"I'm a Shriners Kid" - Patient Ambassador Program

Riley Desin: Hi, I'm Riley Desin. I am 16 years old from Winter Garden, Florida, and I've been a patient of Shriners Hospitals for Children, Tampa for most of my life. I am receiving care for a very rare bone growth disorder called, hereditary multiple exostoses. This causes my bones to grow bumpy instead of smooth. These bones can cause pain, form length discrepancies, and joint immobility issues. There are many treatment options available, and I receive excellent care from all the doctors and nurses.

A patient ambassador is a positive role model for their community. They get to represent the hospital's mission: sending love to the rescue. It provides great opportunities to help supporters really understand what "love to the rescue" really means. Getting to know the men behind the mission and getting to build relationships with them is an added bonus.

As a patient ambassador, I get to represent the hospital at fundraising events, press interviews, and media appearances. You never know what the hospital staff will invite you to, but it will always be an adventure. My favorite patient ambassador experience was when I got to go to the Coke Zero 400. I got to spend the weekend with David Ragan and met many other drivers. I also got to spend time with the Imperial officers and their ladies. David took me to qualifying, the drivers' meeting, and driver introductions. David is an amazing partner for Shriners Hospitals.