The Dialysis Unit at the Dominica China-Friendship Hospital has been gifted with two new Fresenius 2008T BlueStar dialysis machines and six “WINCO Care Cliner (6530)” dialysis chairs equipped with Trendelenburg position and folding tray. These donations were made possible by The Maria Holder Memorial Trust, a charity based in Barbados, in a joint partnership with the Dominica SiFoCol Alumni Association – a gift valued in excess of US$50,000.00.
A little over 3 years ago, inspired by a friend and colleague who suffered from renal failure and was on dialysis, members of the graduating class of 1983 at the then Sixth Form College (now DSC) formed an organisation, now DSAA, and vowed to make impactful contributions to their home island of Dominica. The organisation, in doing its own research into chronic kidney disease in Dominica, the Caribbean and the United States concluded that all data pointed to the rise of non- communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension and of chronic kidney disease. The organisation made a unanimous pledge to be part of the solution in helping to address the growing issue. DSAA then launched a fundraising campaign to promote support for dialysis care in Dominica, particularly for rural communities and garnered major support from The Maria Holder Memorial Trust in the main along with other donors who were affiliated with the Association’s membership.
Dr. Jennifer Liburd is DSAA’s 1st Vice President and Chair of the *Dialysis Committee that has spearheaded the Association’s objective to support and sustain dialysis care and to raise awareness to improve treatment compliance, quality of life, and overall life expectancy for individuals with kidney disease on the island. The two dialysis machines were installed and made available for immediate use while the six dialysis chairs arrived in Dominica and are awaiting delivery. In the recent handover of the equipment, a statement was read from Dr. Liburd who said that “this donation represents our organisation’s shot in the arm (no pun intended) to dialysis care in our beloved island.” Ms. Ruchelle Roach, Chief Executive Officer of The Maria Holder Memorial Trust took the opportunity to thank everyone involved in making the donation a reality and stated, “there has been increases in non-communicable diseases regionally and the Trust is pleased to be able to partner in the support of dialysis care at the Dominica China-Friendship Hospital in an effort to improve the care and health of Dominicans.”
The Dominica SiFoCol Alumni Association intends to continue to work closely with the Ministry of Health and Wellness & Social Services, the Dominica Hospital Authority and other stakeholders to focus on how best to extend support for and contribute to care for patients in the rural communities as well. As Dominicans living both at home and abroad, the members of the Dominica SiFoCol Alumni Association are grateful to The Maria Holder Memorial Trust and all other donors, most of whom are DSAA members and their immediate business/social networks for their generosity and continued investment in the lives and well being of all Dominicans.
*Dialysis Committee Members: Dr. Jennifer Liburd, Dr. Valda Henry, Candia Richards-Clarke, Sherril Philibert-McIntyre, Dr. Damien Dublin, Helen Mellow-Pascal, Keith Benjamin, Paul Philip, Jason Valentino James
Executive Board: President- Mr. Wayne Liburd, 1st VP- Dr. Jennifer Liburd, 2nd VP- Mr. Keith Benjamin, Secretary-Dr. Valda Henry, Finance Officer- Mr. Nicholas Bruno, Director- Mr. Paul Philip, Director- Mr. Irvin Durand, Recording Secretary- Mrs. Helen Mellow-Pascal
From left to right in front of one of the two DSAA Dialysis Machine donated to the Dominica China Friendship Hospital, Nurse Nioka Shillingford, DSAA 2nd Vice President Keith Benjamin, Nephrologist Dr. Giraudel, Maria Holder Memorial Trust CEO Ms. Ruchelle Roach, DSAA Dialysis Committee Member Dr. Damien Dublin and DSAA Recording Secretary Ms. Helen Mellow-Pascal
About DSAA
The Dominica SIFOCOL Alumni Association (DSAA) is incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Dominica, which are set up to govern Non-Profit Organizations. In furtherance of its organizational purposes, DSAA, as a registered non-profit organization, has the authority to solicit grants and contributions for charitable purposes both in Dominica and the United States. DSAA is now the official alumni association of the Dominica State College, and DSAA’s membership covers a diverse range of professionals who are senior executives and leaders in their respective disciplines. From the inception, DSAA has steadfastly focused on projects that enhance the lives of the local community in Dominica. Learn more about DSAA’s charitable efforts including: the Dialysis Machines Fundraiser, Donations to St. Vincent and The Grenadines Volcano Relief Fund; subject prizes to the Dominica State College; and scholarships to Dominica’s primary and secondary schools (Convent, Concord, St. Martin’s), at www.SiFoColAlumni.org.
About The Maria Holder Memorial Trust
The Maria Holder Memorial Trust, registered Charity No. 766 under the Charities Act of Barbados, is a Charity creating longevity and was founded by Christopher Holder, SCM and Chesterfield Brewster, CHB in memory of Christopher’s Mother, Maria Holder. Maria made Barbados her home since 1978 until her sudden and untimely death in February 2004. It is the wish of Christopher and Chesterfield to ensure that her vision is fulfilled through this Charity bearing her name. The Trust works with Government and registered NGO’s and Charities in Barbados and other Caribbean Countries namely Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, St. Vincent and St. Lucia, in order to implement projects that have a direct impact on the lives of vulnerable people. The Trust works in the areas of Education, Health, Poverty Alleviation, Culture, Disaster Relief and Conservation and Environment. Its target groups are children, youth, the elderly and those in vulnerable or difficult circumstances. The Trust is always happy to consider innovative projects or new approaches to helping those most in need. Further information can be found at the Trust’s website www.themariaholdermemorialtrust.com or by contacting the office at 246-419-4190.
