Hello,

My name is Chris Scott East I was born in 1972, January 17th, a crippled child.  At 4 weeks of age my stomach ruptured.  The worst day of my mothers life soon became the BEST! She was referred to Dr. George Harkins (noble) who diagnosed me with Hershbrungs Disease.  As head of pediatric surgeons of the Norfolk's Hospital for the Children's Hospital of the Kings Daughters he offered to sponsor me.  He informed my mother that there was a crippled children's fund that was available for research and development for children like myself that would be heading up a team of doctors and nurses that would be caring for me. 

Six operations and over 1,500 stitches later I would be on my way to a full recovery.  By the time I could read and write I would be thanking Dr. Harkins orally and sending letters of appreciation.  I now realize how complicated this system of nobles, hospitals and doctors, without these three basic elements today's shiners hospitals cannot exist.  Dr.  Harkins has sense passed and gone to heaven to be with the supreme architect of the universe, but the research and development that he lead into the 21st century is still saving and healing the lives of crippled children today! 

I am now 33 years old and have a most beautiful wife and wonderful family with two healthy children and now more than ever are still extending my thanks and gratitude to the shrine and its cause.  I have finally figured out that I never want to grow up but since I must I will begin my new career as a character for the shrine-preferably a CLOWN.  Ready and willing to work at placing smiles on the faces of all children young and old is what I enjoy!