Children are at the highest risk for injury-related accidents and deaths during the summer months

TAMPA, Fla., June 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Each year, 40 percent of all injury-related emergency room visits and 42 percent of all injury-related deaths happen between May and August.* Additionally, one in four children ages 14 and younger will sustain an injury that requires medical attention. The good news is that most of these injuries are preventable with education and simple precautions.

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To spread the word on how to stay On Track for a Safe Summer, Shriners Hospitals for Children^® is joining forces with NASCAR driver, and Shriner, David Ragan to help parents know what they can do to reduce the risks of injuries this summer. As the newest Love to the rescue^® Ambassador, Ragan will participate in public service announcements, hospital visits and other events to raise awareness of the exceptional pediatric care available at Shriners Hospitals for Children, should a life-threatening or life-changing injury occur.

"As a member of the Shriners International Fraternity, I know first-hand how Shriners Hospitals for Children gives childhood back to kids with life-threatening injuries," said David Ragan. "I want to make sure parents know the risks of injury to children and what they can do to ensure a fun and accident-free summer."

Ragan will be joined by 13 year-old Brendon Wiseley, Shriners Hospitals for Children Patient Ambassador and fifth generation racecar driver, during select visits and events.    

At the age of 7, Brendon lost his foot and part of his leg in a lawn mower accident and lost hope of ever racing again. The medical experts at Shriners Hospitals for Children provided Brendon with a custom-built prosthetic and child-centric rehabilitation that not only rebuilt his strength but also rebuilt his spirit. Thanks to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Brendon is back on the track, racing and raising support for the health care system that enabled him to pursue his dream.

"We know kids are active, especially during the summer months," said John Cinotto, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Shriners Hospitals for Children. "At Shriners Hospitals for Children, we see patients every day with life-changing injuries caused by accidents. Working with David will help raise awareness that our medical experts are here to get young patients back on track to the childhood they deserve, regardless of a families' ability to pay."

To learn a few simple steps you can take to ensure a safe and accident-free summer or learn more about Brendon's story, visit www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/safesummer.

* Safe Kids Worldwide, www.safekids.org

About Shriners Hospitals for Children
Shriners Hospitals for Children^® is changing lives every day through innovative pediatric specialty care, world-class research and outstanding medical education. Our 22 locations in the United States, Canada and Mexico provide advanced care for children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate.

Shriners Hospitals for Children is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and relies on the generosity of donors. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.

About David Ragan
David Ragan began racing in the Bandolero Series at 12 years old, winning numerous races and repeating as national champion. As soon as he turned 18, David made his first foray in NASCAR. His hard work and preparation paid off, earning two wins in the Nationwide Series and earning a seat in NASCAR's premier series on the Sprint Cup circuit. Now an eight-year Sprint Cup veteran, Ragan has two Cup wins under his belt, including a come-from-behind win at Talladega Superspeedway in May 2013, the first team win ever for Front Row Motorsports.

In addition to Ragan's racing achievements, he is a Shriner and loyal supporter of Shriners Hospitals for Children. Since naming the pediatric health care system his official charity of choice in 2008, he has used his popularity to increase awareness and raise funds for the organization.

Contact: Misti Dragano
Email: [email protected] 
Phone: 410-263-5312

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SOURCE Shriners Hospitals for Children