Nile
Shriners

Shriners come from all walks of life. We are members of the community who are working or retired, members of the trades, business professionals, business leaders and men who want to just have fun. We are fathers, uncles and sons. We are also brothers. When you become a Shriner, you become part of a brotherhood of men committed to family, engaged in ongoing personal growth, and dedicated to providing care of children and families in need through Shriners Hospitals for Children regardless of their ability to pay.

While our backgrounds and interests may be diverse, what binds us together are shared values and a desire to have fun, do good and build relationships that can last a life time. Is it time for you to learn more about Shriners International? Visit www.beashrinernow.com and find out. You can also go to our Join Nile page for what it will take to join.

Dale Newman | Potentate 2022

Marco is happy and healthy again after a terrifying spider bite that almost forced doctors to amputate his leg. The 15-month-old is now recovering at Shriners Children’s Texas after a medical scare that all began on an average day at the family’s home in Monterrey, Mexico.

Marco’s mother Jenifer said she was doing yardwork at the family’s home in early May while Marco was outside with her in his stroller. At first, Jenifer said there were no signs that Marco was feeling sick, but a few days later Marcos came down with a high fever and Jenifer knew he needed help immediately.

“May 6th it happened then on May 9th I went to the public hospital,” she said. There, doctors quickly determined that Marco was bitten by a venomous spider. Marco’s leg, where he was bitten, was rapidly growing redder and more swollen.

Marco initially received medication and oxygen but his lungs and kidneys were starting to fail because of the spider’s poison, according to his mother. The hospital in Monterrey took him into surgery and removed tissue from his leg. But the doctors at the hospital knew there was nothing else they could do to help Marco and worked to transfer his care to Shriners, where he could get the best specialized care.

“I got a phone call from the university hospital saying they were willing to help and transfer him here since there was nothing else they could do for him back home,” Jenifer said. “The doctor referred his care to Shriners Children’s Texas.”

Thanks to the Nile Shriners of Seattle, Washington, his travel was funded. They jumped into action as soon as they heard of Marco’s emergency.

“I was at the Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America’s Grand Sessions event with Imperial Sir Ed Stolze. During the event, he received a phone call and excused himself. After he returned to the table, he asked me how much money we had available in our travel fund,” Dale Newman, Nile Shriners potentate, said. “He informed me that they needed $35,000 to ensure a baby could be airlifted from Mexico to Galveston. I told him to make it happen, and Nile would pay the expense.”

Marco underwent multiple surgeries and rehabilitation at Shriners. Jenifer said it becomes more and more obvious every day that Marco is feeling better and returning to his old self.

“Before the accident, he used to be really playful and hyperactive, but right after the accident he was really quiet and hardly moved. But, lately I’ve seen a lot of progress that he’s going back to what the baseline was,” she said.

Mr. Newman said he is honored that the Nile Shriners were able to lend a hand in making sure Marco received the care he needed. “This has been an amazing catalyst for Nile. It reminds our Nobles about why we do everything we do. Being able to assist in a situation like this has really energized our clubs and units,” Mr. Newman said.

Yours in the faith,
Dale Newman
Nile Potentate 2022

At the recent Conference of Grand Masters in Louisville, Kentucky, Imperial Potentate Jeff Sowder, along with Scottish Rite Sovereign Grand Commanders David A. Glattly, 33° (Northern Masonic Jurisdiction), and James D. Cole, 33° (Southern Jurisdiction), announced a formal partnership on the Path Forward for Freemasonry.

As part of that initiative, the three leaders announced BeaFreemason.org, which features a wealth of information including an explanation of Masonic terms, lodge life, symbolism, degrees and family organizations. Launched in mid-February, this first-of-its-kind site introduces Freemasonry to men who are looking to "become the best version" of themselves. The site has a "Get in Touch" button, so prospects (in North America) can fill out a short form that will put them in touch with a Masonic leader in their local area. We hope you share this helpful site with men that you know who are committed to lives of honor, integrity and character.

For more information, go to: beafreemason.org