Disney Helps Shriners Children's Celebrate 100 Years

Go to Stations and Viewing

To celebrate a century of being a premiere healthcare organization for children and touching the lives of more than 1.5 million children, Shriners Children’s has enlisted the storytelling prowess of Disney and ABC to air a 30-minute special called Miracles, Magic & Milestones.

Hosted by Kristen Bell, it will air beginning on Friday, September 16, on ABC stations throughout the nation. This exclusive event is packed with inspiring patient stories and exciting surprise guests to mark the 100-year anniversary of delivering world class care at Shriners Children’s.

The show includes appearances by Derek Hough (Dancing with the Stars), Jay Bilas (ESPN), Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics), and a special appearance by Shriners Children’s own celebrity spokespatient, Alec.

“This television event is our opportunity to share our story with the world – the story of how Shriners Children’s has been a driving force in shaping pediatric specialty care for 100 years,” said Jerry Gantt, chairman of the Board of Trustees. “Our hope is that by sharing our story with such a large audience that ABC can bring, we can help more children in more places.”

This fast-paced program includes a number of compelling patient stories from throughout our system, and a focus on Shriners International as the “Men Behind the Mission.” It also covers a diversity of conditions we treat: cleft lip and palate, burns, scoliosis, amputation and prosthetics, arm and hand differences, and limb lengthening.

"To think what started a century ago not only stands today but has evolved to become one of the most respected healthcare networks in the world is beyond amazing. It’s not only a testament to the dedicated men and women who deliver world-class care in all our facilities across the continent, but the countless Shriners themselves who continue to fuel our efforts," said Kenny Craven, Imperial Potentate, Shriners International. “Without them, we simply wouldn’t have the resources and capabilities available to our patients today. That mission and tireless commitment to supporting the health and well-being of every child requiring specialized medical care is the embodiment of selflessness.”

National Media Coverage

On Thursday, September 15, tune in to Fox & Friends to see a Where are They Now feature and interview with Alec!

On our anniversary date, September 16, 2022, we will be celebrating in Times Square at Good Morning America. During the 8:30 a.m. half-hour, GMA will air a special story celebrating Shriners Children’s milestone and tell the story of National Patient Ambassador Katherine. In addition, they will host a large group of Shriners for a celebration outside their studios in Times Square.

Finally, stories about Shriners Children’s will air adjacent to the news on ABC stations during the weekend of our anniversary (Sept. 16-17), to promote our special Miracles, Magic & Milestones.

Look For Us At Times Square

During the entire month of September, Shriners Children’s will be featured on ABC’s Times Square Super Sign four times every hour. Our spot on the super sign will include a combination of video and animated versions of our 100th anniversary logo and the Miracles, Magic & Milestones promotional graphics.

Watch our social media channels to see video of the sign.