Olivia Lee is an active 11-year-old girl who loves all sorts of activities including many forms of dance, piano and art.

Her mom, Nancy, adores her and certainly never expected to hear a diagnosis of scoliosis at Olivia’s annual physical about a year ago.

“Doctors discovered a curvature in Olivia’s spine. She went through so many tests, and afterward a brace was fabricated for her to wear to help straighten her spine. It was a bit scary and overwhelming,” Nancy Lee said.

Lee had the support of a friend, Danny Morin, whom she’s known for over 15 years.

“He’s someone I could trust, and he’s supported me through all of Olivia’s appointments and challenges.”

Being a Shriner, Morin did more than just support the Lee family.

“It was in the spring and Nancy was just not seeing much progress and asked if she should get a second opinion. I contacted Tim Luttrell, who is also a Shriner and member of the board of Governors at Springfield, to see if scoliosis was something that was treated at the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children in Springfield, and it was,” said Morin.

Knowing that travel for potential patients from Maine can be challenging, Kora Shriners offer orthopedic screening clinics in May, to determine if children qualify to become patients.

“We had just missed this Clinic by days,” said Luttrell. “But an Outreach Clinic was scheduled for June, where our staff from Springfield comes to Maine to do follow-ups for existing patients so we were able to get Olivia screened at that time. Our staff felt that we could help Olivia’s scoliosis and recommended an MRI be taken and that Olivia visit Springfield for further evaluation.”

Lee was very happy and grateful to these local Shriners for their help in getting care for Olivia.

“I didn’t hesitate,” said Lee. “I’ll do whatever I can for my daughter and I needed a second opinion, so we took the trip to Springfield.”

“The quality of care at the hospital was amazing,” said Lee. “The hospital was beautiful and the staff was so caring and loving. We spent the day there and they adjusted her brace in several areas.”

“And it was a lot of fun!” added Olivia. “There was a game room where the floor was interactive and it changed as you moved. You could play soccer or any game you wanted. We also got to visit Boston on our way home.”

Being a patient of a Shriner’s hospital is not all about medical care.

“We are committed to providing the best care for children in our specialty areas of Orthopaedics, Burn Care, Spinal Cord Injury, and Cleft Lip and Palate, regardless of a family’s ability to pay,” remarked Luttrell. “In Olivia’s case, we were able to provide some additional services beyond treating her condition.”

Next month, Olivia will attend another outreach clinic in Lewiston to chart her progress and if new adjustments are necessary they will be able to do it right there.

“I know there’s been progress,” said Lee. “We have seen a visible difference since August.”

Lee and her daughter have found out first-hand what the Shriners are all about.

“Without the help of Danny, Tim and all the Shriners, I don’t think it would be possible for Olivia to do all the activities she can do today. They both have such a big heart,” said Lee.

“It’s all about helping the kids,” said Morin. “Shriners help people; it’s what we do.”

For more information regardng Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, visit www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org. To request an appointment for a specific specialty, call the intake numbers listed below as it relates to your nearest Shriner’s Hospitals for Children.

Shriner’s Hospitals for Children does not require a physician referral. Some insurers may require referrals, or have additional requirements for certain medical care.

All appointments are prioritized on the basis of medical need.

If an intake representative is not immediately available, leave your name and contact information and an intake representative will contact you within two business days.

To reach our Boston Hospital, call 617-726-3575 or to contact our Springfield Hospital, call 413-735-1234.