “One donation here and there just didn’t feel like enough for what they did for me.”

Having undergone a spinal fusion surgery at age 16, Ben said that the care he received at Shriners Children’s helped save his life. When he initially came to Shriners Children’s Spokane for treatment, pediatric orthopedic surgeon Bryan Tompkins, M.D., explained that his back was unstable and required surgery. He was surprised that Ben was still able to walk, considering the severity of his injury.

“During the whole experience, Dr. Tompkins had such a calm and soothing demeanor to him that kept me calm and comforted even after being wheeled to the surgery room,” said Ben.

Four screws, two titanium rods and cadaver bone were used to fuse Ben’s lower vertebrae. After spending a night in the hospital, he went home the next day. After recovery, he was able to continue athletic activities without need for physical therapy. Sixteen years after his surgery, he still thrives and continues to play the sports he loves.

“I’ve been able to be a mechanic on ships, helicopters, airplanes, semi-trucks and more. I don’t let my surgery define who I am or hold me back from what I want to do. I even rode a bull once just to try it,” said Ben. “Some people never knew I had the surgery before I started Drop the Mitts.”

When choosing players for the charity hockey game, Ben selected players who had ties to Shriners Children's, whether they were Shriners themselves or were family members or friends who had received care at Shriners Children’s. He wanted to choose people with a deep understanding of the impact Shriners Children’s has on the communities they serve.

To kick off the game, Patient Ambassador Johanna – who recently won two gold medals for slalom skiing in the Huntsman Cup with Athletes Without Limits – dropped the puck and was thrilled to be on the player’s bench assisting players during the game. Patient Ambassador Anne sang the National Anthem for the benefit game and the following Spokane Chiefs game, and wowed the crowd both times.

In 2025, Drop the Mitts raised over $14,000. Combined with donations from last year, the benefit hockey game has donated over $25,000 to Shriners Children’s Spokane!

“It’s such an honor to give back to Shriners Children’s,” said Ben. “I am so thankful for the Spokane community for coming together to give back!”