An Important Message from your Leadership

Dear Nobles,

In times of uncertainty, our strong fraternal bonds lift and support us in ways we could not have imagined. During this unprecedented worldwide health crisis, we are concerned about the health of our families, our fraternal family, our communities, our Shriners Hospitals patients, families and staff, and of course, ourselves. Your leaders of Shriners International and Shriners Hospitals for Children are deeply concerned about each of you as well.

The members of the Joint Boards and the Executive Leadership Team of Shriners Hospitals for Children® have been working diligently on guidance for the COVID-19 coronavirus at both Shriners International Headquarters and each Shriners Hospitals for Children location. We commend the dedication and leadership efforts as they face the challenges before them. Our fraternal and hospital leaders are using technology, like never before, to stay abreast of this very fluid situation, offering guidance and support. Our medical teams are taking all necessary steps and following local, state, federal and worldwide recommendations to care for and protect our patients and their families.

We are aware of the many sacrifices and changes you have made to safeguard our fraternity members, families, and your communities by canceling meetings, events and fundraisers. I know that many of you have been forced to discontinue your valuable volunteer work providing patient transportation and other services at our hospitals. In our recent history, this seems unheard of but we share the legacy of our founders in responding to the needs of our communities, especially those needs of the children of our countries.

Many of you have asked about the status of the 2020 Imperial Session. The Director General of the 2020 Imperial Session and the staff of Shriners International are closely monitoring quickly changing developments as they may affect the upcoming Imperial Session. Of course, the safety of our Nobles and their families is our highest concern.

We are carefully reviewing the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and continue to work in close collaboration with the Kansas City Department of Public Health to minimize the risks associated with this virus. Each individual should evaluate their own heath situation in connection with the latest information provided by public health professionals in determining whether they should travel. We have every expectation that the 2020 Imperial Session will be an outstanding and extremely positive experience.

We anticipate providing additional updates and information related to Imperial Session 2020 as developments warrant.

Nobles, our hopefulness will make this difficult time more bearable. Your actions and concern during this time can make a difference; we encourage you to care for each other like no other time. Each of you are vital to our fraternity and philanthropy. We have always been in awe of the selfless dedication of our members; We know that these challenges will only make us stronger.

Yours in the faith,