Hello to all of you fantastic people who have supported ArtGivingHope.org (formally ArtForOUR.org) over the last few years. To-date, we have raised $121,000 to fight human trafficking around the world by way of several different amazing organizations.
As many of you know, I am a foot and ankle surgeon by trade and have been involved in the specialty since 2005. During this time I have been feeling a big tug in my heart to use my professional skills for a charitable cause.
A while ago, I found myself on-call at our local hospital. I was called in (as I often am) to help evaluate and save the leg (if possible) of a kind elderly polynesian woman from Samoa. She had been told by 2 other surgeons that the massive infection stretching from her toes to her knee made it impossible to save her leg. She had refused an amputation in her home country and had flown to the US for help. Because of the amazing individuals who had trained me over the years in ways to save an infected leg like hers, we were able to perform an emergent surgery and stop the infection. She is recovering very well today and has started walking again.
Many, many of my patients over the years have been affected by Diabetes which has resulted in chronic costly wounds, infections and amputations of their feet and legs. This is a massive problem for many people especially in the Polynesian island nations of Tonga, Samoa and Fiji. I have been hearing bits and pieces from some of my colleagues about how the problem of diabetes in these countries has reached an incredibly serious level. Fiji for example, is reporting an amputation due to diabetes every 12 hours. Medical professionals and the resources to combat these issues early on are almost nonexistent or severely lacking in these areas. If only my colleagues and myself who have the training to help in these types of situations could do something about it!
Recently I came into contact with HopeForDiabetes.org which has the goal of eradicating diabetes in the polynesian nations and help them become self-sufficient in their health care needs. This group is able to carry out several medical missions to Tonga and Samoa each year with ZERO % overhead. All involved are professionals and experts that donate their time and skills and pay their own way for the missions. Funds that are raised are used to create educational materials and purchase needed medical supplies for surgeries and wound care.
My team at ArtGivingHope.org has decided that in the year 2024 we will begin focusing our fundraising efforts completely on supporting HopeForDiabetes.org. Our goal is to support several medical missions to Tonga, Samoa and other nearby countries to help fight the diabetic problem by aiding in needed limb salvage surgeries, providing diabetic wound treatment and supporting prevention education and training.
I sincerely hope that you will stay with us and join us in this new cause!
Because of my personal knowledge of the people who run and support HopeForDiabetes.org, we will be able to verify that every dollar raised will be used effectively and responsibly. I will be one of the surgeons going on these medical missions as well as several of my partners whom I trust and rely on professionally every day. I give my personal guarantee that your donations and support will be used in the best possible way. We are currently able to provide $10,000 dollars of value in services and medical/surgical care for every $1,000 donated. I am unaware of any organization that is so incredibly efficient and is able to stretch every dollar so incredibly far.
Thank you in advance for your support and donations for this new cause in the new year!
It’s time for the diabetes epidemic ravaging our indigenous polynesian communities to end. Amanaki Fo’ou works to ignite hope and inspire a new, healthier future based upon the sacred connection of mind, body, and spirit that defines our people.
A Matter of Life and Death:
6 out of 10 nations with the highest rates of diabetes are in the Pacific
2 out of 3 cases of kidney failure for Native Americans come from diabetes
>30% of Pacific Islanders over 18 have diabetes
Our mission is to inspire the elimination of diabetes among individuals, families and communities.
What We Do:
Treatment
Empower local providers to engage in a team approach of diabetes management. Provide surgical and educational missions to help with those in accute need.
Prevention
Draw from the strength of our heritage as we lay the foundation of a healthier future through educational programs.
Marketing & Communication
Ignite a social movement towards a vibrant, healthy future.
Finance
Expand our influence through sound financial management and outreach activities.
