Shriners slate weekend full of activities

Pernice Knuckles knew money did not grow on trees, but for the sake of her 14-year-old daughter's life she was willing to try.

The local woman did not have to reach far — Shriners made sure she would not have to fight the battle alone.

During a routine health screening, the teen was diagnosed with a severe case of scoliosis, an abnormal curvature of the spine.

Most cases only require an orthopedist to monitor the condition, making sure the spine shows no signs of progression. However, this was not your ordinary case.

"Doctors told us that her spine had a 50-degree curve," Knuckles said. "They said if she didn't have surgery, by the time she was 22 her spine would crush her inside organs and she would die."

The child needed immediate medical attention, the kind Knuckles said she could not get in Gaffney. While she could not afford the cost of the surgical procedure, the local woman turned to someone who had the answer.

"I stood trying to come to a decision — if she had the surgery she might be paralyzed for the rest of her life or die at an early age," Knuckles said. "But I looked up at the 'Footprints' picture on the wall and knew my child would be alright."

Help was on the way in the form of the Shriners Hospital in Greenville. The fraternity assisted Knuckles and her family during the surgery, giving funds and counseling that kept them up to date and lifted their spirits.

Since that day more than 24 years ago, Knuckles has made it her mission to honor Shriners all over the globe as their contributions played a role in her daughter being able to live a productive life.

"My daughter is now 48 years old and has children herself," Knuckles said. "She would not have been here without the help of the Shriners."

Thousands of Shriners are found around the globe, providing care to children suffering from orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate at the organization's 22 hospitals.

More than 800,000 children have been helped as a result of the Shriners Hospital since the first health care facility was opened in 1922, all at no cost to the parent or child.

"I thank God for the Shriners Hospital and the Shriners," Knuckles said. "There are some more kids who have had surgery there from Gaffney. So when you see a Shriner selling candy, please help them because you will never know if you will have a child who has to go there."

The Hejaz Shrine Temple Fall Ceremonial is being held in Gaffney this weekend with a full slate of activities for members of the Hejaz Shrine Temple, which includes clubs from Upstate South Carolina. The public is invited to view the parade beginning at 9:30 a.m Saturday, Oct. 25, through Downtown Gaffney.

Following is a complete schedule of events:

Friday, October 24

1:00 p.m.

Candidates report to Director David Starnes and Staff, Broad River Electric Co-op Building,811 Hamrick Street, Gaffney, S. C.

2:30 p.m. — 4:30 p.m.

Pick up registration packages - Hampton Inn Lobby

2:30 p.m. — 4:30 p.m.

Hospitality - Hampton Inn,115 Nancy Creek Road, Gaffney, SC (Yellow Mall)

7 p.m. — 8:30 p.m.

BBQ Dinner by Cherokee Shrine Club, Broad River Electric Co-Op (Tickets at Registration)

7 p.m. — 11:00 p.m. Music and karaoke by Jerry Headrick, Broad River Electric Co-op

Saturday, October 25

8:00 a.m.

Candidates report to Director David Starnes and Staff, Broad River Electric Co-Op, Gaffney

8:00 a.m. — 9:30 a.m.

Lady Betty's Mimosa Party - Hampton Inn, all ladies invited

9:30 a.m. Parade Lineup on Railroad Avenue in Gaffney

10:00 a.m.

Parade will proceed south on Limestone Street to Thompson Park and disband.

11:30 a.m. — 1 p.m.

Lunch prepared by Chefs at Broad River Elec. Co-Op

1:00 p.m.

Opening Ceremonies and Second Section at Broad River Electric Co-Op.

3:30 p.m. — 5:00 p.m.

Hospitality by Jackson Shrine Club, Hampton Inn

7:30 p.m.

Fez Presentation to new Nobles, Broad River Electric Co- Op

8:30 p.m. — ll:30 p.m.

Ceremonial Dance, Music by Iron City

10:00 p.m. Drawing for Cadillac