My name is Marty Sheedy; I am 20 years old and live in Dearborn, Michigan. I was born with numerous medical conditions, which include Arthrogryposis, Dislocated Hips, Scoliosis, Clubfeet, and Prune Belly. Because of all these "challenges" my family and I have been guided to go to Shriner's Hospital in Chicago, Illinois.

I have been going to the Shriner's Hospital since I was 5 years old. We first heard about the Shriners from my aunt and also a friend that my dad knew. They heard that the care they gave was just excellent and that they may really be able to help me out.  We got a sponsor, then all the great things started happening from there. My parents went to a few medical institutions, which included Children's Hospital and also University of Michigan Hospital Ann Arbor. The outlook that Children's Hospital and University of Michigan Hospital gave did not impress my parents at all.  At the very first  appointment at Shriner's Hospital, the doctors were so optimistic and positive that they would really be able to do a lot to improve my life. From that point on, I had about six surgeries at Shriner's Hospital. Those surgeries were going to correct my clubfeet, and then eventually I would undergo a spinal fusion to correct the curvature of the spine. The hospital is completely state of the art, since I started going there over 15 years ago, there have been so many upgrades and renovations that are just incredible. One key thing about the Shriner's Hospital is the way they cater not only to the patient's needs, but also the needs of the parents. For example, there are hotels in the area that provide discounts for Shriner families with children staying in the hospital. For my spine surgery I was there for about a month, and the discounts really helped my family a great deal. I can't say enough about the entire staff there. While you stay there as a patient you are never bored. They have so much to do. They have video game systems that can come into the room, movies and much more. They also have great activities such as arts & crafts, field trips and a great  teen room, which provides older kids other things to do. One time in the teen room they had a poker game, where if you won that hand, you put on all these funny things. It was just great.

Because of the Shriner's Hospital I am now able to walk and live a mostly independent lifestyle. I graduated from Edsel Ford High School in 2005, where I was the manager of the basketball team, hockey team, and baseball team my senior year. At the end of my senior year I began and completed drivers training with hand controls and a spinner knob. I now have my licience, which I got about a year ago, and now drive a 2005 Malibu. I attend Henry Ford Community College, where I plan to get my degree in Respiratory Therapy. RT is something I will be able to physically do even with my medical conditions, but most importantly I want to just give back. Because I have been on the receiving end so many times I feel that I would be able to have such empathy for my own patients.

I have great friends and families who have supported me over the years and that is one thing that is most important in any disabled child's life. I plan on becoming a Shriner myself. I have already taken the first step by becoming a Mason and after I graduate college, I will hopefully become a Shriner. That is how much they have touched my life.

I have started a project called Project Scissor Gait. The term Scissor Gait came from the way I walk, which is crossed-legged. Because of this style of walking I am much more independent. Through this project I am trying to expand this style, so other people may benefit from it. I also am planning on attending conferences and conventions to further expand this project. But overall I am just trying to help disability awareness. I have spoken at a few high schools and classes about my project. I love doing these things. You can learn more about my project at www.projectscissorgait.2ya.com. To all Shriners out there, I want to thank you for the work that you do. Without your work I would not be at the point in my life I am today. To all parents who may be considering treatment from the Shriner's Hospitals it would be the best thing you could ever do for your child. I owe a lot to them, that's for sure.  

* Since this article was written I changed my degree to Business and Management to pursue my foundation endeavors, and also joined the Shrine.