By Meghan Wood | Associate Director of Development
It has been a busy 2015 for the Duncan Tree Foundation as we completed two successful volunteer mission trips. The first took a team of seven volunteers to Davao City, Philippines, where five transformational spine surgeries were completed. Led by orthopedic surgeon and DTF Board Vice President, Dr. Kenneth Paonessa, and DTF Founder and President, Ms. Ouida Duncan, the team spent one week in April providing much needed care to pediatric patients.
"These were two of the most challenging yet successful trips to date," said DTF Founder and President, Ouida Duncan. "When working internationally, it is very difficult to streamline logistics and to assess patient data. In spite of the challenges, we are able to successfully partner with our local counterparts and made a powerful impact."
Just a few short weeks later, Dr. Paonessa, Ms. Duncan, and the team hit the road again, this time to Jamaica. Assisted by orthopedic surgeon, Dr. W. Fred Hess, the team completed nine additional surgeries. This trip also made significant progress in the development and training of local medical professionals. A major player in this education program is DTF corporate sponsor, Biotronic. The company is helping to train Jamaica’s first neuromonitor, a technician tasked with monitoring nerve response of patients during surgery.
Duncan Tree Foundation would like to thank corporate sponsor, Medtronic, for their continued support of our mission. We also would like to thank Surgix for their role in making these trips a success.
With all that we have accomplished this year, there are still thousands of patients in need of DTF services. We are thrilled to announce that the DTF Volunteer Team will return to Jamaica in November to provide free spine surgery to several pediatric patients. Please continue to support our mission by making your tax-deductible contribution today Donate now!
To support the work of the Foundation, DTF kicked off the year with a Spring Mixer, a social gathering in New York City. With more than 50 guests in attendance, the event raised over $4,000 and reaffirmed the growing support system within the New York Metropolitan area. Additionally, DTF hired its first part-time employee. Meghan Wood was named Associate Director of Development and will work closely with the DTF Board of Directors to expand the reach of the Foundation and to heighten fundraising efforts across the globe.
Thank you for your continued support of our work to provide free scoliosis surgery to patients in need. To learn more about Duncan Tree Foundation, please visit us at www.dtf.org.
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