crutches for a year

i was born with a bone disease that affected my left femur called leg calf perthes.  basically instead of hardening like it should have as i was growing, the head of my femur kept getting softer and was cracking ant kinda tearing apart.  i went to the doctor in pensacola and he didnt really know what was up so he put me on crutches and a regiment of regular office visits.  needless to say the bills began to pile up and i wasnt getting better (but i did learn some pretty neat tricks on the crutches though).  i went to the shriners hospital in tampa and was treated for free including all travel expenses and food.   three months in traction, six months in a half body cast, and some really ugly leg braces for about two years and i am almost better (my brace was the one at the very bottom of the page where the kid is sleeping on his stomach).  the doctors there told me that i would likely need a hip replacement by the time i am in my mid forties due to severe arthritis.  i always tell everyone that if they see the shriners (the guys that wear the funny hats and meet at the hershey temple on nine mile) collecting money at intersections, give all you can because they really do great things for kids. i give them all i can afford every time i see them.