October 2014 Newsletter

DTF Site Endorsed by Scoliosis Research Society Naomi Smith-George and Wyelene Davis

We’re proud to officially announce that at the Scoliosis Research Society’s Global Outreach Program (SRS GOP) meeting in Lyon, France, in September of 2013, the SRS officially added the Duncan Tree Foundation (DTF) site at Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) in Kingston, Jamaica, to their renowned list of endorsed SRS sites. Only 11 other sites around the world have received this prestigious endorsement. The mission of SRS GOP is to provide care to pediatric and adult patients in underserved regions of the world with any disorder that affects the shape, alignment, and function of the spine. SRS GOP fosters the development of regional, self-sufficient spine centers staffed by local physicians capable of providing continuing care to patients with spinal deformities. What does that mean for the future of DTF? Due to this major milestone, orthopedic surgeons from the United States, Europe, Asia, and Africa will now be able to join DTF’s cause and support DTF’s Scoliosis Care Fund Project at KPH, Jamaica’s largest public medical center, and Cornwall Regional Hospital by volunteering to teach, give lectures, help with capacity building, and lend their support to Dr. Ian Neil, the local orthopedic surgeon. Roughly 2-3% of 2.9 million Jamaicans suffer from scoliosis. Currently, there are over 300 adolescents on a surgical waiting list who cannot afford the expenses used to cover corrective spine surgery. According to http://www.who.int, approximately 81,000 Jamaicans live with scoliosis and approximately 1% of these patients are in need corrective spine surgery. In Jamaica, although health care is free for people 18 and under, the Jamaican health care system does not have the capacity to assist a majority of these patients. Implants needed for corrective spine surgery can cost up to $500,000 Jamaican dollars ($4,444 USD) out of pocket, per patient, more than the per capita income. Guyanese patients are also welcome in Jamaica as a part of an agreement with CariCom, allowing Guyanese adolescents to receive corrective surgeries under Jamaican health care system. To find out more information about scoliosis, and its treatment in globally advancing countries, visit the Global Outreach Program for the Scoliosis Research Society http://www.srs.org/professionals /global_outreach/SRS_endorsed_programs.htm.

• Scoliosis Mission Trip to Philippines in March

• Fundraiser at Philippine House in April

• Scoliosis Mission Trip to Jamaica in May

• Recipient of Vincent HoSang Family Foundation Community Service Award in June

Our hearts and prayers go out to those suffering from the chikungunya virus outbreak in Jamaica and across the Caribbean. To ensure that we give Jamaica time to heal, and for the safety of our volunteers, the mission trip to Jamaica has been postponed. Stay tuned to future newsletters and our social media pages (links on p. 2) for news on when the trip will be rescheduled.

Peace and blessings,

Ouida Duncan, Founder Wyelene Davis, Editor and Volunteer

From the Editors

• 2015* – Kingston Public Hospital and Cornwall Regional Hospital, Jamaica Mission Trip

• Spring 2015* - Philippines Mission Trip

• Fall 2015* - Jamaica Mission Trip *Dates subject to change

Upcoming Events

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2014 Highlights and Achievements

October 2014

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VOLUNTEER

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SPOTLIGHT

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If anyone can say they’ve been with the Duncan Tree Foundation (DTF) since the beginning, it would be Chunyee Miot. A serendipitous meeting led to one of the longest partnerships of the organization. Both Chunyee’s and DTF founder Ouida Duncan’s children attended Plainview Chinese Cultural Center, where they studied Mandarin. When Ouida shared her passion for the foundation, she invited Chunyee to lend her 15-year CPA expertise as a volunteer, which was gladly accepted. Chunyee helped open DTF’s initial bank accounts, and since 2008 she has happily served in her role as accountant and financial planner. She believes it’s normal for human beings to want to help others who are less fortunate, and felt the best way she could give back was through her profession.

She has been extremely proud of DTF’s progress over the years, how it’s thriving, and, given the limited resources, how it still accomplishes its mission with each trip. She believes faith is the key factor in bringing all of this great work together.

Originally from Hong Kong, Chunyee moved to New York 20 years ago, and has been running her own CPA business for the past 10 years. Family is also important to her, as she loves to spend time with her husband, Richard, and their two sons, traveling and taking opportunities to have fun outside the house.

We always need motivated volunteers! Read testimonials from other volunteers. Interested in volunteering? Click Here

• Learn about one of our patients’ experience

• Read a profile of Biotronic and their partnership with DTF

• Global Giving Progress Report • Board Members • Scoliosis Research Society

info@duncantreefoundation.org

(646) 235-8522

Fun Had at NYC Fundraiser

In the Next Issue

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT Chunyee Miot, CPA

Useful Links

Contact Us Our Sponsors and Partners

Photo: Nat Valentine

The DTF fundraising event held on September 25th at the DiMenna Center was a fun and uplifting evening. Wonderful supporters attended, where Dr. Kenneth Paonessa shared a touching speech about the commitments all volunteers undergo to participate in the mission trips, how the lives of patients and volunteers are transformed, and the importance of continual fundraising for future success. While guests were entertained with jazz music by the Alex Terrier New York Quartet, raffles and silent auctions were held for electronics and memorabilia. An abundance of thanks to our supporters, the DiMenna Center, and all of our volunteers who helped make this event a success.