Shriners Hospitals for Children and Actor RJ Mitte Team Up to #CutTheBull and #SeeTheAbility in everyone

One-in-four students in the United States reports being bullied and those numbers can be two to three times higher for kids with disabilities, according to the National Center for Education. Studies also show that most bullying is never reported and can cause depression, anxiety and poor academic performance.*

"Growing up, my disability made me a target for bullies," said Mitte, who has cerebral palsy. "I was harassed, knocked down and even had my hand broken. Now I have an opportunity to give a voice to people with disabilities and promote acceptance."

Like Mitte, many Shriners Hospitals patients have scars or physical differences that put them at risk for being bullied. As part of their ongoing care plans, Shriners Hospitals for Children offers various empowerment programs to help patients succeed socially and emotionally.

Shriners Hospitals for Children provides specialty pediatric care for children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate, regardless of the families' ability to pay. Shriners Hospitals also offers psychological support, rehabilitation, life skills training and even community outreach programs that help children with physical differences feel confident.

"Our goal is to help our patients succeed and reach beyond the traditional limits of their conditions," stated Chris Smith, chairman of the Board of Directors at Shriners Hospitals for Children. "We do this in Shriners Hospitals every day, but this campaign gives us a chance to reach outside our hospitals to help all people see beyond physical appearances to the ability that lies underneath."

A public service announcement featuring Mitte and other Shriners Hospitals for Children patients speaking about the #CutTheBull campaign is available at vimeo.com/139286381. For more information about how you can support the campaign, please visit cutthebull.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. Learn more at shrinershospitalsforchildren.org.

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 RJ Mitte

RJ Mitte is an actor, model and philanthropist best known for his role as Walter "Flynn" White Jr. in the Emmy award-winning series "Breaking Bad." After moving to Hollywood in 2006, Mitte began his acting career with several appearances on "Hannah Montana," "Weeds," and "Switched at Birth." Mitte walked in the Vivienne Westwood Fashion Show during Milan Men's Fashion Week in June 2015. There's nothing Mitte cannot do as he adds reporter to his name; being a presenter and giving commentary for Channel 4 (UK) during the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Mitte has become an inspiration to his peers around the world by championing his disability in hopes of removing the stigma associated with handicaps. He serves as an official Ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Hospitals for Children.

*National Bullying Prevention Center, pacer.org/bullying/resources/stats.asp

Contact: Meredith Resnick
Email: [email protected] 
Phone: 202-549-0807

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151001/272921 
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150127/171524LOGO

SOURCE Shriners Hospitals for Children

Related Links

http://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org