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Shriners Hospitals for Children

Shriners Hospitals for Children review: Exploiting children to solicit donations 196

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3:02 pm EDT
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The company has been bombarding CNN with commercials featuring sick and deformed children who are reading lines that were clearly written for adult actors. The kids, who have speech impediments, are sick or are missing limbs, have obviously been coached to work as sales people.

196 comments
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CaliMama
, US
Sep 26, 2023 4:31 pm EDT
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While driving from Willows ca to Orland ca 09/19/2023 between 5pm and 6pm had driver of a Shriners children hospital vehicle with the license plate 6MAG962 tailgating myself and after witnessed them tailgate others. Passing cars at high speeds and slamming on their breaks.

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Alext2963
LITTLE ROCK, US
Apr 02, 2023 6:51 am EDT

Good grief! How much air time are these people getting? Constant bombardment of children missing limbs, unable to breath, unable to walk. It's bad enough to exploit children, but they are being given so much air time we now turn off our tv. We used to give, but in good concience, we can't any longer

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warehamgal
east wareham, US
Mar 04, 2023 8:58 am EST

Hello, it's the spirit with which you give, the heart and the love and the caring. What spirit does Shriners and St. Jude's have I wonder. No individual or organization is prefect. If you have less than an unlimited number dollars, give to the worthiest charities you can fund.

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Daniela Dimitrescu
, US
May 22, 2023 8:10 pm EDT
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Replying to comment of warehamgal

Not when I sense any explotation that is going on within those places otherwise the one who is giving is partaking in that explotation and thus encouraging it to continue

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Susan Meyer
, US
Feb 04, 2023 1:53 pm EST

I get so sick of ads from Shriners and St Jude. Both Caleb and Alex, from Shriners, are millionaires. If these hospitals really want to help their patients, they should quit spending $$$$$ on nonstop ads. Quit paying these kids fortunes. Quit sending out Made In China garbage. Put the monies back into the hospitals to help kids who need it.

I also feel the same way about the ASPCA. They spend all of their monies on commercials, paying their executives, administrative costs while next to nothing goes to the animals they supposedly help. Ugh.

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SICKMAMA50
Dixon Springs, US
Feb 13, 2023 6:28 pm EST

I can’t agree with you more even if I tried

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Littlelight7
Qld, AU
Feb 02, 2023 9:40 pm EST
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I would like to leave a comment for those who are running the commercials for Shriners Hospital. I don't have a problem with people using Charities to help other people like the poor the sick and also the disadvantage like the widowers but what troubles me is they keep using the same two boys Alex and Caleb to be the spokespersons of the Shriners Hospital and it's repetitious and I have counted over 30 times I've seen this commercial in one day on the smart TV. I'm not trying to judge these disabled children I'm hoping that they are doing the right thing by using the money too help these children or are they just using them as a front? When clearly Alex and Caleb are grown Caleb has a brand new car they both make over a million dollars in there advertisements which they are clearly used as spokespersons but they are actors is that correct? Why not use doctors or people within the hospital and let other children speak rather than Alex and Caleb. I'm only going to say this to be constructive not to be nasty towards these young men but Alex brags about himself a lot and so does Caleb it's like they stir each other up and prideful young men that don't recognize that this is serious business using a charity to help people with serious disabilities and issues really troubles me. Even the song recently that they put If You're Happy and You Know It it's kind of childish and the point needs to be made that they need help with their surgeries and their medical bills I realize that yes they have probably done a lot of things to help many children but I do not like the exploitation and the actors that are portrayed as helpless individuals it makes the children look like that they are freaks and they are not all God's children are created special and I think it doesn't give them Justice nor does it portray them as individuals that can overcome these disabilities when you have Alex in the background holding this blanket that is displaying a Shriners cap which with a bear on the front I'm only going to offer this suggestion why not take some of the children that have gone through disabilities and put their names on the blanket those people that has overcome obstacles like no arms no legs people that needed severe surgeries not just Alex and Caleb taking and stealing the Limelight I think they're acting days should be pretty much over because they keep portraying them as little children sometimes I see videos and advertisements with them as little children they are not little children no more they're adults so to me I consider this child exploitation watching this video over and over and over between commercials does aggravate people it frustrates them because they want to know are they just doing this because they want the money or they going to do this because they really want to help the children that is just my opinion you can take it or leave it. I have no problem with disabled children I myself am disabled and I've been around disabled people and medically challenged people most of my life so those that were giving off the nasty comments and calling these children names they ought to be ashamed of themself and start recognizing who is the one that's responsible for keep playing these videos that are allowing Alex and Caleb as young children when they're not to be portrayed as innocent helpless disabled kids personally I think it's discrimination against these children they are not pieces of trash where everybody begs for them to get help they have overcome many things and it's time for people to see them as human beings and not as pawns while Shriners make money off of them and that troubles me and that's why I will not give them my $19 a month cuz it seems like everybody else wants $19 Catch 22

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SICKMAMA50
Dixon Springs, US
Feb 13, 2023 6:31 pm EST

I won’t donate either I’m disabled and so is my 30 year old nonverbal autistic son and we’re both on disability our needs come before any one else

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Dorkblanket
MILWAUKEE, US
Jan 14, 2023 3:54 am EST

My schizo grandmother donated to Sally Struthers. The money went to buy grain that was kept in a barn and it rotted.

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CAS
, US
Jun 27, 2023 5:14 pm EDT

LOL I remember that

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Dorkblanket
MILWAUKEE, US
Jan 14, 2023 3:52 am EST

Do these senile seniors a favor and take your Sally Struthers scams off the tv.

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Dorkblanket
MILWAUKEE, US
Jan 14, 2023 3:51 am EST

My parents were toxic as well, and I refused to get my girlfriend pregnant.

Now, I'm fed up of toxic parents like these kids parents.

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Dorkblanket
MILWAUKEE, US
Jan 14, 2023 3:49 am EST

You don't need my money, you get drug money from Eli lily and Abby in indiana.

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Dorkblanket
MILWAUKEE, US
Jan 14, 2023 3:48 am EST

Send 19. Alyssa and trace Akins need a job.

Do us all a favor and put commercials on fir ERA detergent, and Solo detergent, instead these scams.

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Dorkblanket
MILWAUKEE, US
Jan 14, 2023 3:46 am EST

It's annoying to see these commercial in mass marketing. You, the aspca, wounded warriors, alyssa milano and trace Akins, just there for publicity.

All want 19, seems like torture for unsuspecting senior citizens who don't have grandkids.

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Dorkblanket
MILWAUKEE, US
Jan 14, 2023 3:40 am EST

So. I'd be paying for a blanket.

And these kids are coal miners kids.

How awful. Why did they have kids with that poison all around them?

This hospital gets money from drugs, these kids are ginea pigs for the pharma. Every 19 dollars is a tax write off.

I'm paying 19 for a blanket hmm.

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Amanda Redmond
, US
Jan 11, 2023 10:53 am EST

You all that are saying nasty [censored] about the children on this program must just be 100% stuck up [censored]es. The Shriners hospital isn't making anyone do anything. And they are showing everyone that there amazing children are still alive and doing great. And it's most likely y'all are some nasty stuck up people much love for the Shriners hospital. Keep up the amazing work

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Dorkblanket
MILWAUKEE, US
Jan 14, 2023 3:42 am EST

Coal mining kids. How sad.

Why would Yall have kids with all thst poison leaching from rhe clothes like cigarette smoke.

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CAS
, US
Apr 03, 2023 6:47 pm EDT

OMG! I am blown away at this garbage I am reading... I am not sure what is going on, but someone needs to have some rules, guidelines!

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Joe Slate
, US
May 19, 2023 9:52 pm EDT
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You have the best comment Shriners and St Jude they do a lot of good for children that are disformed cancer Etc most of the money they get goes to helping the sick children no donation organization is perfect I am happy that I give to ASPCA St Jude because I am helping the sick children also the poor animals that are mistreated so to the people that are making negative comments you're not perfect either

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Be Mo
, US
Jan 06, 2023 10:30 pm EST

The shriners hospital for kids are advertised coinstantly lately on every channel, why?

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Maid French
, US
Jan 13, 2023 5:21 pm EST
Replying to comment of Be Mo

I'm so sick of these commercials. The money they spend on commercials comes from folks thinking their donations are going towards the children.

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Dorkblanket
MILWAUKEE, US
Jan 14, 2023 3:36 am EST
Replying to comment of Be Mo

I guess I'd be buying a blanket for that 19 Dollars.

Yet. These kids are from the coal mining families. Shame.

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Craig Badman
Millersville, US
Jan 20, 2023 6:34 pm EST

85% of all donations go to support the hospitals and facilities of Shriners Children.

If the Shriners did not advertise in the various medias many people would not even know the benefit the $19.00 / month. Many people are blind to what is happening around them and many people turn a blind eye because they are fortunate enough to have healthy lives, kids and families.

You would not be so sick of the commercials if you volunteered at a hospital or facility for just one day. You would better understand what life is really about.

Stop being so closed minded.

Noble Craig

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dman415
, US
Jan 06, 2023 4:26 pm EST

I totally agree. I'm sorry, but the kid in the wheelchair going happily on about all the surgeries he's had has begun to feel very manipulative and annoying. It sounds like Shriner's does great work but they should re-think their advertising campaign. I just turn off the commercials now.

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SunnyxMisty
London, GB
Dec 25, 2022 11:14 am EST

They are obviously scamming 187.37 pounds a YEAR! Brits, I know 187.37 pounds!

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Deni Everett Hunter
, US
Dec 19, 2022 5:33 pm EST

I was born with birth defects in the 50s. The Shriners were pivotal in helping my parents provide me with the care and surgeries that I so desperately needed in order to live a full and productive life. I am happy that children who have been helped by the Shriners have gone on to have great lives. Why begrudge these kids for growing up and maybe ending up with a better life than you. I’m not rich, but I’m also not jealous of these kids who did well. Help or don’t help. Do as you will, but stop trying to justify your selfishness and jealousy by whining about commercials that are asking you to be a kind and decent human. I hope you never have a child in your life with special needs, because I bet you’ll be begging for help and won’t remember how you slandered the organization that helped you.

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dman415
, US
Jan 06, 2023 4:33 pm EST

I can certainly see your point of view and I'm glad you were able to benefit from Shriners, it sounds like they do amazing work. But I think you're missing a lot of the points here: the commercials use children to gain pity in the hopes they'll make money that way. I would be much more willing to donate money to an organization that simply presents patient histories in a serious, realistic manner, rather than the same group of children reading a script that doesn't sound like a real kid at all.

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Robin R B
, US
Dec 18, 2022 12:50 pm EST

Last commercial I saw had the parents or two adults with Alex and Caleb. The female CLEARLY had thousands of dollars of plastic surgery! Chin, cheek implants, peels, Spock eyebrows, you name it. Then has the audacity to thank us for helping them and giving. Makes me sick.

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Pop pop's Trains (Trainman)
, US
Dec 30, 2022 9:27 pm EST
Replying to comment of Robin R B

My my my. Aren't you the vain and jealous person! Why don't you stop whining and get a life. I guess you're one of those who contributes to politicians and other funds that don't benefit anyone. If you don't want to give fine but keep your stupid comments to yourself!

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SICKMAMA50
Dixon Springs, US
Feb 13, 2023 6:27 pm EST

Why don’t you do that too every one has a opinion like everyone has an [censored] and we still have freedom of speech

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calpolymom
, US
Dec 15, 2022 1:29 pm EST

I have to keep my remote at hand so when this super annoying ad comes on I can mute it. I can't wait for the holidays to be over so we don't have to be subjected to this ad anymore.

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maross600
maple grove, US
Dec 15, 2022 3:24 pm EST
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Replying to comment of calpolymom

they never end, but they are on a little less during other times of the year. i can't stand those ads

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Pop pop's Trains (Trainman)
, US
Dec 30, 2022 9:31 pm EST
Replying to comment of calpolymom

You mean a caring and loving person like you celebrates a holiday? Amazing!

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A_person
London, GB
Jan 06, 2023 2:14 pm EST
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I think you are missing the point of this message board. Shriner’s Hospital spends millions of dollars on advertising to persuade us to donate to a worthwhile cause. Where are they getting all of that money for ads? Why not use that money for scientific research? The point is this hospital uses children diagnosed with disabilities in their commercials to accumulate money. I don’t think reputable hospitals would ever fathom of doing such a thing. Has anyone ever seen a commercial from Johns Hopkins, Cleveland Clinic, or Mayo that used children as a means of obtaining money? No, no one has. My point is that donating to help save children is a worthwhile and noble cause. The means by which this hospital goes about accumulating money is highly dishonorable. If Shriner’s Hospital was a GOT character, it would be Littlefinger.

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Traci Beck
, US
Jan 10, 2023 10:26 am EST
Replying to comment of A_person

Why would those hospitals use children in their ads when they are NOT a children's hospital? 😕 Do y'all not see the commercials from St Judes for the kids with cancer? I as a decent human cannot believe some of these comments. I wonder how many of you donate to ASPCA? They want your money and will charge you $250 and up to adopt one of the animals!

100% of St Judes money goes right back to the hospitals

80% of Shriners goes to the hospitals but they also have a whole organization and such. All the funny cars and stuff in the parades and stuff, each SHRINER pays and maintains their own vehicle or motorcycle or equipment. And last but not least, these kids are PAID to do these commercials! Google it!

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Paul Morey
Huron, US
Jan 12, 2023 5:50 pm EST
Replying to comment of Traci Beck

Generally after millions in advertisements and total overhead, only 20 percent goes to the charity. It takes 80 percent of their budget to put these ads out and all the other expenses that goes with running a business.

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Jack02
Decatur, US
Dec 12, 2022 5:03 pm EST

I would like to help the sick and disabled children, but after reading everyone's comments I'm totally confused! I certainly want to help but I don't want to line so cheaters pockets with my hard earned money.

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racerx2
, US
Dec 12, 2022 1:05 am EST

I'm filing a lawsuit against them they are fraud & scamming people's money by giving them a blanket. Don't ever give them a penny to these sick people.

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Pop pop's Trains (Trainman)
, US
Dec 30, 2022 10:02 pm EST
Replying to comment of racerx2

The only one sick is you! The blanket is a thank you for your donation but I guess you're to stupid to realize this!

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Cee Em
, US
Jul 18, 2022 8:03 pm EDT

I'm reading these comments in Alec's & Kaleb's voice and I'm DYING!

Thanks for the laughs 😁

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Pop pop's Trains (Trainman)
, US
Dec 30, 2022 10:04 pm EST
Replying to comment of Cee Em

Are you also looking in the mirror!

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Deb Bumble Bee
Colorado Springs, US
Apr 30, 2022 6:00 pm EDT

I had surgery there in 1997 at age 12. The care was excellent. It always remained my mother's favorite charity till she died.

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Donald Lane
, US
Sep 21, 2022 11:51 pm EDT

I was there in the late '60s, the care was amazing the Shriners were so generous. I was in over Christmas.

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sgt_Mckenny
Warrenville, US
Apr 12, 2022 12:42 am EDT
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Shriners are a fake group of scammers. My granddaughter was born with Spina Bifida. The insurance company canceled her off my daughter's insurance after paying for the birth only. Long story short. We contacted Shriners for help since we have donated in the past. We were told the only way we can begin the process is that we have to have a Shriner sponsor us and make a recommendation to the organization. We told them we didn't know anyone personally. They took the "oh well" position and sent us on our way. So you have to know one of them before they even consider helping? This organization is a total scam.

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Deb Bumble Bee
Colorado Springs, US
Apr 30, 2022 6:03 pm EDT

Maybe they ment contact your nearest lodge and have them sponsor you. That's what they did with us. We did no t need to know a Shriner, just contact the bears group and speak to them.

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JandM.mom
Papillion, US
Dec 01, 2022 9:29 am EST
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Ummm I did not know anyone in the Shriners. I simply was given a flyer and went and had a meeting at my local Shriners Org. to zoom with a Dr. to see if my son's condition was something they could help with. It was and that was when my son was a baby he is now 9 and we are still going to Shriners Hosp. They are great! I have made some great friends with many Shriners and their family telling them our story. I do think they need to change up their adds like many have said. BUT THEY ARE NOT A FAKE GROUP! My son is proof of that.

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Spike31
Warren, US
Dec 13, 2022 7:53 pm EST

Here’s where the money not spent on expensive prime time advertising goes:

Shriners Hospitals for Children have 22 hospitals within the hospital network, 20 of which are in the United States. For reporting purposes, Shriners Hospitals for Children are actually two 501 (c) (3)’s that report the revenue and expenses of these 20 hospitals:

Shriners Hospitals for Children – Colorado (SHC – Colorado): 18 hospitals

Shriners Hospitals for Children – Massachusetts (SHC – Mass): 2 hospitals

SHC – Colorado has 5,547 employees who were compensated $418 million in 2017, which equates to an average compensation of $75,400. 667 employees received more than $100,000 in compensation with the most highly compensated individuals listed below:

$1,899,826: Jeffrey Ackman, Orthopedic Surgeon, Professor

$1,669,604: David Greenhalgh, Chief of Staff, Burns

$1,126,852: Michael Aiona, Chief of Staff

$ 945,206: Salman Masud, Anesthesiologist

$ 846,327: Douglas Barnes, Chief of Surgery

$ 519,302: John McCabe, EVP

65 independent contractors received more than $100,000 in compensation with the five highest compensated listed below – all of whom were paid for medical services:

$8,580,866: The University of Texas Medical Center of Galveston, TX for medical services

$8,278,158: UC Regents UC Davis Medical Center of Davis, CA for medical services

$3,966,692: Pasadena Hospital Association of Pasadena, CA for medical services

$2,789,430: University of Illinois of Urbana, IL for medical services

$2,136,422: Greenville Hospital System of Greenville, SC for medical services

SHC – Mass has 543 employees who were compensated $36.1 million in 2017 which equates to an average compensation of $66,500. 71 employees received more than $100,000 in compensation with the most highly compensated individuals listed below:

$626,967: James Mooney, Chief of Staff

$498,185: Prerana Patel, Orthopedic Surgeon, Assistant Professor

$393,367: Rubini Pathy: Orthopedic Surgeon, Assistant Professor

$311,677: John Deweese, Orthopedic Surgeon, Assistant PRofessor

$286,478: John O’Neill, Administrator

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Mollie B
, US
Apr 07, 2022 6:23 pm EDT

Are you kidding me? Shriners raise money so many ways and have for so very long. These types of kids were at one point in history throw aways or side show spectacles. Holy cow...how dare he drive a decent vehicle... smh... just like a person on foodstamps should eat bologna hotdogs and ground meat... so you can contine to berate them as though you've the right to judge the food purchases.

keep that money tight in your pocket and change that tv..channel...

Pray that you and yours are never faced with such issues... birth disorders are probably the mothers fault anyway, didn't move enough... worked too much... or too little... didn't exercise enough...or too much... she should face her shortcomings and take care of her own kid ... right? That kid isn't entitled to anything...wheelchair crutches ... a normal life... driving a car or anything.

Geeze you kinda make me sick to my stomach. Help but only so much... don't give freely...

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Buckeye22
, US
Apr 10, 2022 11:58 am EDT
Replying to comment of Mollie B

I think your point is well taken but your conflating two issues. Caring about children with the problems life has dealt them and wanting to help is not the same argument as having concerns about

what any person might feel is the exploitation. Alex is an adult and attends an expensive university and

by some accounts has earned a lot of money as

payment for doing these advertisements. And just because he has brittle bone disease doesn’t mean we are required to like his personality or his commercials. Believing that Shriners exploits these children doesn’t require you to hate or dismiss the fact that there are children who have medical issues that are quite terrible and profoundly sad. But conversely liking some some young adult who

comes across as some self entitled narcissist who

is doing better than many Americans while he holds his hand out like some panhandler 10 times a day across my tv screen gets to be too much.

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email sender
, US
Jul 10, 2022 11:45 am EDT
Replying to comment of Mollie B

What time can we swing by and pick up your checks?

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Phaser
, US
Dec 20, 2022 9:48 pm EST
Replying to comment of Buckeye22

It's disgraceful that in America we have ads like this, when everyone should have their healthcare taken care of, like in other countries.

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Penny The Dog
, US
Dec 26, 2022 3:37 pm EST
Replying to comment of Phaser

Its disgraceful that people comment on internet threads about how our tax dollars should be spent the way THEY seem fit.

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Pop pop's Trains (Trainman)
, US
Dec 30, 2022 10:06 pm EST
Replying to comment of Mollie B

Well said!

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Pop pop's Trains (Trainman)
, US
Dec 30, 2022 10:10 pm EST
Replying to comment of Phaser

Then move!

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Pop pop's Trains (Trainman)
, US
Jan 01, 2023 2:36 pm EST

[censored]!

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sharoton
Kettering, US
Jan 06, 2023 1:55 pm EST
Replying to comment of Phaser

And there are people who come to this country, from those countries that have government provided medical care, to receive better treatment.

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CAS
, US
Apr 03, 2023 6:42 pm EDT
Replying to comment of Mollie B

I do not think Alec is going to draw in money. Using children who have some issues is not the problem, but Alec is. It might have been fine when he was young, but he has never been cute and knowing he is an adult now just creeps people out more. St Jude does not have kids recite anything, they are just using real pics. As horrible as it sounds, people will be more likely to donate when it isn't an adult stating he was cute.. No, sadly no. People will be more likely to watch and pay when kids are adorable little children. Why him?

Kaleb is 30? At least he is adorable and can pull it off.

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pregnant penguin
, US
May 14, 2023 6:39 pm EDT
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Replying to comment of Phaser

With mass shootings and lack of affordable jealthcare, the US has become a stagnant backwater among nations.

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Ghost7271
,
Apr 03, 2022 8:05 pm EDT

I find Alex is over exposed. He comes across as self entitled. He’s also grown and it grates at me as he

tells us how cute he was while he gets into his nice

car and attends his expensive div one university while

thanking everyone for footing the bill for his eighteen

surgeries. I’m sure the next commercial will continue

to let us know about his full life that’s has been paid for

at only 68 cents a day from his new home. I feel sad for

Children who are in need and really like the work and

ads for St. Jude. But those the foot the bill for Alex I

hope you enjoy the crappy blanket.

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Pop pop's Trains (Trainman)
, US
Dec 30, 2022 10:14 pm EST
Replying to comment of Ghost7271

Sounds like you wish you were entitled or maybe you are! I guess you're healthy and probably well fed! Enjoy your life and continue giving to help the ASPCA!

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Ghost7271
,
Apr 03, 2022 7:50 pm EDT

I’m all for charities like St. Jude. Their advertisement is ok with me. When I see Alex driving a better car than I do and

going to an expensive division one university and telling us

how the public has paid for his 18 operations it gets to be a bit much tbh. He’s an adult now and I wouldn’t be surprised one day when he does a commercial from his new home and he will hold up a cheap ugly blanket and tells us for only 68 cents a day he’s been able to live a full life at our expense- he comes across as so self entitled and if I’m

being honest he wasn’t a cute kid, chuckle, chuckle. God

Bless the deserving children who need help but drop Alex he’s over exposed and not very likeable.

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DPA666
, US
Dec 22, 2022 10:26 pm EST
Replying to comment of Ghost7271

Wonder what classes that little [censored] is taking at Northwestern?☕

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Pop pop's Trains (Trainman)
, US
Jan 01, 2023 2:43 pm EST
Replying to comment of Ghost7271

I see. So the real reason is he drives a better car than you! Count your blessings that you are probably healthier than he is! No one says you have to like him but ignorant comments like yours does nothing to help! By the way at least you have a car, many people don't!

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Shellshock84
, US
Jan 19, 2023 1:53 pm EST
Replying to comment of Ghost7271

Jealous much?

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TigerAug6
davenport, US
Mar 25, 2022 1:46 am EDT
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I immediately change the channel when these horrible ads run. This is nothing less than child abuse. Using these children over and over again do not appeal to my sense of emotion. Alex is getting tiresome and so is the other boy called Kaleb. If you close your eyes, they sound like cartoon characters. Please stop. Only 25% goes to the charity.

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Ellen Simpson
, US
Feb 24, 2022 8:39 pm EST

They need new kids. This is a world of diversity and Shriner commercials should show that. Alec is grown! Time to.move on. I am not donating one penny till they do.

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MacDublin Strychnine
, US
Jan 18, 2022 9:20 am EST

I’d rather not give a penny to that freak show all those deformed cripples make me sick over my cornflakes

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MacDublin Strychnine
, US
Jan 18, 2022 9:19 am EST

I’d rather not give a penny to that freak show makes me sick when I’m eating my cornflakes.

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Joe Cappozi
, US
Jan 10, 2022 6:41 pm EST

I hope they soon bury Alec in his bear blanket. Alec gets paid a lot of money every time they run the commercials .

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user2278951
Bronx, US
Jan 14, 2022 12:54 am EST
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I’m not in a position to do much other than pay my bills and eat. When I get home and turn on my tv I am BOMBARDED with commercials from St. Judes, the lil bald girl with hoops crying makes me want to kill myself. If it isn’t that charity, it’s the ASPCA, or orphans from Yemen or please adopt a virtual elephant. So much for entertainment. Relentless begging. I guess me relaxing with the little distractions I can afford is too much to ask.

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MSC34
, US
Dec 18, 2021 10:38 pm EST
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Channels have a lot of advertisers pulling out due to the pandemic. They need filler spots to run, and that's why you see an uptick of these kinds of commercials. In regards to them using the kids, it's not like they have an advertising company writing these... They're produced in house, so the cheapest alternative is to use the kids. Stop being cynical and try to understand the industry

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Ron33
, US
Jan 17, 2022 12:37 pm EST
Replying to comment of MSC34

I understand they think we are all stupid and just waiting for whining 20 yr old "kids" to send our money to

Chadwick Harris
Chadwick Harris
, US
Dec 15, 2021 2:28 am EST
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My granddad was a Shriner and an upstanding citizen in Durham NC. till the day he took his last breath in 2006 when he went to be with the Lord. I ask for those offended by the children used in commercials to solicite funds to support this organization consider the times and social media and how people are quick to complain or pass judgement on topics they may know little about. In addition consider our state of our world at this poing. It's never as far as I know ever been so uncertain. The future. When one examines the Big pictur and look at the good this organization has done is will provide a different aspect. I know and attest to the Shriners of NC division. Please study the statistics and see the numbers and consider this before degrading something that's done so much good.

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tin vender
GARDEN GROVE, CALIFORNIA, US
Dec 21, 2021 6:33 pm EST

I have no connection with the Sbriners at all yet I see the value of these children being in commercials to show the benefit they have been given by this organization. Many of them could/would easily be dead had it not been for this hospital and these kids obviously are grateful for the care they are being given. Too many judges in this country and not nearly enough people willing to pitch in and help. Personally I donate and am happy to be a part of such a great organization in helping these children gain self esteem and health to be productive citizens and have successful lives.

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Daniel Jensen
, US
Jan 14, 2022 3:59 pm EST

Thank you fine Lady.
You have a heart which I question of some of the blabbers above and within.

A Proud Lifetime Member Shriner from Oregon

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Ron33
, US
Jan 17, 2022 12:39 pm EST

I totally agree that the Shriners have done a lot of good. Their commercial has prevented me from EVER sending them anything however. THEY should understand what an insult their commercial is.

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angieimagine
troy, US
Feb 28, 2021 8:25 pm EST

shriners is the worst

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Billy555
, US
Apr 03, 2021 2:09 pm EDT
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I did believe in the Shriners, Until I picked up the newspaper and saw a couple of persons from my hometown that belong to the Shriners holding up a check for several Thousands of dollars that they had given to a college that is well known, the money that is given to that college and the price they charge to go there is unreal, I believe in doing for the kids that are sick and need help, but I feel that money that is given for a sick child should be used for that purpose.

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Ms. C.J.
, US
Feb 10, 2021 12:45 pm EST
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The BIG PICTURE is that we have children that have special needs. If the money is being utilized for
any thing other than for the children, they will have to answer for this one way or another. My heart
goes out to those little children. If I was a millionaire, I will try to help as many of those little darlings
as I could.

Ms. C. Jones

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Rob Auerbach
, US
Feb 26, 2021 4:54 pm EST
Replying to comment of Ms. C.J.

Of course the kids need help. But using them for advertisements goes a bit too far. I would be much more inclined to help out if the adults carrying for these kids did the talking. I would like to hear from doctors about what they do to help the kids Hearing just the kids voices has become quite annoying. Why don't the people behind the scenes start talking about the conditions the kids face. Kids should not be speaking at all. I prefer a breakdown of what the hospital does for them . Let the kids go...!

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Kate Pursley
, US
Jun 17, 2021 2:13 pm EDT

Exactly. Having these children conduct fake “board meetings” or comparing how many surgeries each other has had, and so on, all in the name to solicit donations is plain wrong. Honestly, I cannot understand how a parent allows their child to be used as a prop like that. Having been the mother of a disabled child, show me instead the programs, the doctors…. all that is involved to help these children become as independent as they can be. When I see older children featured who are playing sports, riding bikes, swimming…. that, at least is showing the “results” of what their programs.do! And finally, am I the only one that does NOT want “an adorable blanket as a thank you gift”! When I donate to a charity, I want ALL of my donation to go to the charity.

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ReneeAgain
Emporia, Kansas, US
Oct 07, 2021 3:59 am EDT

I totally agree.

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Explotaion Hater
, US
Nov 20, 2021 7:52 pm EST

I agree 100%! The kid Alec I read is worth 1 million dollars is over 18 and his speech and that blanket creep me tf out, Caleb is possibly worse with his Mickey mouse voice and the saluting and obvious coaching causes me to NOT DONATE hire other, more real kids and watch the donations soar, this is explotaion and it is disgusting, plus I've read that most of the donations go to huge salaries and not the kids, does the millionaire Alec donate back for all his free services? I see he has a brand new car tho, dump these annoying kids and I will donate

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Shriners commercials hater
, US
Dec 08, 2021 6:08 pm EST

Great points, I agree completely and want these horrible, exploitative ads removed! Use adults not sick kids or in the case of Alec, a millionaire 19 yr old! This charity needs to be thoroughly investigated to see how much of every dollar goes to the kids, I'm guessing pennies on each dollar and if Shriners is worth 5 billion dollars this is really [censored]ed up

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tin vender
GARDEN GROVE, CALIFORNIA, US
Dec 21, 2021 6:45 pm EST

These kids are what it is all about. They don't just advertise they tell the story of their lives: of their struggles along with their families sharing. I love them all plus the ones we don't see and get very irritated at people like you being part of the problem instead of the solution. If they creep you out don't watch them and get on about your own little life.

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Daniel Jensen
, US
Jan 14, 2022 4:07 pm EST

Are you SERIOUS ? Go visit one of the many hospitals yourself (there's 22, one should be here you ) and desist making STUPID BASELESS comments.
Life Member of Shriners International

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Daniel Jensen
, US
Jan 14, 2022 4:11 pm EST

Careful ! Your ignorance is showing. The Shriners are a complete hospital system except one thing - A cash register at the enterance/exit. To accuse the young man of being a millionaire ? How stupid !

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Susie toby
, US
Jan 14, 2022 5:46 pm EST

I totally hope something horrible doesn't happen to you because I sure the h***would NOT GIVE YOU A CENT. Have a little heart for the ones that are going though there horrible things.

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Ron33
, US
Jan 17, 2022 12:44 pm EST

I worked next to the Shriner's Burn Center in Boston and totally agree with you that the Shriners do a lot of good things. These commercials are NOT one of them and my wife makes me mute the TV because the whining is unbearable.
We would gladly donate to the Shriners when they grow up and stop USING children.

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Leeann Train
, US
Jan 24, 2022 4:42 pm EST

He is a millionaire. Look it up.

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StRev
, US
Nov 04, 2022 6:35 pm EDT

New car, bah! That d/@m/n steering wheel he's gimping behind looks like the dash of a brand new ~$65K - ~$75K SUV. I did a l'il research. That young MAN, NOT KID, is ~20 years old, and is net-worth'd up to ~$5MM, unverified Every time those commercials run, that Alec is collecting residuals and rolling his wheelchair all the way to the bank. PT Barnum was right: there's a sucker born every minute. Anyone who donates here is a sucker. That Alec is exploiting the whole situation for his own monetary and personal gain. NorthWestern University, ~$75K brand new vehicle (probably much more $$$ with the retro-fitted equipment he needs for his malady), and him being an ~20 year old MAN, NOT KID, the whole thing STINKS of charlatanism. What's happening here borders on criminality and should be investigated but, of course, won't, because the Shriners are freemasons, the same diabolical treasonous traitorous criminals that presently have our federal government wrapped up in a death grip stranglehold. This whole BS stinks of the sulfur of sheol. Alec has learned quickly to exploit his own malady, and has become an expert charlatan and con MAN, NOT A KID. HE'S A MAN, NOT A KID, even though he keeps lumping himself in, for the sympathy factor, with the kids. GAD, is this world e'ff'd up!

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Laura_L
, US
Apr 13, 2023 10:33 pm EDT

Alex and Caleb are both millionaires. That’s a fact, as is your ignorance of that fact. Not an accusation as you incorrectly said.

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Laura Lillie
, US
Jan 09, 2024 11:59 pm EST
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I wonder what Alex's taxes on that couple million? It is quite a bit, unless he and family found fraudulant ways around...who is going to take him to jail?

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freejazz
Peabody, US
Sep 24, 2020 4:33 pm EDT

The ads are annoying as F. They make me want to HATE the kids and NEVER donate. They're worse than the Kars for Kids ads. The marketing team needs to be found, beaten and dragged

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Shriners commercials hater
, US
Dec 08, 2021 6:10 pm EST
Replying to comment of freejazz

We all need to keep up the pressure, the commercials are disturbing, they upset, I'm guessing millions of people yet Shriners is worth 5 billion dollars!

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Robert Mike Smith
, US
Mar 28, 2020 2:51 pm EDT

Such apparently intolerant minds with knee jerk reactions, which in many cases stems from the strong emotional reaction generated and articulated in their posts, are exactly what effective advertising intends to generate. However, before attacking someone, as the proverb goes, “... walk in their moccasins” for a while (yes, I am speaking to you who are physically whole.)

You should grep the web for SAOS, Smart Alec on Sports” and ask Alex how he feels about the ads and, the Shriners who support the hospital. Then grep for the other children and do the same before coming back to this site with your report.

As to your emotions, search yourselves for their true origins. What. Do. You. Truly. Fear? Clowns? Secret Societies? Hospitals? Children with special needs? Freemasonry? Or is it the Unavoidable Truth that are born imperfect in some ways? Emotion born of a lack of knowledge and understanding is usually emotion based on our fears. Learn the truth about the source and cause of your Fears and the Truth shall set you free.

If your fear is the Secret Societies in Freemasonry, ‘Born In Blood’ by John J. Robinson.

If your fear is anything else read Leviticus and Deuteronomy, if you don’t know those books, find or ask for them at a Evangelical church and read them. Another good book to read is John.

Above all else “... fear not, for I have overcome the world.” - the Great I Am” in his visible form.

RMS

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Rob Auerbach
, US
Feb 26, 2021 4:57 pm EST

Let the doctor's talk!

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Barbara Childs
, US
Jun 14, 2021 9:43 pm EDT

YES

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Shriners commercials hater
, US
Dec 08, 2021 6:11 pm EST

Robert Mike Smith, keep donating it's your money to throw away and of these commercials don't irritate you, apparently your saint Robert

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GabbyBee
, US
Jan 08, 2020 5:41 pm EST

I prefer to donate my money to a hospital like St. Jude simply because the commercials do not exploit children.

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Tilly Gross
, US
Aug 08, 2021 12:55 am EDT
Replying to comment of GabbyBee

EXACTLY! The older kid is in college and still doing the commercials. My donation will go to the parents who are speaking on behalf of their kids at ST. Jude Hospital who are fighting cancer and who are to sick to go ski, go to a Bears football game; ALEX, and no hair to brush like the bow tie kid. I have long disliked those Shriner commercials as they pimped those kids.

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Shriners commercials hater
, US
Dec 08, 2021 6:15 pm EST

Thank you for your intelligent words, that kid Alec is currently 19, worth a million dollars and is a student at Northwestern University which costs about $50, 000 a year or more...and his commercials are awful, he's no longer a cute little kid but a very hard to understand and watch adult

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tin vender
GARDEN GROVE, CALIFORNIA, US
Dec 21, 2021 6:49 pm EST
Replying to comment of GabbyBee

St Jude is another good place to put your money but I see little children in their commercials too and parents with their pain and gratitude for the services they are receiving. They celebrate the healings of so many and continue to strive for 100% cured ... just like the Shriners they are out to help. Both are worthwhile organizations that do much good for our children in need.

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Daniel Jensen
, US
Jan 14, 2022 4:19 pm EST
Replying to comment of tin vender

Factoid World - Danny Thomas - Founder of St. Judes was . . .
also A SHRINER in the Los Angles CA Shriners ! Does his charity not shine through ?

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Nathan00123
, US
Jan 07, 2020 4:52 pm EST

The world is filled with illogical people. If Loveshriners was legit they would solicit the hospitals. Instead they choose to solicit uneducated people who blindly give with their emotions rather than their brains. The only real charity is one which you know for sure is legitimate. That's exactly why so many charities have been exposed over the years. Nevertheless people are slow or too dumb to see the truth. Wake up and see reality.