Shriners Hospitals for Children® patient Alissa Perkins, 2, of Las Vegas has been selected as one of the health care system’s patient ambassadors for 2011-2012. Along with Kate Hickman, 13, of Houston, Alissa will represent the thousands of children who receive care from Shriners Hospitals for Children each year.

Born with fibular hemimelia, Alissa’s journey with Shriners Hospitals for Children began in 2009 at the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. While attending the tournament, Alissa’s parents, Mark and Tara, met Katie Walker, a former Shriners Hospitals for Children patient and current patient ambassador. After speaking with Walker about her experience with the healthcare system, Alissa’s parents made arrangements with representatives of the Las Vegas Zelzah Shriners and began the infant’s treatment with Shriners Hospitals for Children. A short year later, Alissa underwent two surgeries at Shriners Hospitals for Children- Los Angeles, received her first prosthesis right before her first birthday and was walking one month later.

On Wednesday, July 6, 2011, at the 2011 Imperial Session of Shriners International in Denver, Alissa’s story was premiered in the Shriners Hospitals for Children patient success video, “A Tale of Two Patients.” Directed by Christopher Coppola, the video featured Alissa and Kate’s journeys with Shriners Hospitals for Children and the young girls’ strength and courage throughout the process. The video can now be viewed online.

“Alissa is truly an inspirational young girl with an incredible story,” said Adam Sperling, Tournament Director of the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. “It’s wonderful to see local children from Las Vegas receive exemplary care from Shriners Hospitals without the fear of being turned away because of money.” 

About The 2011 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open:

The 2011 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open is the ongoing commitment between Timberlake and Shriners Hospitals for Children® to continue the tradition of a PGA TOUR event in Las Vegas.  The collaboration between Shriners Hospitals for Children® as Title Sponsor and Host, along with Celebrity Host Justin Timberlake, creates a truly unique and world-class event for players and fans alike.  A variety of well-known golfers will participate in the competition and help support the mission of Shriners Hospitals for Children®, while enjoying the signature flair that Las Vegas has to offer.  The 2011 tournament is September 25 – October 2, 2011 at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas.

About Shriners Hospitals for Children®:

Shriners Hospitals for Children® is changing lives every day through innovative pediatric specialty care, world-class research and outstanding medical education. The 22 hospitals in the United States, Canada and Mexico provide advanced care for children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate.

Shriners Hospitals for Children is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and relies on the generosity of donors.  All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.

About the PGA TOUR:

The PGA TOUR is a tax-exempt membership organization of professional golfers. Its primary purpose is to expand the PGA TOUR so as to substantially increase player financial benefits while maintaining our commitment to charity and integrity to the game.

In 2011, the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour collectively consist of more than 100 events staged in 34 states and in 12 countries outside of the U.S.

In addition to providing competitive opportunities for its membership, TOUR events also generate significant funds for local charities.  In fact, the PGA TOUR and its tournaments have given nearly $1.5 billion in overall charitable contributions.  The PGA TOUR’s Web site address is www.pgatour.com and the company is headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.