Page 50 - SHRINERS HOSPITALS FOR CHILDREN OPEN PROGRAM 2017

News | STANDARD BEARERS

Piper Salyer Jake Dering Maleah Johnson
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Portland, Oregon Salt Lake City, Utah

Shriners Hospitals for Children — Philadelphia Shriners Hospitals for Children — Portland Shriners Hospitals for Children — Salt Lake
is proud to introduce Piper Salyer as its is excited to introduce Jake Dering as its City is proud to introduce Maleah Johnson as
standard bearer to the 2017 Shriners Hospitals standard bearer for the 2017 Shriners its patient ambassador to the 2017 Shriners
for Children Open. Piper, age 14, has been a Hospitals for Children Open. Jake has been Hospitals for Children Open. Maleah, age 15,
patient of the Philadelphia Shriners Hospital a patient since 2004 when he was born has been a Shriners Hospital patient since
since 2015 due to a severe spinal curve. with a very rare genetic condition called 2002 when she was just a baby. She’s had one
Piper underwent surgery in 2016 to receive a Oto-palatal-digital syndrome type 2. As a major surgery, followed by regular visits to the
vertebral body tether that has since corrected result Jake has undergone major surgeries prosthetics and orthotics department where
her spinal curve. Piper will continue to visit at the Portland Shriners Hospital, including she is fitted every year for a new prosthetic
the hospital for follow-ups and to address any spinal decompression and fusion, and most leg. Thanks to her prosthetic, she learned to
scoliosis-related issues she may encounter. recently the MAGEC rod procedure. This last ride a bike as a kid, loves to play softball and
procedure reduced Jake’s spinal curve from was on a swim team for years. But her number
Hailing from Hurricane, UT, Piper has a 85 degrees to 60 degrees. one passion is golf! Her care has helped her
passion for softball. Piper is thrilled to stay active at Pleasant Grove High School in
represent the Philadelphia Shriners Hospital Jake is entering the 7th grade and he says Pleasant Grove, Utah, where she plays on the
along with her mother Theresa, father Michael golf is his jam! He plays in a fall league and Varsity Golf Team, lettering in Varsity Golf as
and older brother Brendan. goes to every summer golf camp he can. In a freshman! Her passion began early at age
between golf camps, Jake plays round after 5, when she started supporting annual golf
round and when not out playing he is at the tournaments to benefit the hospital.
range working on his game. He also loves to
set up a chipping net in the front yard and hit She’s also been involved in a number of
until he can’t stand up anymore. Jake’s other hospital-related extra-curricular activities
interests are listening to music, playing video such as Un-limb-ited Camp where she
games, computers, and hanging out with his learned how to 3-track ski and river raft, and
friends and family. Jake has a 14 year-old fundraisers such as speaking at an annual
devoted sister who has always watched out dance performance and going on the radio to
for him, as well as some pretty great parents, promote a Harley Ride!
Steve and Chellie Dering. Jake is excited to
meet some PGA TOUR golfers, but equally Her family is an amazing support network
excited to represent the Portland Shriners including her Mom Robyn, older sister Taylor,
Hospital. younger sister Abbie, and very involved
grandparents including Grandpa Porray. Her
father Scott, who recently passed away, is
still a big influence in her life even though
he’s no longer physically present. Maleah
loves Shriners Hospitals for Children because
“Shriners Hospital gives me the tools to
pursue my dreams.”

48 November 2- 5, 2017 | TPC SUMMERLIN | LAS VEGAS, NV