Skyler Szablewski will be at the PGA Tour Shriners Children’s Open in Las Vegas starting Monday.

A Cassadaga teenager and patient at Shriners Children’s Erie will have the experience of a lifetime when he represents the hospital at the Shriners Children’s Open, an official PGA Tour event in Las Vegas starting Monday.

Skyler Szablewski was chosen to represent the pediatric care network at the tournament, where he and 22 other patient ambassadors will serve as Standard Bearer’s throughout the weekend, carrying the scores of professional golfers as they compete in the tournament. It is a rare “inside the ropes” opportunity at a PGA Tour event, as well as the chance to share how Shriners Children’s has helped transform patient’s lives.

“I am honored that my doctors chose me to represent them as a Standard Bearer at the Shriners Children’s Open,” he said. “I love golf! My grandpa taught me the game and that’s how we spend time together. Thanks to Shriners, I am able to go meet other kids from across the country that receive care and keep score for professional golfers. I’m excited to walk the course in Las Vegas as the ambassador for the Erie location of Shriners Children’s.”

The tour continues through Sunday, Oct. 20.

Skyler, 15, is an ambitious high school sophomore at Cassadaga Valley. He plays seven different instruments but prefers baritone the most, which he plays in his high school band. Skyler also enjoys playing golf and riding dirt bikes.

In the summer of 2023, Skyler was involved in a dirt bike accident that landed him in a local hospital with a leg fracture. After wearing a cast for many months, upon removal, the doctors had further concerns and referred him to Shriners Children’s.

Pediatric specialists at Shriners Children’s Erie quickly determined that the spiral fracture of Skyler’s tibia was affecting his growth plate and his foot was already beginning to turn with growth. Surgery was scheduled immediately to close the growth plate.

Following a period of recovery, Skyler was grateful for the ability to get back to golf and dirt bike riding, though now he always wears full protective gear, including riding boots.

Skyler’s mom, Amber, is appreciative of the care he received and for this special opportunity. “We are so grateful for the team at Shriners Children’s Erie,” she said. “Thanks to the quick thinking of his doctors and the support of their staff when the insurance company didn’t want to help, Shriners Children’s gave our son his ability to keep doing the things he loves. We are thankful from the bottom of our hearts.”

To watch Skyler participate in this year’s Shriners Children’s Open, watch on NBC or GolfChannel.com.

Shriners Children’s is a leader in providing care for orthopedic conditions, burn injuries, spinal cord injuries and other spine disorders, rehabilitation, sports injuries and craniofacial conditions. We also offer specialized services, including orthotics and prosthetics and motion analysis. We strive to provide the care and support our patients need to reach their goals and discover their full potential. All care and services are provided regardless of the families’ ability to pay or insurance status. To view our full range of specialties, please visit www.shrinerschildrens.org.