5 Recovery has been a gradual process. I continue to attend physical therapy while managing insomnia — a lingering side effect of multiple surgeries. My doctors have encouraged a natural recovery approach,whichmeans resting in intervals rather than relying on medication. These experiences have deepened my empathy for patients and strengthened my resolve to ensure others receive the care they need. From a programmatic standpoint, this year revealed the true scale of the work before us — far larger than one person or a young foundation can manage alone. Ghana has only 27 neurosurgeons serving a population of about 36 million people. The need is staggering, and most patients cannot afford treatment. A single surgery costs roughly 130,000 Ghana cedis (around $13,000 USD), excluding scans and post-operative care. To date, we have supported five patients and currently have ten patients registered for assistance. GBTF is fully volunteer-led, with no paid staff. Patients are referred through word of mouth and undergo a registration and screening process. To ensure transparency, we never provide direct cash assistance; instead, we pay hospitals and verified medical facilities directly. Recognizing that direct surgical sponsorships alone are not sustainable, we shifted our focus toward strategic partnerships and capacity building. This year, we successfully shipped and delivered two neurosurgical operating microscopes to Ghana — one to Accra Medical Centre and another to Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. Thesemicroscopes are vital tools that will enable local surgeons to perform complex brain procedures safely and efficiently. Dr. Totimeh and Dr. Bankah were very instrumental in the process of acquiring these machines. The logistics of clearing and delivering the equipment were complex, but with support from partners, we completed the process successfully. The delivery attracted national media coverage and represented a significant advancement for neurosurgical care in Ghana. Another milestone is our emerging collaboration with Mission Brain, a global neurosurgical initiative that provides surgical expertise, training, and equipment to underserved regions. Through these early discussions, we are beginning to shape our focus for the coming year. The project will require funding to cover operational costs such as provisional medical licenses, local setup, and logistical support for visiting medical professionals. To that end, the foundation is raising $50,000 to support the Mission Brain initiative and ensure the successful execution of upcoming surgical missions in Ghana. Our goal is to close the gap through community giving, corporate partnerships, and campaigns around Giving Tuesday and the Thanksgiving season. Thisyearhasreinforcedanimportanttruth: real impact comes through collaboration. Sending medical equipment, building local capacity, and partnering with experienced organizations like Mission Brain represent the most effective and sustainable ways to advance neurosurgical care in Ghana. Despite every challenge — from funding constraints to personal health — my motivation remains the same: to ensure that no patient is left without care simply because they cannot afford it. The stories of survival, hope, and resilience continue to remind me why this work matters. Each life saved, each patient restored, is a step toward a stronger, more equitable healthcare system in Ghana.
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