Page 47 - SHRINERS HOSPITALS FOR CHILDREN OPEN PROGRAM 2017

STANDARD BEARERS | News

Sophia Perez Sophia Ganahl Ashley Eiden
Galveston, Texas Greenville, South Carolina Honolulu, Hawaii

Shriners Hospitals for Children – Galveston is My name is Sophia Ganahl. I’m 20 years old Aloha! Shriners Hospitals for Children —
proud to introduce Sophia Perez as its patient and I am from Anderson, South Carolina. I am Honolulu is proud to introduce Ashley Eiden
ambassador to the 2017 Shriners Hospitals a patient at Shriners Hospitals for Children – as our standard bearer for the 2017 Shriners
for Children Open. Sophia, 14, has been a Greenville and have been seeking treatment Hospitals for Children Open. Ashley, 14, has
patient of the Galveston Shriners Hospital since 2004. In 2004, I was treated for Perthes been a patient of the Honolulu hospital since
since October of 2015, when she was disease, which affects my hip and causes 2016, after she was diagnosed with scoliosis.
diagnosed with Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis the bone cells to die due to the lack of blood She underwent spinal surgery in March
Syndrome, a rare skin disease. Due to the supply. I underwent surgery that allowed my 2017 and follows up with her orthopaedic
severity of her disorder, Sophia’s condition doctors to resurface and realign the hip joint surgeon and physical therapist as needed.
affected 100 percent of her body, for which she so it would sit in a more natural position. In Shortly after surgery, Ashley was able to
continues to visit the hospital for rehabilitative 2016, I had two more operations on my legs return to her normal activities. Ashley loves
and reconstructive needs. to correct my sudden onset of idiopathic toe drawing, reading, music and sewing with
walking. her grandmother. In fact, she recently sewed
Raised in Houston, Sophia is a bubbly and lap blankets for her fellow patients after she
bright 9th grader, who dreams of working in I was adopted by my parents, Mark and Shari, recovered from her own surgery.
the medical field when she grows up. She from Moscow, Russia. I have two older sisters,
loves to spend her free time traveling with her Ashley and Anca, ages 28 and 25. Currently, Ashley says one of her most memorable
family. For fun, Sophia enjoys hiking, skiing I am in college majoring in psychology. I plan moments at the hospital was visiting with
and any new outdoor adventures. Sophia to continue my education and attend graduate another patient ambassador who also had
and her mother, Marianna, are very excited school to obtain my doctorate in psychology. surgery for scoliosis. The visit helped Ashley
to represent Shriners Hospitals for Children – In my free time, I enjoy swimming, listening overcome any fears she had about surgery.
Galveston. to music, and spending time with family and She hopes to help other patients who are
friends. facing the same surgery and plans to mentor
more patients in the future. Ashley goes to
Kapolei Middle School. She lives with her
mother, Gina; her sister, Brooke; and her dog,
Koda. She is excited to represent Honolulu
Shriners Hospital!

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