Help where its needed

LA FERIA — Cathy Moniaci went back to her roots.

As a certified nurse, Moniaci spent two days working with other health care officials from the Shriners Hospital in Houston at the Shrine Hospital Children’s Clinic held at the Rio Grande Valley Shrine Club earlier this month.

“It gives me a chance to get back in and take care of the patients,” Moniaci, director of patient care services, said.

The staff from the Houston hospital travels to the RGV Shrine Club four times a year for the major clinic, Moniaci said.

Any child, up to 18 years old, who is in need of orthopedic care, is eligible to attend the clinics. Eight physicians and dozens of physical therapists and nurses were on site to check up on patients and make new contacts.

“What’s great is we are able to supply pretty much anything they need,” Moniaci said. “It’s the comprehensibility of the clinic that is special. If they need a cast, we can do that. But we can also see if they need any sort of specialized care, like surgery.”

Children who received ongoing care from the Shrine Hospital received examinations at the clinic while new patients worked with doctors to determine needed services.

“If you’re an ongoing patient, we come here so you don’t have to make the trip to Houston,” Moniaci said.

On June 8, the group saw 40 prosthetic care patients and by the following morning, families filled the RGV Shrine Club as 198 patients were expected to attend the clinic. Along with the health care, a group of missionaries was providing sandwiches to the participants.

Moniaci said the Shrine Hospital has participated in clinics in the Rio Grande Valley for at least 20 to 25 years. And as the years pass, the clinic has evolved.

Bob Hopkins, RGV Shrine Club secretary, said several volunteers preparing early in the morning for the day-long event. Several buses were parked outside of the RGV Shrine Club since international care was also provided at the clinic.

“You have to give the Shrine Club members credit for all the work they do,” Moniaci said. “From working with the Border Patrol to helping out staff members of the hospital, they’ve been great.”

Hopkins said his reward is seeing the children receive the help they need.

“The best thing is, we are able to do this for people who may not have money or insurance,” Moniaci said. “We can just do what we need to do, regardless of their financial status.”