Mending Kids has 14 board members, doctors and professionals, all of who volunteer their time and are fiercely supportive of the work our organization does. Last week we introduced you to our Board's secretary. This week we'd like to introduce you to Carmela De Brouwer, a cornerstone of our Board of Directors for over five years. With a wealth of experience and a love for her homeland of Peru, Carmela brings a unique perspective to our organization. Carmela joined Dr. Vincent Duron in Iquitos this past December on a colorectal and dental mission. It was a journey close to her heart, to be able to return home and care for the children of Peru–an experience she found life altering. Dr. Duron has been volunteering as the Peru lead surgeon with Mending Kids since 2015 along with his wife Dr. Gabriella Ganoza-Duron, who specializes in pediatric dentistry. Iquitos is the largest city in the Peruvian Rainforest and geographically isolated, reachable only by air or water. 70% of the indigenous population lives in extreme poverty and has limited access to healthcare.Despite the challenges involved, our patients travel for days down the Amazon River to reach us. Communicating and organizing logistics for families living in this remote area is incredibly difficult. Nevertheless, it's truly remarkable that despite these obstacles, we are able to provide crucial medical care to the children of Iquitos every year. Carmela shares with us, "Volunteering gives me a different perspective on life. It allows me to see other people's experiences that are beyond my comfort zone. Being there with the mothers and children, visiting them before their surgeries, I was able to learn more about the families. I would inquire, 'Where are you from?' and they would say a town that I had never heard of in the Amazon. It would take them days to arrive by boat to Iquitos. One of the mothers traveled for four days with her eleven-year-old son. It just shocked me how long it took to travel, and with your child who is in desperate need of care. I think about all the time and effort it takes for these families to get the help they need. It really took me out of my comfort zone. It's a reminder of how fortunate we are in this part of the world to have access to healthcare. Sometimes we want to provide twenty surgeries on a mission but are only able to complete ten, and it can be disappointing. But I have to remember, it is about one kid at a time, and that's the most important part. And we will continue to be back! It was an incredible and impactful experience of awareness, humility, and emotion. While I went on this trip to help and give something back to others, I ended up taking so much more back home with me." Together, we are Mending Kids! Join us in celebrating Carmela's invaluable contributions and learn a little more about Carmela…. How did you become involved with Mending Kids?
Through my friend, Isabelle Fox How many years have you been involved with Mending Kids? Over ten years What's the most impactful part of being involved with Mending Kids for you? Helping kids, giving them a better life and hope for their future What is your idea of happiness? Enjoying positive and healthy relationships with people What are some things on your bucket list? Traveling while helping kids and getting to know their culture and history If you could have dinner with 3 people, past present or future who would they be? My deceased mom, the Dalai Lama, and Naomi Osaka Which words or phrases do you most overuse? “Ok!” and “No problem!” Which talent would you most like to have? Singing! :) This past weekend, Mending Kids was featured in the charity event LAW Rocks, an organization dedicated to bringing together legal professionals with a passion for music to support deserving nonprofits in an epic battle of the bands fundraising concert–think of star legal professionals-turned-rockstars. We’d like to thank (and congratulate) The Meltones from Greenberg Traurig Firm for designating Mending Kids as its nonprofit, and Richard Tabura, our Board’s secretary, for tying it all together. Not only did The Meltones win the overall night but Mending Kids won the Hustle & Heart Award for the most individual donations! We’re biased but… our band rocked the hardest…. Go The Meltones! How did you become involved with Mending Kids? I attended a Google event that connected young professionals with local non-profits. I met Leslie Frost there and I was instantly sold on Mending Kids' mission. What’s the most impactful part of being involved with Mending Kids for you? One of the most difficult times of my life was when my daughter was hospitalized several times when she was 2 years old (all is good now). I am fortunate and privileged to have been able to get her the treatment she needed. I cannot imagine the hopelessness that parents in developing countries must feel when they lack access and resources to get their children treatment that is so readily available to me. Being able to work with amazing doctors to help kids around the world to get access to healthcare and create systemic change has been very rewarding. What is your idea of happiness? Mid-80 degree weather, lying on a beach with my wife and taking an occasional dip in the ocean while my kids play around me. Not stressing out about deadlines (not sure I'll ever be able to attain this as a litigator). What are some things on your bucket list? Skiing in Japan. If you could have dinner with 3 people, past present or future who would they be? Tina Fey, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Steve Carell Which words or phrases do you most overuse? "Dude" Which talent would you most like to have? Excellent Public Speaker As we celebrate the success of our participation in LAW Rocks, we are also gearing up for another significant mission. This Saturday we will be embarking on a cardiac mission to Nicaragua, where we will provide surgical training and life-saving medical interventions to children facing complex cardiac conditions. It is with your continued support that we are able to make a profound difference in the lives of these young children and their families.
Dear Friends, Spring is officially here, and we couldn’t have kicked off our 19th year on a more uplifting note than with the Imagine Gala. It was an extraordinary evening filled with laughter, joy, and heartfelt moments as we celebrated the remarkable individuals and organizations that make our mission possible. We extend our deepest gratitude to every one of you who contributed to the success of our event, whether through your sponsorships, generous donations, enthusiastic participation, in-kind donations, or unwavering support. Your presence and generosity helped us raise vital funds to continue our mission of transforming lives and restoring the futures of children in need. We honored our former patient, Heber Carias, with the HOPE Award, Dr. Jason Frischer of the Colorectal Center at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital with the MEND Award, and Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children's with the LOVE Award for their unwavering dedication and commitment to making a difference in the lives of children. They inspired us all. We invite you to browse through the photographs from the gala, capturing the magical moments of the evening. As we reflect on the success of the gala, we are also looking ahead to our upcoming missions, each representing another opportunity to save lives and create lasting change. In just a few weeks, our cardiology team will embark on a mission to Nicaragua, followed by an ENT mission to Tanzania at the end of April. These missions underscore our steadfast commitment to reaching children wherever they are and providing them with the medical care they need to thrive. There are countless ways to continue supporting Mending Kids in our mission. Whether through donations, volunteering your time and expertise, or simply spreading the word about our work, every contribution brings us one step closer to our goal of ensuring that every child has access to life-changing medical care. Thank you for being a part of our incredible journey and for your continued support. Final Reminder: Join Us on Saturday for the Imagine Gala 2024 at Skirball Cultural Center!3/14/2024
Date: Saturday, March 16th |
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Join us in the countdown to our Imagine Gala—an evening that promises to uplift and unify the shared commitment to making a meaningful impact.
Stay tuned for more updates as we edge closer to this unforgettable night!
Stay tuned for more updates as we edge closer to this unforgettable night!
The countdown has begun! We hope that you are as excited as we are for the Imagine Gala on March 16! This is an event we look forward to every year, and it wouldn't be possible without the incredible support from donors and partners, like you.
As we gear up for this unforgettable evening, we are thrilled to share the amazing progress we've made towards our goal of mending a child a day this year. In 2024 alone, we have successfully provided life-changing surgeries for over 150 children, as we started the year with our Philippines, Tanzania, Ghana, and Guatemala missions.
This week, yet another dedicated team embarks on an orthopedic mission to Cambodia. We are inspired by the resilience of these children and grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on their lives.
As we gear up for this unforgettable evening, we are thrilled to share the amazing progress we've made towards our goal of mending a child a day this year. In 2024 alone, we have successfully provided life-changing surgeries for over 150 children, as we started the year with our Philippines, Tanzania, Ghana, and Guatemala missions.
This week, yet another dedicated team embarks on an orthopedic mission to Cambodia. We are inspired by the resilience of these children and grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on their lives.
On March 16th, we'll be celebrating wonderful honorees:
Mend Award:
Dr. Jason Frischer: Head of the Colorectal Center at Cincinnati Children's Hospital and Mending Kids Board member. In recognition of his unwavering dedication.
Love Award:
Cedar-Sinai Guerin Children's for their nearly two decades of unwavering support to Mending Kids.
Hope Award:
Heber Carias, our former patient, for his resilience and inspiration.
Save the date, get your tickets, and let's make this Imagine Gala the most impactful one yet!
Mend Award:
Dr. Jason Frischer: Head of the Colorectal Center at Cincinnati Children's Hospital and Mending Kids Board member. In recognition of his unwavering dedication.
Love Award:
Cedar-Sinai Guerin Children's for their nearly two decades of unwavering support to Mending Kids.
Hope Award:
Heber Carias, our former patient, for his resilience and inspiration.
Save the date, get your tickets, and let's make this Imagine Gala the most impactful one yet!
As we embrace the month of February, celebrated not only for Valentine's Day, but also as "Heart Month," we are delighted to share the warmth and hope that is Mending Kids.
This week, our dedicated Ear, Nose, Throat team is aiming to mend over 100 children during their mission in Guatemala City, bringing critical surgical care and compassion to children who need it most. One of their former patients, Heber, who benefited from multiple procedures over the course of several missions, will be joining us at the Imagine Gala on March 16th to receive the Hope Award and share his inspiring story.
This week, our dedicated Ear, Nose, Throat team is aiming to mend over 100 children during their mission in Guatemala City, bringing critical surgical care and compassion to children who need it most. One of their former patients, Heber, who benefited from multiple procedures over the course of several missions, will be joining us at the Imagine Gala on March 16th to receive the Hope Award and share his inspiring story.
The Gala promises to be an unforgettable evening, celebrating not just the physical mending, but also the love and support we have for our amazing community.
And prepare for a celebration of love, community, and lifesaving for children at home and worldwide. Secure your spot by purchasing tickets, explore sponsorships, make a direct donation, and bid on exclusive items.
One thing is certain, just like a heartbeat sustains life, your support is the lifeblood that keeps Mending Kids pulsing strong and we are immensely grateful for your vital role in transforming lives and restoring futures.
With heartfelt gratitude, we anticipate celebrating with you.
One thing is certain, just like a heartbeat sustains life, your support is the lifeblood that keeps Mending Kids pulsing strong and we are immensely grateful for your vital role in transforming lives and restoring futures.
With heartfelt gratitude, we anticipate celebrating with you.
Love knows no boundaries! This Valentine's Day, join us in extending love to all children. Let's ensure they receive the gift of quality surgical care they deserve. Never miss an opportunity to show your love. Your support can make a world of difference.
Excitement is building as we countdown towards our Imagine Gala on March 16th at The Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles! Our commitment to delivering life-saving surgical care to children at home and worldwide is embarking on its 19th year.
Our dedicated surgical teams have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of underserved children and empower communities to achieve medical self-sustainability.
The Imagine Gala promises to be a night of recognition and appreciation, celebrating remarkable honorees. We'll pay tribute to our inspiring former patient, Heber Carias, with the HOPE Award. Join us in celebrating the invaluable contributions of Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, recipient of the LOVE Award, and pediatric colorectal surgeon, Dr. Jason Frischer from Cincinnati Children's Hospital, who will receive the MEND Award.
Our dedicated surgical teams have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of underserved children and empower communities to achieve medical self-sustainability.
The Imagine Gala promises to be a night of recognition and appreciation, celebrating remarkable honorees. We'll pay tribute to our inspiring former patient, Heber Carias, with the HOPE Award. Join us in celebrating the invaluable contributions of Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, recipient of the LOVE Award, and pediatric colorectal surgeon, Dr. Jason Frischer from Cincinnati Children's Hospital, who will receive the MEND Award.
Secure your spot at the Imagine Gala here and be part of an unforgettable evening of inspiration, celebration, and making a positive impact!
Thank you for your continued support. Every dollar raised goes towards providing critical surgical care to children in need. Since 2009, we have mended over 5200 children from 74 countries.
Thank you for your continued support. Every dollar raised goes towards providing critical surgical care to children in need. Since 2009, we have mended over 5200 children from 74 countries.
In-kind contributions, either through products or services, help elevate the event experience for our guests and donors while achieving great exposure for your company.