The following was originally published in Spanish by Hoy, a newspaper in the Dominican Republic.

More than 10,000 children with bone problems and disabilities have been treated at the center of CURE International, a Christian organization that has been in the country for seven years, serving a population living in extreme poverty.

Robbie Jackson, the center’s director, is an American who fell in love with the Dominican Republic and decided to make this country her evangelical cause.

The Work

CURE International works in the healing of orthopedic and neurological conditions, as well as “clubfoot,” or equinovarus.

A total of 65 people, including physicians, nurses, therapists, and administrative staff, serve very poor children. Almost all these children have problems with limbs and deformed bones. 63 of the staff are Dominicans; two are Americans.

The calling to serve is evident in the professional and spiritual work of these individuals, and they are imbued with humanism and fraternity.

Collaboration

However, the directors of the center do not want to give away health care. “Even if it is only RD$100 ($2.70 USD), people should feel like they are contributing to their own care. That way, people appreciate what they have that much more,” says Jackson, an American from Texas who confesses her love for this country.

Sustaining

CURE International does not receive state funds, although it is a nonprofit organization. 50% of their support comes from international donations, and the remaining funding comes from private patients and institutions that sponsor children.

So far, this health center already has worked with three official insurers: Humano, Seguro Nacional de Salud (SeNaSa), and SDS.

Some of the institutions that have sponsored patients have been the Lottery, World Vision, the Office of the First Lady, and Compassion International.

Originally published at: http://www.hoy.com.do/el-pais/2011/12/5/404724/Centro-Cure-atiende-a-miles-de-ninos-con-enfermedades-oseas