Mobility Belize-Mobilizing Disabled Belizeans

The Problem

Located in Central America, Belize is an impoverished nation desperately in need of better access to medical resources that will lead to a better quality of life for many of its citizens. The focus of my fundraising is to address the lack of access to public healthcare, and in particular a severe lack of resources for people with physical disabilities, in the Toledo District of Belize. As of the 2000 Belize census, the Toledo District had a disability rate of 8.4% and has increased dramatically since. (Ministry of Health Belize, Health Agenda, 2007) Physically disabled Belizeans in the Toledo District of Belize receive little assistance with regards to overall access to healthcare, physical access to transportation and buildings, and availability of durable medical equipment. Likewise, many of these people live in remote towns and villages with little or no transportation, compounding the problem exponentially.

My Experience

I've been travelling to Belize for nearly 20 years. Initially I served as a chaperone each Spring Break for a group of college students who were studying anthropology at a local university, and quickly fell in love with the country, its people, and a genuine urgency to help those most in need in Belize. Since then, I've made more than 20 trips to this desperate and impoverished country, always with thoughts of "How can I do more? How can I help?"

I spent 6 years studying graduate level anthropology, have worked extensively in public health and clinical medicine, and dedicate a significant amount of time to volunteerism, with a sincere focus on Belize. Currently I am working on a MBA in International Business and it is my hope to establish a NGO, with the help of corporate contributors and individual donors alike, that will fund and facilitate efforts to give physically disabled Belizeans a better quality of life. More specifically, I want to lay the groundwork for the eventual development of an ongoing and consistent NGO that will provide durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, canes, etc.), physical therapy, and counseling for physically disabled Belizeans in the Toledo District, Belize.

Currently I am in the process of developing relationships with durable medical equipment manufacturers in the U.S. and the Hillside Health Clinic and its providers in Punta Gorda, Toledo District Belize, C.A.

While anyone who travels to Belize will immediately feel an overwhelming sense of poverty and desperation, it doesn't take long to realize that Belizeans are some of the most caring, inviting, gentle, giving and proud people that one will ever meet. The physically disabled citizens of Belize need my help and your help. Any donations, no matter how large or small, will go a long way in this effort.

Fundraising Proceeds

Fundraising proceeds will be used to fund the following:

1. Procurement of an initial inventory of wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and canes (durable medical equipment)

2. Delivery of the initial inventory of durable medical equipment to Belize City, Belize, C.A.

3. Payment of import duties, customs, and taxes for durable equipment upon arrival in Belize City, Belize, C.A.

4. Intracountry transport of equipment from Belize City to Punta Gorda, Toledo District Belize, C.A.

**It is important for me to mention that I DO NOT use fundraising proceeds to fund my own expenses. Along with my time and dedication to this effort, I pay for all of my own expenses out of my pocket as an additional contribution to my charitable efforts.

Please consider helping these kind people in need and may God Bless!