Ryan's Story

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Kimberly, Ryan's Mother:

Well, I had my second child, Ryan. He was born in November of 2007, and unfortunately he had a brachial plexus injury due to being 10 pounds, 14 ounces and 23 inches long, and as a result, ended up in the NICU for several days. While we were there in the NICU, several doctors as well as nurses kept giving me this name of Dr. Scott Kozin. I quickly made the phone call and was able to be seen by the time he was six weeks old, and we have been blessed to be under his care ever since.

Ryan, Patient at Shriners Children's Philadelphia:

I just remember anytime we came in, it was always pleasant to be there. He wanted to be there. And even though the situation wasn't great, you understood that everybody was there to help you. I would say that doctors and specialists, they would feel like they were your friends and almost like your family. They were really close to you, and they made sure to connect like that.

Kimberly:

When we arrived at Shriners Children's Hospital, they gave us that sense of hope and told us, "Yes, there is a means and a benefit to do it," and it was Shriners Children's that made it possible that my son now is a leading defender for our lacrosse teams all across the nation.

Ryan:

I'm playing on national teams. I've been to California. I was just at Maryland this past weekend playing for a tournament. I never thought I would be able to do that, and I'm so happy that Shriners Children's helped me through that.

Kimberly:

I would just simply say, go. Just be there. Listen to the people, feel the love, feel the compassion, feel the expertise. There is a reason that they exist, and if you have the opportunity that you can get to your child that excellent, exceptional level of care, your child will benefit from it in every possible way.

Ryan:

It's amazing. I can't say enough about it. It's the best place you can be for what you need, for what I needed and even for what my parents need it. It's the best place you can possibly go to.

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