When most people think of Shriners, they think of those tall, tasseled hats and guys riding comically small vehicles in parades. But despite these whimsical traditions, the work they do as Shriner's International, a 501c organization, is serious business.

Among its services is the Shriners Hospitals for Children, a network of 22 healthcare facilities located throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Children under the age of 18 can be admitted to these hospitals if, in the opinion of doctors, the child can be treated. The hospitals specialize in orthopedic care, burn treatment, cleft lip and palate care and spinal cord injury rehabilitation.