Majuro, Capital of the RMI

   I am at the end of a short (originally unplanned) stop in Majuro. For the last few days I have been working with a group of people that run the Canvasback Kumit Wellness Center. Diabetes is very prevalent in the Marshall Islands, over 50% of adults have Type 2 (adult onset) diabetes.
The team here has developed and implemented a diabetes reversal and lifestyle change program for the Marshall Islands. They have intervention and education programs, exercise programs, a cafe that serves healthy breakfasts and lunches, and they even grow many vegetables they use in the meals they serve.  It has been great to see what they have accomplished with a small team of people.  I just wish I had more time here!

Part of the team at the Canvasback Kumit Wellness Center

The link for the center's website:
http://pacificdiabeteswellness.com/diabeteswellnesscenter_002.com
The Canvasback Kumit Wellness Center would appreciate any support!

Mission accomplished!

Canvasback has finished the orthopedic and dental missions on Ebeye and Ennubirr (Third island). It has been a great experience. The orthopedic team performed 30 surgical procedures including 8 knee replacements and 3 hip replacements.It is the first time knee replacements have been done on Ebeye.
The dental team saw almost 700 patients in two weeks, they were working non-stop and were ready for a little rest. On Ennubirr there is no air conditioning and working outside was a different experience for most of the team.
For me this was a great opportunity to be part of a team that gives to the community where many of the people I worked with live. Ebeye is an island in Kwajalein Atoll, near Kwajalein Island, where most of the Marshallese people who work on Kwajalein live. Ennubirr is the island where most of the Marshallese who work on Roi reside. It had been a few years since I had been on Ennubirr so it was interesting to see the changes.

Next, I will be stopping for a week on Majuro, the capital of the Marshall Islands. Canvasback runs a Diabetes Wellness Clinic there and I will see what I can do to help. Diabetes is a significant issue in the Marshall Islands and they are working to help people understand how they can change their diet and exercise to improve blood sugar levels.

Some of the ortho patients and the medical team

Anne Alrick assisting dentist Victor Au-Yeung on Ennubirr



Some of the kids on Ennubirr and me



Jacque Spence, co-founder of Canvasback Missions

If you are interesting in learning more about Canvasback Missions, their website is http://www.canvasback.org/