The Davis family, along with Shriner Gleason James (far right), pause for a recent photo at their home. Pictured are (from left) parents Jerrold and Kelaiya, and siblings 6-year-old Katelyn and 11-year-old Austin.

Shriners come to the aid of Alleghany family

While in a grocery store parking lot several years ago, fate in the form of mason and New River Shriner Gleason James stepped into the lives of Sparta parent Kelaiya Davis and her son, then 6-year-old Austin.

The pair had just finished shopping and were in the process of putting the purchased items into the family car when James approached Mrs. Davis and asked if she had considered correcting her son's unilateral microtia. In layman's terms, Austin's ear was not completely formed and it was missing the upper part.

In response, the surprised mother told the stranger she and her husband Jerrold were checking into the different options that were available to them.

Taking a card out of his pocket, James introduced himself to the mother and son and explained that Shriners help a number of children in many different circumstances—from burn victims to children with physical abnormalities such as Austin's.

Mr. and Mrs. Davis later made a phone call to learn more about what the Shriners could do to help their son and received an application, which was filled out and submitted to the nonprofit group in 2003.

 

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