Iowa's Gift To The World

 
 
Rotarians, 
 
I have the privilege of writing to you to share news of a significant campaign for Iowa Rotarians to benefit children born with clubfoot worldwide.  As you know, our district has partnered with District 6000 to help sponsor the Rotarian Action Group for the treatment of clubfoot (RAG4Clubfoot).   The late Dr. Ignacio Ponseti adopted Iowa as his home and treated children with clubfoot all his career The Ponseti Clinic at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics continues his legacy, offering the Ponseti Method treatment to children not only from our state, but across our nation and the world.  Because of his work the UIHC clinic serves as a Ponseti Method training center for physicians worldwide.  What is special about the Ponseti Method is that it uses gentle manipulation and casts—NO surgery. .  When applied properly, the Ponseti Method is successful 95% of the time. This low-cost, low-tech treatment is especially important in low-resource countries
 
Now we have a unique opportunity because a generous Iowa Rotarian has challenged other Iowa Rotarians to contribute to the “Iowa’s Gift to the World” campaign to enable training of many more physicians in low-resource countries.  The first $125,000 raised by Iowa Rotarians will be matched dollar for dollar.  How can this donation be made?  Contributions can be made by individuals, clubs, multi-clubs and by doing fundraising activities.  
It is estimated that if we can train 4000 doctors in the next 10 years, ALL the children in the world will receive effective treatment and will be able to walk, run, go to school and lead productive lives.  Think about what an impact Iowa can make for the children of the world. 
It’s all about the children.  Let’s help them walk.  Please read the attached materials and consider contributing to this worthwhile campaign.  It’s a chance to bring the gift of walking to ALL afflicted children.  This is a great opportunity to join with other Iowans to make a difference in the world.  
Jim Coloff
District Governor
Charter Member, RAG4Clubfoot
 
More information:  
Donation form: