World Pediatrics Belize receives $2,000,000 Donation

For the past twenty-five years, World Pediatrics has been making a huge difference in the lives of children in Belize. Today, they got a big boost with a two-million-dollar donation from a couple who recently moved to Caye Chapel. The donation was celebrated with a ceremony in Belize City, attended by the generous donors and the C.E.O. of World Pediatrics. News Five’s Paul Lopez has the full story.

 

Paul Lopez, Reporting

In the past twenty-five years, World Pediatrics Belize has provided specialized care to over three thousand, six hundred children. They’ve performed more than one thousand surgeries and conducted nine thousand medical evaluations. Over the last two decades, one hundred and seventy-five visiting medical practitioners have teamed up with Belizean healthcare professionals. Today, World Pediatrics Belize received a generous two-million-dollar donation from Greg and Kristin Chapman, who recently moved to Belize.

 

Greg Chapman, Donor

“Kristin being a pediatrician, it was natural for us building a home, how can we get involved with pediatrics and World Pediatrics being here twenty-five years we knkew they are a great organization. The funds will get used well and it made us feel really comfortable. This is a great way to give back.”

 

Kristin Chapman, Donor

“It was just a natural fit. Being a pediatrician, the best part of my job is making a difference every day of my work. It does not feel like work. I am giving back as I am giving. I am looking forward to retiring in the next year or two so to be able to make a difference in the lives of children n this way makes it easier to look towards retirement and not be nervous about that amazing gift my job gives me.”

As new residents of Caye Chapel, the Chapmans wanted to make a meaningful contribution. Today, we met nine-year-old Jahir Gentle, who has benefited from World Pediatrics Belize. Jahir’s mother shared that he was born with a spinal defect and was expected to live in a vegetative state. But now, thanks to World Pediatrics Belize, Jahir walks, goes to school, and even plays football. With tears in her eyes, his mother expressed her heartfelt gratitude while Jahir stood by her side.”

Jahir Gentle, World Pediatrics Belize Patient

“I was feeling sad because my mom started crying because my mom was crying and now, I am feeling good.”

 

Paul Lopez

“Talk about how you feel about the fact that you got surgery that saved your life and make your life different?”

 

Jahir Gentle

“I feel good.”

 

Paul Lopez

“How did it make your life different, what did it do to make your life better?”

 

Jahir Gentle

“It made me walk better, it makes me feel good.”

 

Paul Lopez

“What do you enjoy doing as a kid?”

 

Jahir Gentle

“Football, I play football at school on Wednesdays.”

 

World Pediatrics has touched over twenty-five thousand lives across Latin America and the Caribbean, including Jahir Gentle’s. At today’s ceremony in Belize City, CEO Vafa Akhavan (Ak-ha-Van) was on hand to explain how the generous donation will be used to benefit children in Belize.

 

Vafa Akhavan, C.E.O, World Pediatrics

“There are three areas of care these funds will be focused on. One is in direct care, when we send the teams into Belize to provide surgery for the immediate needs the children has, because they are suffering today. The second is in empowering care, which is more about capacity building, sponsorships, training, etc. The third is about transforming care, working with the hospitals and the ministry of health around pediatric health systems.”

 

Paul Lopez

“How important are these types of donations?”

 

Vafa Akhavan

“Very important. Fortunately, we don’t depend on government funding. It is mostly these donors, large, medium, small, very diverse demographics. They all love the health of children and that is why they make these contributions.”

 

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez