I wouod like to start out by saying that the Shriners do much good work. As a matter 9f fact, were…read moreit not for their organization, a chapter in Atlanta, GA 38 years ago, my 39 year old daughter would have walked with crutches amd a severe limp her whole life and now be in a wheel chair for the remaining years of her life. I have always been and will continue to be grateful to the shriners for their care of my daughters medical condition. THAT BEING SAID, I am hereby relating my extreme disappointment in the attitude and treatment i received from a Shriner this past Saturday here in Dalton, GA. I am a 56 year old disabled and terminally ill domestic violence survivor. Unfortunately, I am all alone here, my only family being a daughter and grandchildren in Arizona and a Son and daughter-in-law in TN. I have had 32 surgeries since Aug 2015 and require a minimum of 6 more, given there are no complications. I am terminal with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and due to all my health issues see 6 different doctors each month. In addition, I continually have needed procedures it seems on a monthly basis, ie upper and lower GI in June, diagnostic procedure of shots in my neck and back in July, CT scan and then an EGD and Colonoscopy this month, this week in fact. This doesn't even bring into play any required cancer treatments. Needless to say, even with Medicare, my monthly medical costs are phenominal and have needed to rely on the compassion of strangers at times out of sheer desperation to be able to get the needed medical care. Therefore, when all other avenues have been exhausted I have on occassion been forced to stand in public with a sign relying on the compassion of those in Dalton willing to help. Last Saturday was such a day as I am in need of $130 for the aforementioned EGD/Colonoscopy co-pay which is required prior to the procedure and another co-pay for another doctors visit needed the following week. I have minimal use of my left arm and. shoulder, (one of the aforementioned required surgeries), I walk with a cane due to my left knee, 3 previous surgeries and again another of the aforementioned required surgeries coming up, my right foot has also had previous surgery and is another of the aforementioned required surgeries to come. I walk with a cane and endure unending pain. So out of need and desperation i go out early this past Saturday in the hopes of getting some help from the good people of Dalton and here comes a Shriner about 30 minutes after I've already been standing at my post. He proceeds to walk up to me and says "you can have the higher ground or the lower ground where do you want to stand?" Really?? I'm thinking. Well since I am already here and have been for about 30 minutes now, I will stay where I am. He then proceeds to walka about 10 feet in front of me and walks up and down the stretch of sidewalk there soliciting donations. He could have gone anywhere he wanted, even at the door of the Walmart right there. I cannot. After about 30 minutes i decide to leave, I'm not wanting a scene. I approached him as I was leaving and said, "I know the Shriners do good work. However I am terminal with cancer and was attempting to come up with a badly needed $130 for medical procedures I require next week. I only do this when I have no choice. And I do realize this corner has noones name on it but I felt it very unchristian and uncaring to come and step in front of me with my sign stating that I am terminal and in dire need of help. Thank you for your kindness." As I walked away he says "We do this for the children." And again, I am glad you do, however my life is just as important, just as worthy of assistance and I have children AND grandchildren that want me alive and part of their lives for as long as possible. The actions of that Shriner do not fit in with the christian, caring and helpful values that are claimed by the Shriner organization. Who is this Shriner to decide that my life is not important enough or worth getting help to prolong it?