In Ethiopia, infection is a deadly risk to children with spina bifida due to lack of medical supplies. Thanks to our wonderful donors and program partners, ISBA is shipping 14,000 catheters to hospitals in Ethiopia via the ReachAnother Foundation. There, people with spina bifida will receive these life-saving supplies.
To learn more, watch this short TV piece from NBC 5 Chicago and keep reading below.
UPDATE 5/2/23: The catheters have been shipped and are on their way to Ethiopia for distribution to children with spina bifida. Thanks to all who helped make this possible!
Through an introduction to the ReachAnother Foundation by the spina bifida clinic team at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, the Illinois Spina Bifida Association learned about how people living with spina bifida in Ethiopia have a critical need for catheters.
Led by ISBA Board chair Becky Rupnick, ISBA families and staff collected catheters and sought support. Coverage of the story by NBC 5 Chicago helped bring in an outpouring of support, including generous donations of:
Shipping to Ethiopia by ShipBob, a Chicago-based global e-commerce fulfillment company.
Funds and contacts from Ellavation, an ISBA program partner nonprofit dedicated to helping families affected by Spina Bifida, in Illinois, by helping to remove financial barriers in order to help improve quality family time.
Shipping supplies from Home Depot
Funds and 4,000 additional catheters from ISBA supporters and families
Additional funds raised will help ISBA increase access and affordability for medical supplies and health care for Illinois residents living with spina bifida.
We are grateful to partner with so many to improve the quality of life of children, adults, and families living with spina bifida.
Sincerely,
Matt Larsen
Executive Director
*Donated catheters are unexpired samples and surplus supplies after someone changes product sizes.