The International Shrine is a fraternity dedicated to fun with a specific purpose. They are a fraternity based on brotherhood and the Masonic principles of brotherly love. The brotherhood, which has nearly 200 temples in seven countries and thousands of clubs around the world, helps run the unique pediatric healthcare system founded years ago (About Our Brotherhood). Through the philanthropic work of the International Shriners, free transportation and medical care are provided to children who meet the requirements, which in turn removes a huge financial burden from the family. The International Shriners founded the Shriner's Hospitals for Children (SHC) in 1922. The SHC began as a hospital located in Shreveport, Louisiana. This hospital provided only general orthopedic care (Shriner's Hospitals for Children). Today the SHC has facilities located throughout North America. Across the continent, there are twenty-two SHCs located in three different countries. Twenty of the hospitals are located in the United States. One hospital is located in Mexico and one in Canada. The closest location to North Carolina is Greenville, South Carolina. This particular hospital provides general orthopedic care only (Shriner's Hospitals for Children). Different hospitals in different locations specialize in different areas of care. Most hospitals provide general orthopedic care. Some hospitals specialize in treating burns, cleft lip and palate, and spinal cord injuries. Today there are eighteen hospitals providing general orthopedic care, eight hospitals specializing in cleft lip and palate care, five hospitals specializing in burn care and three hospitals specializing in spinal cord i...... middle of paper .. ... .he put these people there for a reason. You always think your problems are serious until you go and see others. These doctors allow children to have full limbs. We have been blessed by this hospital." (Helm). Works Cited "On Our Fraternity." Shriner's International Winter 2013. "Burn Awareness Week." Shriner's International Winter 2013. Ferrell, Tony. Shriner Children's Hospitals roadrunner Nicole Brown. Wilson, March 27, 2014. “Research.” Shriner's International Winter 2013. Timone, Marian. Accountant Nicole Brown. March 26 [email protected]. Shriners Children's Hospitals Goes for Gold in Sochi. March 14, 2014. Shriner Children's Hospitals. 2014. March 14, 2014 .Sudan Shriners. 2008-11. March 20 2014 .