My name is Stephanie Andresen, and I know of an organization which helps children and thier families free of cost or obligation. I know of them because they treated me for sixteen years. The Shriners Hospital for Children in Minneapolis Minnesota has made me the confident woman that I am today. Years ago doctors wondered if I might ever be able to take a step on my own. Without expensive treatments, I faced being crippled because of a genetic birth defect. Without hesitation, the Shriners stepped in to make a difference in my life. For 16 years, Shriners provided me with countless treatments, surgeries, and ankle and foot braces, all free of cost. Today, I am able to take steps on my own because of the generosity of the Shriners. As I take steps each day, I try to recall the words of Neil Armstrong as he was taking his own first step on the moon. He proudly said, "One small step for a man; one giant leap for mankind." We don't all get the chance to walk on the moon, but we do get the chance to do something great with our lives. We have the opportunity everyday to take small steps that will eventually change mankind for the better. Despite the pain I have experienced, I am able to take steps each day because of the compassion of the Shriners and the hope that each step I take will be the motivation for someone to make a difference. I am the founder and event coordinater of the Ride for Shrine Event in Winona Minnesota. This event is a motorcycle rally which raises funds and awareness for the Shriners Hospital for Children. This is one of my many ways of saying thankyou. I also participate in the Miss America Pageants where I use the Shriners as an example of volunteerism and how it improves our society.

With help from a friend, I have implemented the S.T.E.P. program."One small S.T.E.P. toward a better tomorrow" (Support, Trust, Education, Participation) Support: As a community, we need to provide support to those individuals and organizations that take steps each day to improve quality of life. Additionally, we need to support the individuals who are seeking our help. Trust: We must all trust that our efforts will not go unnoticed. We may not see the results of our efforts after just a few small steps. But, we cannot reach our goal of changing mankind until those steps are taken.

Education: Education is a valuable tool that provides individuals with the opportunity to improve themselves. Sharing one's thoughts and ideas and learning how to make the world a better place is essential for change.

Participation: We need to encourage all individuals to participate in worthy causes. Leadership skills are valuable lessons, and community involvement fosters individual growth. Moreover, generosity with ones time is always rewarded.

I encourage you to use this information in any way that you see as appropriate. You also have my permission to use my name. Thankyou! Stephanie Rae Andresen

(507)457-9411 toserv.com/rideforshrine