President Akufo-Addo to be honoured at FOCOS Gala in New York

The Foundation of Orthopedics and Complex Spine (FOCOS), a nonprofit organisation that provides access to comprehensive, affordable orthopaedic care, will host its 2019 FOCOS NYC Fundraising Gala on Monday, September 23, 2019, at the renowned 583 Park Avenue event centre in Manhattan.

This year's esteemed guest of honour will be President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who will receive the organisation's Humanitarian Award on behalf of the Republic of Ghana, for the government's longstanding support of FOCOS. 

President Akufo-Addo will be accompanied by several other ministers and government officials.

Many dignitaries from the public and private sectors, including Rev Jesse Jackson, are also expected to attend and support this effort.

Since its inception over 21 years ago, FOCOS has helped provide treatment for over 60,000 patients and helped fund more than 3,100 complex surgeries on patients from over 53 countries. Most of the beneficiaries suffer from severe spinal deformities and other musculoskeletal diseases that can often be life-threatening.

"There are over 2,000 patients that we have identified, who need access to critical orthopaedic care, and in some cases urgent surgeries, but do not have the resources to access such treatment," says Dr Oheneba Boachie-Adjei, world-renowned orthopaedic surgeon and founder of FOCOS. "We need the support and generosity of donors now, more than ever, to help these people."

New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo, provided his support, stating that "FOCOS' leadership, staff and volunteers remain tirelessly committed to improving the health and wellbeing of underserved patients and families, and to advancing our state's standing as a leader in health care service. I applaud the medical and non-medical professionals affiliated with FOCOS for donating their time, resources and talents to help others have the opportunity to stand tall."

A number of companies and individuals have already committed to be lead sponsors for the gala, including Martin and Michelle Cohen, Stryker, Andrew Cohn, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), KPMG, BNY Mellon, Morgan Stanley, Broadridge Financial, Cape May Properties, Kent School, Lenke Family Foundation, The Rubin Family, Harms Family Foundation, Dr. Michael Faloon, Keith and Charlene Goggin, Rosemarie Pedro Mastrandrea, and the FOCOS Board of Directors.

Dedicated to their mission of "helping the world stand tall," proceeds from the event will be used to support the work of FOCOS and needy patients who have been suffering.