Valley Sponsors Grant for "GO BABY GO"

As a way to celebrate the thousands of members it has conferred the 32nd degree upon during its 166 years, the Valley of Milwaukee has approved a four-year grant totaling $32,000 to the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin for its “Go Baby Go” program.

“This grant demonstrates to our community just how much Scottish Rite Masons care about our families, friends, and neighbors,” says Gary Beier, 33°, MSA, Valley Secretary.

“Go Baby Go” is a national program that started at the University of Delaware several years ago. They are committed to a single, urgent vision: “All people exploring their world via independent mobility!” The program began through an idea to modify ride-on, electric toy cars so that they can be utilized by children with limited mobility and motor control. Self-initiated mobility is important for overall development, and infants, toddlers, and young children are in a critical window where—when provided the opportunity—they learn quickly and well. Sadly, wheelchairs for this young population are often not covered by insurance, and when they are covered, insurance companies often will not consider paying for a new wheelchair until five years have passed. This is not always appropriate for young patients. The modified cars provide a safe, cost-effective, ageappropriate alternative to a power wheelchair.

Michael D. Kugler, 32°, MSA, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Scottish Rite Valley of Milwaukee said, “We are delighted to again partner with our friends at Variety—the Children’s Charity of Wisconsin, Children’s Wisconsin, and The Orthopaedic & Rehabilitation Engineering Center at Marquette University in this truly remarkable effort.”

“We recognize our responsibility to be good community citizens particularly where it benefits our most precious asset—our children,” Kugler said. “While we know the families are grateful to receive these custom-built electric vehicles at no cost to them, the real joy is watching the children having some fun at a critical time in their development. Their smiles and laughter are our greatest reward.”

“We recognize our responsibility to be good community citizens particularly where it benefits our most precious asset— our children,” Kugler said.

The Valley first became aware of the program when one of their Valley officers sought assistance for his son. “In late 2020, I reached out to my fellow Scottish Rite Brethren from the Valley of Milwaukee to see if there was any assistance that could be provided to my four-year-old son, Mason, who had recently been confined to a wheelchair due to a rare, undiagnosed condition,” said Erik Falkner, 32°. Falkner currently serves as Junior Warden on the Rose Croix line. “In less than 24 hours, I was connected to resources at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and Shriners Hospital- Chicago, called the “Go Baby Go” program. A short month and a half later, my son was presented with a FREE electric jeep, custom fitted and adapted to his disability.”

Mason Falkner, son of Valley officer Eric Falkner, 32°, pictured here with his custom car provided by a similar program operated by the Shriners Hospital for Children—Chicago.

Back row (l to r): Marquette Engineering student; Mike Kugler, 32°, MSA, Chairman of Valley Trustees; Mike Consiglio, 32°, Sovereign Prince; Napoleon Janczak, 32°, Thrice Potent Master; Gary Beier, 33˚, Valley Secretary; Charles Korankye, 32°, Most Wise Master; Elizabeth Conrath, Children’s Wisconsin. Front row (l to r): Eric Falkner with Mason; Variety Club recipient and family

Children’s Wisconsin partnered with Drs. Gerald Harris and Ben McHenry, from Marquette University’s Biomedical Engineering Department, to modify and build a custom car for each patient. Physical and occupational therapists from Children’s will refer children into the program. They will assess the child’s needs and write a prescription for the modification to the car, meeting the patient’s physical needs and rehabilitation. An engineer at Marquette meets with the family and does a “fitting” for the child and car. The car is then modified and given to the family at no cost. Children’s Wisconsin intends to provide between 40 and 50 youngsters with these unique cars in the near future, with an annual goal of 200 over the next year. The grant made by the Valley of Milwaukee will provide 40 of these unique cars each year over the next four years.

“[His car has] allowed him to participate more independently with our family while we are outside and has given him a renewed sense of joy and happiness,” Falkner said. “A simple phone call and a lot of help have made all the difference in my son’s life. I encourage my Scottish Rite Brethren across the country and globe to reach out to each other if you need help. The Masons that make up the Valley of Milwaukee and Scottish Rite as a whole are men of action and live the very tenets of the degrees we hold so dear. I am honored to call you Brothers.”