Check-Up | A CURE Magazine, Summer 2022

A MAGAZINE SUMMER 2022

ON THE COVER: Dr. Chitsamatanga returns to Zimbabwe pg 16

22 Exclusive Q&A with Trevor D. Rees-Jones

FEATURE STORY

aftermath HEALING IN THE

CURE surgeon serves children burned from a schoolhouse fire in Niger pg 8

CHECK-UP A CURE MAGAZINE SUMMER 2022 CURE Check-Up highlights the lives of CUREkids from around the world and those who serve them. The stories capture the physical and spiritual transformation happening around the CURE Children's Hospital Network. This is possible by God's grace and the role of partners and supporters whose participation makes a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable children with disabilities.

CREDITS Editor-in-Chief — DEBBIE STOWELL President/CEO — JUSTIN NARDUCCI Head of Donor Relations — GREG FORNEY

table of

contents 03 04

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR CURE partners are making a way for children to see Christ.

CURE NEWS Read exciting updates from around the CURE network.

Creative Director — JOSHUA BEST Lead Storyteller — JOEL WITWER Content Coordinator — ALYSSA MIHALIK Designers — AMBER MASLANKA & SARA RECKNAGEL

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ABOUT CURE CURE International is a Christian non-profit organization that operates a global network of eight pediatric hospitals providing world-class surgical and intentional ministry care for children living with treatable disabilities. CURE donors help provide services at no cost for families living in poverty.

CURE International is a top-rated non-profit organization.

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Copyright 2022 by CURE International. All rights reserved.

WE WELCOME COMMENTS AND FEEDBACK! checkup@cure.org (616) 512-3105 cure.org

CURE International 70 Ionia Ave SW Suite 200 Grand Rapids, MI 49503

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FEATURE STORY

HEALING IN THE AFTERMATH CURE surgeon serves children burned from a schoolhouse fire in Niger.

EVERY CHILD MATTERS

LIVING HER DREAMS Read about Lucy's journey and how she achieved her dream of starting a family.

FRONTLINERS

HOMEGROWN CHAMPION Follow Dr. Tongai Chitsamatanga's journey home to Zimbabwe.

MAKING ALL THINGS NEW President/CEO, Justin Narducci shares how CURE Zimbabwe was transformed through God's redemption.

THANK YOU CURE International thanks O'Neil Printing for its support in maintaining print industry standards at reduced costs, allowing God's gifts and resources to be faithfully stewarded.

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VISION PARTNERS

Q&A WITH TREVOR D. REES-JONES A businessman and philanthropist shares his passion for CURE.

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letter from the editor check∙up noun /’chek-‚əp/ 1. a general examination of someone’s or something’s condition

MAKING A WAY Followers of Jesus were called “followers of the Way” in the book of Acts. It’s a name that is meant to be a living representation of God’s kingdom.

The people of CURE — partners, doctors, donors — are followers of the Way, making a way for those who desperately need the hope that Jesus offers.

Without surgery, many of these children will not reach their full potential. This is where you shine as people of the Way. You partner with CURE to reach the sick, the forgotten, and hopeless, and make a way for them to receive medical care and the love of Jesus.

As you read through this issue of Check-Up about elementary school children treated for severe burns and how surgery brought new possibilities for Lucy, we hope that you see what an important difference you have made for people in need of hope. Also in this issue, you will get to know partners and advocates who steward their talents and treasure to bring the healing that Jesus offers to children and their families.

We are grateful for your support that allows vulnerable children to receive treatment and to see how valued and loved they are by their Creator. You understand that following Jesus requires active participation. Thank you for pursuing God’s heart on behalf of the children we serve together.

DEBBIE STOWELL Editor-In-Chief CHECK-UP

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CURE NEWS

Making History in Ethiopia Microvascular surgery is an extremely complex procedure that joins tiny blood vessels in transferred bone, requiring trained surgeons, an operating microscope, specialized surgical instruments, and micro-stitches finer than human hair. Thanks to newly acquired equipment and advanced training, CURE Ethiopia recently became the first CURE hospital to complete a microvascular surgery without relying on external specialists.

Eight-year-old Sofonias underwent a 14-hour microvascular surgery to save his right leg from amputation. The successful procedure was performed by a team of CURE surgeons – Dr. Tim Nunn, CURE Ethiopia medical director; Dr. Tesfaye Mulat, general plastic surgeon at CURE Ethiopia; and Dr. Dorothy Bbaale, plastic and reconstructive surgeon at CURE Malawi.

Established in 2008, CURE Ethiopia performs more than 2,500 life-changing reconstructive and orthopedic procedures every year for children suffering from treatable physical disabilities. In addition to world-class clinical service, CURE Ethiopia ministers to the emotional and spiritual needs of patients, their families, and communities.

You can send an encouraging message to children in our hospitals just like Sofonias by visiting cure.org/curekids

Dr. Tesfaye (left) and Dr. Dorothy (right) from the Microvascular Surgical Team.

Representatives from The Beit Trust celebrate the new shipment of equipment and the addition of a C-arm.

CURE Zimbabwe Marks First Anniversary Since the hospital launch in April 2021, a celebration attended by the President of Zimbabwe, CURE Children's Hospital of Zimbabwe has far exceeded expectations for its first full year of operation.

Over the past year, the hospital has accommodated over 2,400 patient visits and performed 580 surgical procedures.

Additionally, nearly 3,500 patients and family members heard the good news of Jesus!

As the first hospital in Zimbabwe dedicated to serving the most vulnerable, CURE Zimbabwe is poised to continue its growth.

Over the next year, the hospital plans to open a larger children's ward and expand its services to include care for children with untreated burns and cleft lip/palate.

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Equipment Upgrade Boosts Quality of Treatment at CURE Malawi CURE Malawi has received a shipment of advanced biomedical equipment as part of CURE’s three-year strategic growth plan to upgrade its hospitals with investments in equipment, capital infrastructure projects and staff development.

Donated by The Beit Trust, the equipment upgrade will allow CURE Malawi to provide 20,000 safe, timely, and high-quality surgical procedures to children suffering with disabilities.

The shipment includes equipment such as a C-arm X-ray machine, electrosurgical unit analyzers, sterilizers, hospital beds,

The Beit Trust is an independent charity established by financier and philanthropist Alfred Beit in 1906. It has supported CURE in southern Africa and is the namesake of two of CURE’s hospitals (Malawi and Zambia). The Trust also helped with the launch of CURE Zimbabwe in 2021.

To help ship more medical equipment to our hospitals, please visit cure.org/summer22

To learn more about the hospital, please visit cure.org/hospitals/zimbabwe

CHECK-UP

Members of the CURE Zimbabwe Hospital Management Team are all smiles.

and surgical tables so surgeons can work efficiently and patients can be as comfortable as possible.

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CURE NEWS

Wedding Gift Goes to Kids in Need of Surgery Curtis and Teresa, passionate CURE donors, wanted their wedding to be a celebration of love and an occasion to express gratitude to God. With help from friends, the couple raised $3,000 for CURE's mission to treat children in need of surgical care.

“We stand with CURE, watching in awe our Father’s work in healing, caring for the least, and showing who He is — Love. It’s an honor to see the kingdom of Jesus manifesting in our midst,” says Teresa. Like these newlyweds, many people across the country are serving the “least of these” by giving financially to CURE’s mission to reach and heal children with disabilities.

Talk to a representative at CURE to set up a fundraiser by emailing info@cure.org

Curtis and Teresa on their wedding day.

College Students Advocate for Children in Zambia Nine Liberty University students raised $4,000 through a fundraising event called “CURE U’s 100 Mile Challenge” to help provide orthopedic surgery to children at CURE Zambia.

Josh Werth, event organizer and head of the Liberty’s CURE U club, says he is excited for the children to receive not only physical treatment but also hear the good news that God loves them. “It would allow the kids to walk and play again,” says Grace Parry, a student participant. CURE U clubs are student-led on-campus chapters that raise awareness and funds for children with treatable physical disabilities.

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Josh Werth (front left) and other Liberty University students gather for CURE U club.

Anyone interested in starting a CURE U club or participating virtually or inperson in a fundraising challenge visit cure.org/cure-university or contact cureu@cure.org

Miss Universe Visits CURE Philippines

Demi-Leigh Tebow loved visiting the patients at Tebow CURE.

The Tebow CURE Hospital in Davao, Philippines, is a source of hope and healing for thousands of Filipino children with treatable physical disabilities. Recently, in celebration of its seventh anniversary, the hospital brought joy to the staff and patients when it played host to special guests Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Tebow and the newly crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi.

The Filipino people are known to be avid fans of pageants, so it was a delight for many patients to see Demi-Leigh and Celeste in person.

Demi-Leigh, wife of world-renowned athlete, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Tim Tebow, expressed her appreciation for the kindness and generosity shown to her by the people of Davao City.

“We at the Tim Tebow Foundation believe that there is power when we come together,” said Demi-Leigh. “We deepen our reach, deepen our impact, and truly have the opportunity to change the trajectory of these children’s lives.”

Demi also thanked Celeste for gracing the celebration. Celeste, who is Filipino-Italian, shared during the anniversary luncheon that when she was a young girl, her family had to move to Italy so her father could obtain free healthcare. This is why she appreciates Tebow CURE Hospital for providing charitable surgeries to vulnerable Filipino children.

Since its establishment in 2014, CURE Philippines has performed more than 6,000 surgical procedures for children with medical conditions like clubfoot, cleft lip and palate, and disabilities resulting from chronic burn contractures. In addition, thousands of people have heard of the gospel and found new life in Jesus.

CHECK-UP

Executive Director, Peter Cowles, with special guests Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Tebow and the newly crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi. Photo Credit: Mary Benson, Mission Driven Studios.

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Niger

411 MILES Niamey

CURE Niger, where the medical team began their journey

Because the injured children were too weak to travel, CURE Niger sent a medical team to them.

HEALING

CURE Rushes to Niger School Fire On the morning of November 8, 2021, sevenyear-old Iklima left for school with a big smile on her face. Just the night before, she had fun learning the names of kitchen utensils in French, thanks to her mom, Fourera.

Iklima attends AFN Preschool and Primary School in Maradi, the second-largest city in Niger. Some classrooms in this school — and in many schools across Niger — are made of highly flammable straw and wood. They are meant to be temporary solutions to the

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problems of overcrowded classrooms and the lack of school buildings.

At 11 a.m., Fourera was talking with a neighbor when the neighbor’s daughter came running up to them screaming, “Fire in the school!”

Fourera rushed to the school to look for Iklima and was met by a teacher who told her that Iklima had been badly injured and taken to a hospital. Iklima is among the

FEATURE STORY

Maradi

Schoolhouse fire

IN THE

fortunate ones. On that day, when the sevenminute fire cleared, 28 children between the ages of three and eight were dead, according to the school director.

“A very tragic situation indeed, but this is why we are here: to serve children who have no one else to turn to with their medical needs,” says George Gavrus, Executive Director of CURE Children’s Hospital of Niger. “Whether the request comes from the President’s wife or a mother from a village, we are here to serve and come alongside local and international partners,” he adds.

A very tragic situation indeed, but this is why we are here: to serve children who have no one else to turn to with their medical Gavrus, Executive needs” - George Director at CURE Niger

Dr. Issa (right) with Khadidja (middle) being treated for burns from the schoolhouse fire.

WANTED: EXPERTS AND EQUIPMENT

performed skin grafts on the five patients,” he adds.

Iklima and four other badly injured children were brought to Maradi Hospital, but despite initial treatments and care, they remained in critical condition. The doctors, realizing they lacked the technical expertise and the medical equipment to properly treat the children, contacted Niger’s First Lady, Dr. Lalla Malika Issoufou, who immediately reached out to CURE Niger for assistance.

There was significant progress two weeks after the surgical procedures. In fact, Dr. Issa notes, three children have started to heal and, within six months they will have recovered well enough to return to school. As of this writing, those three patients have been discharged from the hospital.

Of course, CURE Niger agreed to help. But because the patients were too weak to travel the 411 miles of poor roads to CURE Niger, the hospital sent a medical team to them. “We couldn’t transport them to Niamey given their state of health and the state of the road; that’s why we went to take care of them in Maradi,” says Dr. Ousmane Hamady Issa, plastic and reconstructive surgeon at CURE Niger.

Two patients still needed a second round of skin grafting, which Dr. Issa performed at the end of May.

THANKSGIVING AMID TRAGEDY Traumatized by the school fire, Iklima is too upset to talk about the tragic event, but has told her mother she is not going back to school.

“We are trying to explain to her that it was an accident and it won’t happen again,” says Fourera. “She is receiving good care and we say thank you for that, and God bless all those who supported her.”

Many months have passed and the cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed. Many believe bandits are to blame while others say it was a demon or supernatural phenomenon.

A grandmother of one of the five survivors, says she wants to tell the victims’ parents that:

God is in control of the situation and to continue to trust Him.” Joining the survivors’ families in giving thanks are Niger’s government officials, including Maradi Governor Chaibou Aboubacar. In a public event held recently, the governor appreciated CURE Niger for its efforts at saving lives and bringing hope to the community.

“We say thank you,” he says.

“I encourage you to continue the good work of helping the children and population of Niger.”

Built in 2010, CURE Children’s Hospital of Niger is the only hospital in the country that offers specialty surgical care for children living with treatable physical disabilities. Because of donors’ generosity and the expertise of staff, CURE Niger is ready and capable to bring hope and help in times of need.

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Dr. Issa says the level of care that the fire survivors received was not optimal at the beginning.

“When we arrived, we found them in a not very good condition; nevertheless, we

“We are happy to see the evolution of the health of these children,” says Dr. Kadre Mamane Dani, head of general surgery at Maradi Hospital.

Fourera says she is not at peace; nevertheless, she puts everything in God’s hands.

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EVERY CHILD MATTERS

living her

dreams New Milestones, New Beginnings and Abundant Blessings

After her clubfoot was surgically corrected, Lucy gained the confidence to interact with people and pursue her dreams.

T

oday, if you met 22-year-old Lucy from Kenya, you might not believe that she grew up with a physical disability that left her isolated and stigmatized for most of her young life. Instead, you would see a vibrant, confident young woman with an infectious smile and steady steps.

Lucy was one of about 1,500 Kenyans born with clubfoot every year. It's a correctable condition, but in cultures that believe birth disorders are caused by evil spirits, many children with clubfoot and other congenital conditions are left untreated. Children suffering from disabilities are therefore widely rejected and disadvantaged while their medical conditions worsen.

I believe in God, and I pray He will heal me.”

Lucy says she, too, grew up believing that her physical disability could not be treated, so she learned to adapt to the odd shape of her feet and tried not to let her feet limit her. But Lucy was unhappy. “Life was hard as a teenager. People excluded me because of my disability,” she says.

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new beginnings But life as Lucy knew it began to change. It started when Lucy went to a local clinic because the pain in her feet had been worsening. She learned that clubfoot could be treated and that CURE Kenya was the place to go for such treatment.

Each year, CURE Kenya performs an average of 1,795 life-changing reconstructive and orthopedic surgical procedures for children suffering from treatable disabilities. On average, 330 surgical procedures are for clubfoot treatment.

After the necessary preparations, on July 4, 2016, Lucy made the three-hour trip from her hometown to CURE Kenya in Kijabe for surgery on her right foot. Nine months later, CURE surgically corrected her left foot.

For any significant corrective surgery, the body takes time to heal, and there were numerous follow-up appointments to carefully oversee this process.

“I believe in God, and I pray He will heal me,” said Lucy during treatment.

One very important activity that Lucy missed during her recovery was going to church.

“With a cast, Lucy can’t walk to church; it’s quite a distance from home,” explained her mom, Mary, adding, “I know when she is healed, she will

sing in church and praise God.” Despite the challenges that Lucy faced, she showed courage, resilience, and gratitude. Her cheerful spirit even brought encouragement to the staff and other patients.

abundant blessings Fast-forward to 2022. Lucy is a happy wife, budding businesswoman, and mother of three beautiful children — Elvis, Joseph, and Princess.

She says her self-esteem and confidence soared through the roof after the surgeries.

“Before I was treated, I was really shy and I didn’t really want to interact with anyone,” she shares. “Now, I am comfortable speaking to people and interacting with them because their attention is no longer on my feet.”

Lucy and her husband, John, along with their three children Elvis, Joseph, and Princess.

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Lucy and Deputy President William Samoei Ruto on International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Lucy pregnant with her daughter Princess.

Lucy says that she is grateful to be able to enjoy the things that most people experience, like having a family, getting invited to important events, and finally — wearing shoes.

“Starting a family was a big dream for me,” she shares.

“I didn’t think I’d ever have a family of my own!” Her husband, John, who is a barber, says he is proud of how Lucy takes care of their children and at the same time helps support the family by selling sausages in their neighborhood.

“I remember my father told me to never regret choosing Lucy. I think he saw something in her!” says John.

companion and support throughout her healing journey, is finally relieved of “a whole lot of stress.”

new milestones In 2020, Lucy met Deputy President William Samoei Ruto and other officials at CURE Kenya on International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Lucy was invited to the gathering as one among many patients who underwent successful surgeries and experienced life-transforming outcomes. Upon seeing Lucy standing next to her beforeand-after pictures, the Deputy President couldn’t believe his eyes and kept asking Lucy if she indeed was the young girl

in the pictures (see above).

“I consider being able to meet the Deputy President a milestone, and it is thanks to CURE,” exclaims Lucy.

Six years ago, Lucy came to CURE Kenya with untreated clubfoot, a downcast spirit, and seemingly impossible dreams. Today, Lucy, along with thousands of others, is evidence of the gift of physical healing in the hands of very capable, God-fearing CURE surgeons and the blessing of spiritual transformation through the ministry of God’s Word. Your support makes a life-transforming change like Lucy’s possible every day.

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You can help sponsor a child's clubfoot surgery by visiting cure.org/summer22

CHECK-UP

Lucy is also grateful that her mother, who was her constant

“

I didn’t think I’d ever have a family of my own!”

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FRONTLINERS

Dr. Tongai is one of 32 surgeons serving across the CURE Children’s Hospital Network.

Trained in the UK, the first Zimbabwean pediatric orthopedic surgeon finds career and calling in his own country.

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HOME GROWN CHAMPION SPOTLIGHT ON DR. TONGAI CHITSAMATANGA CURE Zimbabwe

Dr. Tongai Chitsamatanga was, by his own recollection, an average student in his early years. But what’s actually quite exceptional is that the Zimbabwean doctor went on to specialize in pediatric orthopedics and use his surgical expertise to bring hope and healing to children with treatable physical disabilities in his native country.

It was not an easy decision to make, according to Dr. Tongai, seeing that many of his friends have left the country for greener pastures.

BORN FREE

Dr. Tongai recalls how challenging it was to find a post in his district, which was why a number of his colleagues decided to go to South Africa and Namibia. While it was tempting to follow the others, he and his wife remained.

“It was a ‘Jonah’ moment for me,” says the doctor, “because if I did what I really wanted to do instead of what God wanted me to do, I might have been swallowed by the fish.”

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Dr. Tongai was born in the city of Chitungwiza in 1980, the year when Zimbabwe, formerly called Rhodesia, gained independence after decades of British rule.

The future surgeon was, in his own words, "born free." This would prove to be a motivating characteristic for Dr. Tongai.

Graduating from medical school is a huge milestone, but for newly minted doctors, the grueling work has just begun. The 42-yearold surgeon explains that when he and his soon-to-be wife, Dr. Mercy Gaza, graduated, Zimbabwe had a policy that required new doctors to serve at a district hospital for one year if they wanted to have a “practicing certificate,” which would allow them to have their own surgery room.

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FREE TO BUILD Soon, a position for one doctor opened in Mutambara Mission Hospital of the United Methodist Church. Dr. Tongai says it was only because of God’s grace that he and Dr. Mercy happened to meet the person who was in charge of filling the posts. “Dr. Banda was very good to us and placed us together,” he explains.

When the doctor couple reported for duty in 2006, the hospital hadn't had a doctor in four years. “It went from no doctors to three — me, my wife, and a missionary doctor,” says Dr. Tongai.

Through God’s grace, we took everything and started running with it."

“It was an improvement in access, especially for the women in the area, with my wife being an obstetrician-gynecologist.”

Mutambara Mission Hospital would be their home and training ground not only for a year, as required, but for six fruitful years. Dr. Tongai says “something miraculous” happened to him and Dr. Mercy during those years. “It was a time for building, even in our relationship. It was also a time when we realized that at the end of the day, God takes care of you. So as much as I wanted to say my plans were to go to America or the UK, the Lord changes your heart and does it in a way that is amazing.”

FREE TO HELP In July 2013, Dr. Tongai attended a pediatric course at Beit-CURE International Hospital in Malawi and later completed a nine-month fellowship at the same hospital in partnership with the College of Surgeons of East, Central,

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DR. TONGAI ASSESSES ROPAFADZO'S PROGRESS IN THE OUTPATIENT CLINIC A FEW WEEKS AFTER HER SURGERY.

and Southern Africa (COSECSA) and Oxford Link (COOL). Here, Dr. Tongai improved his skills to better treat pediatric orthopedic patients in the clinic and in surgery.

Three months into the training program, Dr. Tongai had a light-bulb moment. “I realized this is what I want to do,” he says. “It was frustrating to see kids suffering from deformities for so long and to realize what this child has been through with no access to surgery because of financial restrictions. I saw a need and realized that I could step in and do something.”

In Zimbabwe, Dr. Tongai says an injured child or a child with a disability is not at the top of the priority list when it comes to medical care, which means “that child loses the battle” to an adult breadwinner.

But now, Dr. Tongai says he can see a patient, come up with a plan, and execute it without having to worry about whether the family can afford the service.

For two years, from March 2019 to October 2021, Dr. Tongai completed two fellowships: first, in trauma and limb reconstruction at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and second, in pediatric orthopedics at the University of Derby and Burton NHS Trust, UK.

DR. TONGAI VISITING HIS PATIENT, TANAKA.

FREE TO MAKE AN IMPACT Today, Zimbabwe’s expert surgeon is working his dream job. Since he started working at CURE Zimbabwe in 2021, Dr. Tongai says there’s never been a day when he felt too fatigued or drained to work.

“I look forward to it. I look forward to the busy clinic and being in the operating theater; it’s amazing.”

He could have stayed in the UK, he says, but he made the decision to return to Zimbabwe because God had planted a seed in his heart.

“Looking beyond the money, beyond all the bright lights and the London Bridge and the fancy things, I wanted to be in a workplace where I could do my work and be able to make an impact for under-resourced kids and see results. And I’m seeing it today.”

Dr. Tongai wants people to pray for his wife, Dr.

Mercy, who is in England at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge finishing up her fellowship, and for CURE Zimbabwe to continue to have an impact and reach those who need healing and to expand its services to the northern part of Zimbabwe.

Established in April 2021, CURE Zimbabwe has only just begun. In 2023, the hospital is adding plastic and reconstructive services to serve children with severe burns and cleft lip/palate. With plans underway for a children's ward expansion, CURE Zimbabwe is positioned to reach more children in need of surgery through the continued generosity of partners and supporters.

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CHECK-UP

Dr. Tongai's decision to return to Zimbabwe made local and international headlines because of the great need in the country. CURE Zimbabwe is the only hospital in the country of nearly 15 million that offers charitable orthopedic care for children with complicated conditions

such as clubfoot, knock knees, and bowed legs. Dr. Tongai and his CURE colleague Dr. Rick Gardner are the only pediatric orthopedic surgeons in the country.

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making

ALL THINGS NEW

HOW GOD REDEEMED PEOPLE, PROPERTY, AND PURPOSE AT CURE ZIMBABWE

the challenge. Through much hard work, CURE Zimbabwe officially opened in April 2021 to serve children living with disabilities. God would use Built in the 1960s, the hospital CURE to blow a fresh wind building originally served as into the city of an infectious Bulawayo and disease ward This is what is so bring hope and for a larger compelling about joy to children hospital and families complex. It the mission that across the was, in reality, God has called us a place where to. His redemptive region. people with work is on display In a very tuberculosis short span of and HIV were every day!" time, CURE sent to die in Zimbabwe grew from having isolation. Eventually, it closed eight staff to 75, including down, was abandoned, and three world-class surgeons; severely damaged by a fire.

Dr. Rick Gardner, Dr. There it remained, a scar on Collen Msasanure, and Dr. the city.

Tongai Chitsamatanga, who happens to be the first and But our God is a redeemer. only Zimbabwean pediatric When CURE International was orthopedic trained surgeon presented with an opportunity in the country of over seven to take over a newly refurbished million children. building, we humbly accepted our most beautiful and vibrant facilities — but that wasn’t always the case.

BY JUSTIN NARDUCCI

President/CEO

And He who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” – Revelation 21:5 It never ceases to amaze me how God calls, equips, and uses people like you and me to participate in His extravagant work of transformation ­— healing the afflicted, restoring places that have been laid waste, and making all things new.

All of these come to mind as we celebrate the first anniversary of CURE Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.

Today, the hospital is one of

To date, CURE Zimbabwe has performed over 600 surgical procedures (the initial goal was 300), many of which treated severely neglected clubfoot.

While we are delighted by the progress thus far, we know the need remains great.

downcast. Then weeks or months later, they return to their villages healed, loved, and able, with a newfound identity in Christ, with strong legs and even stronger spirit, unshakable in their pursuit of big hopes and dreams. Redemption.

In Zimbabwe alone, an estimated 300,000 children are waiting for orthopedic surgical care.

Thank you for partnering with us to allow God's mercy to shine on these beautiful children. Every single day, you allow CURE doctors to provide world-class surgical care to children who need it most. You take that burden off their parent’s shoulders with your generous, compassionate support. You are part of God's plan to lavish grace on his children.

As you know, CURE addresses the physical needs, as well as the emotional and spiritual needs, of our patients. So far, more than 3,000 children and their families have heard and experienced the love of Christ through our work. This is what is so compelling about the mission that God has called us to. His redemptive work is on display every day!

I've had the opportunity to visit CURE hospitals around the world and meet our incredible CUREkids. In fact, I have been to CURE Zimbabwe twice and often think of children like Kimberly, Nyasha, and Marshall (pictured right) who all have treatable disabilities, but had no means to pay for care. Their treatable condition would have become a permanent disability, changing the trajectory of their entire lives.

These precious children come to the hospital scared and

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Kimberly age 7, treated for a joint condition

Marshall age 4, treated for burn contractures

Scan here with your smartphone to watch a video of CURE Zimbabwe's progress over the last year!

Harare

Gweru Bulawayo The severe damage that remained after the abandoned disease ward caught fire.

Masvingo

CURE ZIMBABWE

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Follow Kimberly, Nyasha, and Marshall's progress at cure.org/curekids/zimbabwe

That’s why an anniversary celebration is so much more than just another day. It’s a reminder that we journey with God and with His people. He sends us to help redeem the “least of these” and proclaim His goodness to all nations.

Nyasha age 17, treated for clubfoot

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VISION PARTNERS Highlighting CURE partners who heal the sick and proclaim the kingdom of God.

CURE International sat down with Trevor D. Rees-Jones, the Texan businessman and philanthropist who co-founded The Rees-Jones Foundation with his wife Jan. He shares his greatest privilege and joy ­— doing what Jesus asked us to do.

Tell us about your foundation and the causes that you support.

Q

Many pediatric disabilities are treatable and can be easily corrected here in the United States, and it is just wrong that children — God’s children — elsewhere don’t have the same opportunity. I have been accused of being driven all of my life in business and I’ve enjoyed a great deal of success.

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We are a Christian organization and we try to do what Jesus asked us to do. We’re generally focused on children and youth who are severely disadvantaged, afflicted and are among the most Many pediatric disabilities vulnerable.

We found out are treatable and can be about CURE’s easily corrected here in the work in United States, and it is just Addis Ababa, wrong that children – God’s Ethiopia, in 2006 and children – elsewhere don’t wanted to have the same opportunity." look into it more. We’re so glad we did because it has I’ve been very fortunate, very become one of our major privileged, but to be able to grantees. We’ve worked with participate in this type of work them for many years now to is at a whole different level. help realize their vision to serve Q Why is much of your more children with clubfoot and other orthopedic problems. support focused on Ethiopia?

A

A I have been asked that question many times. My first answer was pretty simple: everybody has to be somewhere.

Seriously, it was an opportunity presented to us and we found that it fit extremely well with what we wanted to do, which is to do what Jesus asked us to do. CURE Ethiopia is heavily focused on orthopedic surgery and correction of various ailments, and these are debilitating conditions that relegate a child and his or her family to miserable conditions.

If you think being physically disabled in the United States is tough, try being physically disabled in Africa. Our youngest son, David, was born with a foot slightly turned, and we were able to get it corrected very easily. But this is the type of condition that can cripple a child in Africa where surgical services are not readily available. So the mission was a very good fit for us. We took

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Trevor D. Rees-Jones, Jan Rees-Jones, David Rees-Jones, Margaret Rees-Jones, Jenny Rees-Jones, and Trevor R. ReesJones (pictured from left to right).

Rees-Jones and CURE Ethiopia’s Leadership Team.

it upon ourselves to partner in a significant way with CURE Ethiopia over the years and get on board with CURE’s vision to build capacity and bring surgeries from maybe 800 a year when we became involved to now more than 3,000, hire more doctors and build rehabilitation wings where some patients can stay during the rehabilitation process. We consider it a great privilege to partner with CURE in Addis Ababa.

In your frequent visits to CURE Ethiopia, what stands out to you the most?

Q

A The dedication of the children’s parents is unbelievable. These are devoted caregivers who bring their kids to the hospital, sit with them for days, weeks on end. There’s no telling how many days they had traveled, how many buses they had to change from, coming from hundreds of miles

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away. Ethiopia is a big country; it’s the second most populated country in Africa. We’re also impressed with the team of incredible surgeons — Dr. Tim, Dr. Rick, Dr. Mesfin, and others. The work that is done there by such tremendously capable doctors and staff is truly amazing. They’d be at the top of their game if they were at a hospital in London, yet in Ethiopia they are doing this type of work because of their commitment to the Lord. I just can’t brag enough on their capabilities and expertise.

In partnering with CURE, what do you consider Q

are your most rewarding accomplishments?

I’d like to break them down into three categories. First, we are grateful to be a part of transforming lives. Here’s where a personal engagement is so important. I guess part of it is selfish, but I think it’s probably okay to be selfish like this because you get so much out of seeing these children who come into the hospital terribly afflicted and then you see them after their legs —­or whatever conditions they were suffering from — are fixed and healed.

I can’t do that; I’m not the doctor, but I sure can write a A

They’re living out their faith and doing what Jesus wants us to do, which is to heal."

Rees-Jones visiting a CURE patient.

to participate in healing these children physically and spiritually. Two great gifts. I don’t think it gets any better than that.

Q Any words of wisdom for those who might be thinking of participating in the work of CURE?

I’ve been very fortunate and lucky in business. I’ve felt greatly rewarded in the work that I have done in the business world. But I have to say that I’m finding it even more rewarding to deploy these financial resources that we’ve been given as stewards in the direction that I think will be very pleasing to the Lord.

My wife and I and our talented team of about a dozen professionals have worked with hundreds of different organizations both in the United States and around the world over the last 15 years and I can tell you that CURE is at the very top of our list. When you contribute to CURE and its work throughout the world, you will feel greatly rewarded by the privilege of doing what Jesus wants you to do — share the tangible love of the Lord to children with physical disabilities and their families, along with the healing of their afflictions.

A

check. So that gives me and our family a feeling of participation and enjoyment. In the whole overall result, you’re changing people’s lives and healing children, which Jesus did and would like us to do. Second, we are grateful to build relationships with the doctors and staff. The faith and the commitment that they bring to their work is extraordinary. Third, what CURE has allowed us to experience is to do what Jesus asked us to do — to heal the sick, take care of the poor, take care of the least of these. It’s tremendously meaningful to us to be able to participate in this work by donating funds and offering financial support to allow the doctors and staff to do the work. We get

.

PARTNER BIO As founder of Chief Oil & Gas, Trevor is known to be a savvy businessman and pioneer in the natural gas industry. His business success enabled he and his wife Jan to establish The Rees-Jones Foundation, which has awarded more than $500 million to nonprofit organizations. For over ten years, they have generously supported CURE, especially in Ethiopia. Trevor has visited CURE Ethiopia multiple times — often with his family who are actively involved in the foundation. They've made investments in programs and facilities, increasing CURE Ethiopia’s capacity to serve children in need.

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Jan and Trevor are life-long residents of the Dallas area and active members of Highland Park Presbyterian Church. They enjoy family time with their children and grandchildren at their ranch or just a quiet night at home with their two dogs.

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a future worth running for give online at cure.org/run to help a child run for the first time.

PLASDUS

FROM ZAMBIA born with a bowed leg and treated at CURE

Scan here to watch a video of Plasdus' story

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Join Operation Run: an all-out effort to provide life-changing orthopedic surgery for 100 children like Plasdus by August 31st.

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HEAL THE SICK & PROCLAIM THE KINGDOM OF GOD Luke 9:2 CURE International is a Christian nonprofit organization that operates a global network of eight pediatric hospitals in Africa and the Philippines, providing world-class surgical and intentional ministry care for children living with treatable disabilities.

(616) 512-3105 cure.org