About Us
How We Started
33 Spine Align, Inc was conceptualized early on when President and Co-Founder, Ryan Normandeau, envisioned a collaboration that would allow the organization to support critical spinal orthopedic care in West Africa. While initially thinking it may require the fundraising and development of a hospital infrastructure - Ryan was able to facilitate and cultivate a partnership with an existing organization, FOCOS Hospital.
FOCOS already had the complete infrastructure in place and a backlog of patients - opening the door for 33 Spine Align to directly fundraise for patient support in Accra, Ghana. During the first mission trip in 2019, 33 Spine Align was able to successfully fundraise and support 8 patient surgeries. Despite COVID-19 headwinds, 33 Spine Align was able to return to Africa in 2022. With the organization's perseverance and continued fundraising efforts, we were able to present FOCOS with a check for $100,000 to fund patient care. We are just getting started.
Train, Educate & Heal
Every dollar that is raised helps support another life saving surgery for a child in need. While many of these children are unable to walk, work, and carry normal lives ... 33 Spine Align provides a second chance.
The deformative scoliosis seen at FOCOS hospital is unlike anywhere else. With malnutrition and lack of preventative care, these spinal deformities are unfortunately commonplace in Africa. However, these can be considered some of the worst cases any U.S. based surgeon would treat.
Our Partner Surgeons
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C. Rory Goodwin, MD, PhD
C. Rory Goodwin is the Director for Spinal Oncology, Surgical Director for the Duke Center for Brain and Spine Metastasis and an Assistant Professor at the Duke University Medical Center. Dr. Goodwin attended the University of Florida where he majored in Neurobiological Sciences and Business Administration with minors in Chemistry and Economics.
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Melissa M. Erickson, MD
Dr. Erickson is a spine surgeon specializing in the surgical management of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine conditions, including cervical myelopathy, herniated discs, deformity, stenosis, tumor, and trauma. He provides cutting-edge procedures as well as traditional surgical techniques. Dr. Erickson is an expert in motion preservation surgeries and minimally invasive surgery.
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Want to Donate?
Consumables become costly, and the FOCOS staff needs your help. Have equipment that can be donated? Reach out below to see how we can facilitate your donation.
