Dear Supporters of Operation Walk Freedom to Move (OWFTM),
The Executive Board of OWFTM wishes to share with you that we have made the difficult decision to dissolve our organization. We are deeply grateful for the incredible support you have given us throughout the years. Thanks to your generosity, we have successfully completed over 650 joint procedures during our 12+ year humanitarian mission in the Dominican Republic. None of this would have been possible without your help, and for that, we are truly thankful.
Several factors contributed to this decision. Over time, many of our team members, including board members, surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and technicians, have retired or are approaching retirement. Additionally, post-COVID challenges, such as difficulty obtaining implants, further influenced this choice. After careful consideration, we believe it is time for change.
In partnership with our attorneys, we are transferring all remaining funds to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Eugene, Oregon--Restoring Together Foundation for Care (RTFC). This foundation, led by Dr. Dan Fitzpatrick, has been serving the Dominican Republic and supporting ILAC, the same community and patients we have been dedicated to. This means that our mission will continue, albeit under a new name and organization, but in the same location and with the same values.
The decision to support RTFC was unanimous among the board. Their mission closely mirrors ours—providing high-quality care to patients at the ILAC mission and offering education to orthopedic residents and fellows. We are confident that RTFC will carry forward the important work we started.
On behalf of the entire OWFTM board, we extend our heartfelt thanks to each of you who supported us along the way. While OWFTM is ending, the work we began will continue, and we are excited for this new chapter under RTFC.
With gratitude and respect,
The OWFTM Board
The OWFTM Board