ReachAnother Foundation

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ReachAnother Foundation

ReachAnother Foundation helps save babies with spina bifida and hydrocephalus in Ethiopia.

12/17/2025

We are pleased to share that we just finalized the development of a clinical assessment checklist for assistive devices, created in collaboration with the Ethiopian Physiotherapy Association and the Alliance for Birth Defects. 💕

This checklist is a major step forward in ensuring fair, transparent, and evidence-based procurement and distribution of assistive devices for children affected by spina bifida. Over the next three years, it will help guide our efforts to support more than 2,000 children with the right devices that match their clinical needs.

Our deepest gratitude goes to the dedicated physiotherapy professionals who invested their time, expertise, and passion to develop this important tool. 🤝

12/09/2025

Meet Soliana, a bright and strong 6-year-old little girl. ✨

Born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, Soliana has already undergone two major surgeries at Ayder hospital in northern Ethiopia. Thanks to the multidisciplinary care systems now in place at Ayder she receives ongoing support that touches every part of her healing journey from clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) to regular physical therapy at the newly equipped PT unit, and even health education for her mother to prevent future neural tube defects.

ReachAnother sponsored aftercare programs provide coordinated, compassionate aftercare that every child with SBH deserves. Today, Soliana is attending school, proving just how far a child can go when surgery, aftercare, and family support come together. 🌱💪

12/03/2025

A Special Challenge With Double the Healing! 🌟

There’s something special about this time of year. Maybe it’s the pull of family and community. Or the urge to do something good and meaningful before the year closes. At ReachAnother, we believe that generosity has a ripple effect and giving doesn't have to be big to matter.

Our year-end campaign is underway—and this week, every gift goes twice as far! From Dec 2–10, our Board Chair, David Morissey, is matching all donations up to $3,000. Join us in building a world where every child has the chance to grow and thrive. When we care beyond borders, we create a better future for everyone. 🙌

💙 Donate today: reachanother.org/donate

11/27/2025

🧡 Happy Thanksgiving!
For all those celebrating—have a wonderful holiday. We are thankful for you.

Today we reflect on the meaning of family and the many families in Ethiopia whose strength drives our mission forward.

11/24/2025

🎒🌍 They're here and distribution is underway!

Over 400 Healing Kits are now packed and ready to support families caring for children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus in Ethiopia.

These kits are filled with essential supplies that help caregivers confidently manage aftercare at home including catheters, thermometer, hygiene items, caregiver guides, and more.

We thank everyone who donated to make these possible to help families start their healing journey with the tools they need.

11/22/2025

🏥💙 Stronger ICU care for tiny patients!

Zewditu Center’s new Pediatric Neurosurgery ICU team just completed an in-depth training led by experts in pediatric neurocritical care. From emergency response protocols to neuromonitoring and post-op care, the team is now better equipped to care for babies and children after complex neurosurgery. We are so proud of how the new Zewditu Pediatric Neurosurgery Center is rapidly becoming a hub for expertise and exemplary pediatric care.

11/16/2025

A few weeks ago, we gathered with parents, healthcare workers, and dedicated partners including the Alliance for Birth Defects to raise awareness and celebrate World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day and the progress made so far.

Together, we:
- Promoted the power of folic acid in preventing SBH
- Honored champions of prevention and care
- Strengthened the message that every mother deserves the knowledge and tools to give her baby the best start.

11/13/2025

Did you miss our October 2025 newsletter? 💙Read more about some Centers of Excellence milestones, the importance of early diagnosis, and seeing inside Ethiopia's first pediatric neurosurgery center!

🌍Read it online today: https://reachanother.org/october-2025-newsletter/

11/03/2025

Ethiopia’s wheat flour is now fortified with folic acid, just like in the U.S. since 1998!

At our Parent Forum earlier this year, we spotlighted bags of fortified flour to show families why prevention starts long before birth. Prevention advocacy is a long game. We share this message at every level with parents, health workers, policymakers, and global leaders to help Ethiopia close the gap on folic acid deficiency.

It’s complex, but the movement is gaining real momentum.

10/30/2025

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our dear board member and friend, Dr. Godfrey Oakley. Godfrey also known as the 'Godfather of Spina Bifida' was a true giant in the public health world and his legacy lives on in every child saved from spina bifida because of folic acid.

At ReachAnother, we were deeply honored to have Godfrey’s voice and vision shaping our mission in Ethiopia. His decades-long fight to make folic acid fortification a global standard changed the future for millions of mothers and babies around the world. To us, he was an expert on SBH prevention but also an inspiration, a mentor, and a passionate champion for our work with SBH children in Ethiopia.

Rest well, Godfrey. We will miss you. Your impact lives on in every healthy birth and in every corner of the world where your wisdom took root.
You can read the full obituary here: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/godfrey-oakley-obituary?id=59869560

10/25/2025

🌍 Today is World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day!
💙💜 Join us in raising awareness and celebrating the strength, resilience, and potential of individuals living with spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

Together, we can build a world with better healthcare, greater inclusion, and brighter futures for every child and adult affected. Let’s stand united and make a difference—today and every day. 💫

10/25/2025

We join the global public health community in mourning the passing of Dr. Godfrey Oakley, a visionary leader whose pioneering work in folic acid fortification has prevented hundreds of thousands of neural tube defects and transformed lives around the world.

As Director of CDC’s Division of Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities and later the Center for Spina Bifida Prevention at Emory University, Dr. Oakley championed fortification as “the vaccine to prevent spina bifida.” His leadership helped make folic acid fortification of staple foods a global standard, which now protects mothers and babies in more than 70 countries.

Dr. Oakley’s influence is deeply woven into our work at FFI. His vision, mentorship, and lifelong commitment to prevention continue to inspire our mission today. We honor his extraordinary legacy and the countless lives made healthier because of his dedication.

Learn more about Dr. Oakley’s life and contributions: https://buff.ly/tWcBC2l

Address

1900 NE 3rd Street Suite 106/307
Bend, OR
97701

Website

http://reachanother.org/

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