The Future Holds No Limits for Colorado Teen Ambitious amputee pushes boundaries thanks to Shriners Hospitals for Children

Heidi loves attending camps sponsored by Shriners Hospitals where she can enjoy activities like skiing and meet other kids who are amputees. “It’s been great to make friends who I can talk to and know they really understand me because they’ve been through the same thing," she said.

Volleyball. Whitewater rafting. Hiking. Hunting. All of these are activities that any Colorado teenager might enjoy. But when talking about a teenager who has lived without her right leg since she was 8 months old, participating in such activities takes on new meaning.

Heidi Duce has fibuler hemimelia. When she was born, her right leg was missing a fibula, ankle bone and three toes and was amputated. From infancy, she’s relied on prostheses to maintain her on-the-go lifestyle.

“I’m hard on my leg,” Heidi laughs.

At just 17 years old, she’s already been through 23 or 24 prosthetics, according to her last count. She knows this wouldn’t be possible without Shriners Hospitals for Children -- Salt Lake City, where she receives treatment.

“The people at Shriners Hospitals are just unbelievable,” she said. “I couldn’t even imagine a world without them they’ve always been such a huge part of my life.”

Heidi will soon begin her senior year of high school and works at her father’s service station in Ouray, Colo. “I’m learning to work on cars,” she says. She already changes the oil and services her own car. In her spare time, she’s out enjoying all that her home state has to offer... counting hunting with her father and hiking with friends among her many adventurous hobbies.

And while she has plenty of friends in her hometown to hang out with, Heidi cherishes the friends she’s made at the “un-limb-ited” camps hosted by Shriners Hospitals for Children. The camps are for children and teens that have disabilities and offer exciting white water rafting and skiing experiences.

“I live in a town of only about 700 people,” she explains. “There are no other teen amputees besides me. It’s been great to make friends who I can talk to and know they really understand me because they’ve been through the same thing.”

The caring and support Heidi has received from Shriners Hospitals is helping to shape her future. She wants to be a nurse, and eventually, a prosthetist.

“Everyone at Shriners Hospitals for Children is so passionate about what they do it’s really cool,” Heidi says. “They’ve given so much to me, and I want to give something back."

Dedicated Volunteer Commits $1 Million to Shriners Hospitals for Children - Portland

George Ruhberg, center, has committed $1 million to the Portland Shriners Hospital. "I'm doing it for the kids," he says.

“I like doing a favor,” he says simply. “I’m doing it for the kids.”

George T. Ruhberg may be the king of understatement. His “favor” is an incredible one. Mr. Ruhberg recently committed $1 million to the Portland Shriners Hospital in his will.

A long time volunteer at the Portland Hospital, Mr. Ruhberg is deeply involved in the community. As a Mason, member of the Scottish Rite and a Shriner, service is an integral part of his life. In addition to volunteering at Shriners Hospitals, he’s also volunteered with Meals on Wheels, taught school children to read and currently lends his time to the local Veterans Hospital.

“I’m a Mason, and I believe in charity,” says Mr. Ruhberg. “I practice the code of Masonry, and I like to help people.”

Mr. Ruhberg’s call to serve also influenced his career choices. He served his country as a Marine for 26 years. After his time with the Marine Corps, he was employed as an accountant and often prepared taxes free of charge for those in need.

When asked why he devotes his time to the Portland Shriners Hospital, he jokes that he “got tired of playing golf.” The staff at the hospital are glad he put down his 9-iron to join their ranks as a hospital guide. Colleagues say Mr. Ruhberg is always smiling and in great spirits -- a perfect ambassador for the hospital.

“I make people feel comfortable, show them around and let then know what the hospital can offer them and their families," he explains. "Shriners Hospitals for Children is a fine organization.”

Mr. Ruhberg is especially proud of how fiscally responsible Shriners Hospitals for Children is with the donations they receive. It’s a fact he’s happy to share with those he shows around the hospital and those who commend him on his incredibly generous gift.

“Ninety percent of all donations go to the hospital and the children,” he says. “Every bit makes a difference.”

Rick named director of children's clinic

Bruce Rick has been named executive director of Square & Compass Children's Clinic, 2600 N. Wyatt Drive.
Rick holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Purdue University. He has an extensive background in computer systems operations and has directed computer operations for both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. He now represents the Tucson Sabbar Shriners on the board of governors of the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Los Angeles.
The Square & Compass Children's Clinic of Tucson helps special needs children with care in more than 25 medical specialties.

Little Red Heart for Shriners Hospital for Children

5 1/2 year old Rebecca; a patient at the Shriners Hospitals for Children, designs the t-shirt for a local car show. After seeing the drawing that Rebecca drew, there was no question! That little [Red Heart], rough around the edges, said it all. That is a simple "Red Heart" to which Rebecca, told her mother, "My hearts a little tattered...But the Shriners can fix it like they do the kids that go to their hospitals".

The "Red Heart" design is going to be used for a fundraising project to help the Shriners Hospitals for Children and The Morgan Nick Foundation. Rebecca's response when she was told that Charleys Customs of Alma Ark. decided to use it in their car show/poker run for both charities on October 25th in Alma. "I get to help the children that need help, like me!." She will be the honored guest at the car show, with plans to autograph the t-shirts during the event, health permitting. Rebecca suffered an allergic reaction to her second round of immunization shots. Rebecca has problems from the chest down, and has had numerous surgeries. She recently has been fitted with crutches All of her medical bills, have been covered by the Shriners Hospitals for Children in St Louis Mo.. All proceeds from the car show will be divided equally between the Shriners Hospitals for Children and the Morgan NIck foundation.


The BIG Event!

* Become a part of history. This fall, plan to attend the CHARLEYS
CUSTOMS, First Annual, Car Show and Hwy 23\71 Poker Run \Cruise.


This will be our First Ever charity event to help children. A car show followed by
a Scenic cruise, viewing the beautiful fall foliage of Hwy 23. Highway 23 has
been ranked as one of the top ten, most fun roads to drive in the United States.
From Ozark, Ar., to Fayetteville, AR.. Then back down Scenic Hwy 71 to the
shop. A FUN packed day for every one. Car Show, Cruise, Poker Run, and a
Kids Fishing Contest. All to Help Children's Charities. Oct.25th, 2008. We want to make this a yearly family oriented event.

The Shriner's Shirt We had a coloring contest at the Shriner's Hospital for Children, and five year old Rebecca won.
Rebecca had an allergic reaction to her second round of immunization shots when she was two years old. As a result, she has had numerous health issues including the ability to walk. With the help of the Shriner's Hospital for Children, Rebecca is in walkers and getting better!

You can help Children like Rebecca with the purchase of this shirt! Shirt Price is only $15.00 !! Sizes available: S,M,L,XL 2XL and larger, call for pricing. www.charlyscustoms.com

Shining Stars

HMSA Foundation awards health grants
Oct 02, 2008
The Hawaii Medical Service Association Foundation approved grants for 12 health and community organizations. They are American Lung Association of Hawaii, $25,000; Association of Native Hawaiian Physicians, $5,000; Hawaii Lions Foundation, $25,000; Hawaii Parkinson Association, $25,000; Helping Hands Hawaii, $49,900; Imua Family Services, $25,000; Kohala Hospital Charitable Foundation, $15,000; Moiliili Community Center, $5,000; Pacific Cancer Foundation, $5,500; Shriners Hospital for Children, $5,000; Hawaii Foodbank, $25,000; and the University of Hawaii at Hilo, College of Pharmacy, $75,506.

The 2008-2009 board of directors of Hale Kipa Inc. includes Chairwoman Stacy Evenson, vice president of government affairs of the Hawaii Medical Services Association; Vice Chairman Luke W.T. Yeh, senior vice president, Bank of Hawaii; Treasurer Dennis H.K. Hu, senior vice president and deputy manager, First Hawaiian Bank; and Secretary Lianne Iwanaga-Ohashi, director of regulatory affairs, Hawaiian Telcom.

Three new members are Scott W.H. Seu of Hawaiian Electric Co.; Wendi Takemoto, Punahou School; and Susan Utsugi, Central Pacific Bank.

"Shining Stars" runs Monday through Thursday.

The Hawaii Medical Service Association Foundation approved grants for 12 health and community organizations. They are American Lung Association of Hawaii, $25,000; Association of Native Hawaiian Physicians, $5,000; Hawaii Lions Foundation, $25,000; Hawaii Parkinson Association, $25,000; Helping Hands Hawaii, $49,900; Imua Family Services, $25,000; Kohala Hospital Charitable Foundation, $15,000; Moiliili Community Center, $5,000; Pacific Cancer Foundation, $5,500; Shriners Hospital for Children, $5,000; Hawaii Foodbank, $25,000; and the University of Hawaii at Hilo, College of Pharmacy, $75,506.

The 2008-2009 board of directors of Hale Kipa Inc. includes Chairwoman Stacy Evenson, vice president of government affairs of the Hawaii Medical Services Association; Vice Chairman Luke W.T. Yeh, senior vice president, Bank of Hawaii; Treasurer Dennis H.K. Hu, senior vice president and deputy manager, First Hawaiian Bank; and Secretary Lianne Iwanaga-Ohashi, director of regulatory affairs, Hawaiian Telcom.

Three new members are Scott W.H. Seu of Hawaiian Electric Co.; Wendi Takemoto, Punahou School; and Susan Utsugi, Central Pacific Bank

Honolulu Shriners Hospital for Children Benefit

WINGS FOR SHRINERS BENEFIT CONCERT for the new hospital building fund, with no-host food and cocktails, and local entertainers such as Brother Noland, Summer and Powerhouse, 4:30-9 p.m. Oct. 10, Aloha Tower Marketplace; $25 at the door.

Al Malaikah Motor Patrol Heads to the Agoura Hills Parade

Reyes Adobe Days names Berlin lead singer as Grand Marshal

A LEADING LADY—Singer Terri Nunn said she loves living in Agoura Hills with her family. Nunn will serve as Grand Marshal at the annual Reyes Adobe Days Parade.
The city of Agoura Hills has announced that the Grand Marshal for the fourth annual Reyes Adobe Days Parade is local resident Terri Nunn, lead singer of the band Berlin. She has been an Agoura Hills resident for seven years.

"I love Agoura Hills," said Nunn, who lives with her husband, Paul Spear, a family law attorney, and their three children. "My children can play in the outdoors every day. Agoura Hills is close enough to Los Angeles for work and cultural diversity yet far enough away to find peace, natural beauty and a parking space."

The parade will feature circus-style entertainment, floats, antique autos, bands and drill teams, equestrians, clubs and organizations. Entrants will be judged for awards.

The parade begins at 10 a.m. Sat., Oct. 4 at Forest Cove and Thousand Oaks Blvd. Pre-parade activities will begin at 8:30 a.m., including a classic car show, entertainment, coffee and snacks.

The one-mile procession will travel along Thousand Oaks Blvd. and end at the Reyes Adobe Historical Site, 5464 Reyes Adobe Road, to kick off Reyes Adobe Days at the Adobe from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature cultural family activities, demonstrations, music, museum tours and a fine art gallery.

For information on all events during the three-day weekend, call (818) 597-7361 or visit www.ci.agoura-hills.ca.us.