The Aim
- Intensify all efforts to alert the population in all territories on the need to prevent kidney disease
- To identify and pursue methods to strengthen the delivery of renal health care in member states
- To actively pursue and encourage transplantation as a method of kidney care
- To improve the lives of patients and their families throughout the region
- To fund research and disseminate information on our regional experiences
What makes the situation urgent is the fact that the prevalence of kidney disease in the region is certain to increase. PAHO, in reporting on its Meeting of Expert Working Group for Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Control in the Caribbean identified diabetes and hypertension as among the leading causes of death in the region, and that the instances of these diseases were increasing. Among the main causes of kidney failure are diabetes and hypertension – these bed-fellows accounts for 60% of kidney failure. The reality then is that the greater the incidences of these two silent killers the more prevalent will be kidney complications and, subsequently, death.
Caribbean Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, CARAIFA, felt compelled to lend our support to efforts towards regional kidney awareness.
Transplant Priority
Priority should be given to a transplant program and the region needs to improve its capacity to pursue such right now. Among the needs would be infrastructure, trained medical specialists and supporting staff, adequate operating facilities and the appropriate harvesting procedures for available organs.
Regional Financial Capacity
The cost to help kidney sufferers alive has been cited as being extremely high. In Barbados, the annual cost to keep one patient on dialysis treatment is U.S $25,000.00. For the 100 persons or so on dialysis treatment that figure stands at U.S. $2.5 million. How many of our small Caribbean economies can afford to provide this level of support for a small segment of their population? What is the cost for a large territory like Jamaica with a proportionate population percentage on dialysis treatment? Is there any wonder then that governments do not give this ailing sector much priority?
The value of Life
The cost will be high but the value of a life can not be measured by dollars and cents. It is our hope that persons and institutions, both regional and international, will join our efforts and give generous support of ideas, funds and facilities.
Renal Care Facilities
See listing
Mission & Vision
Mission
To improve the quality of life of the sick and disadvantaged in the Caribbean community through wellness initiatives, education and charitable funding.
Vision
To be recognized globally as the Caribbean’ s leading foundation, promoting Healthy lifestyle choices and philanthropy
Ways to Give
PLEDGE CRITERIA
As the foundation moves forward to gain visibility and garner more pledges to assist its cause. It implores its members to be reminded of the criteria for pledges and to give generously:-
Platinum US$1000 annually for 5 years
Gold US$500 annually for 5 years
Silver US$250 annually for 5 years
Bronze US$ 100 annually for 5 years
Download the CARAIFA Foundation Pledge form and make a pledge today! Contributors will be featured on the CARAIFA website and recognised at the CARAIFA annual Sales Congress.
CARAIFA Foundation Tote Bags or CARAIFA Foundation Pins
The CARAIFA Foundation in keeping with the GIVE =GET GET (GET)2 tag line will give a beautiful tote bag or CARAIFA Foundation pin in exchange for a minimum donation of US$20
Gift of Life Sponsors
Platinum Sponsor - Eddie Balderamas, Olive Balderamas, Maxim Marquez, G.A. Harrison Pilgrim, Curtis Tonge
Gold Sponsor - Michael Austin, Fabian Carew, Esrome Roberts, William Wiltshire
Silver Sponsor - Cheryl Rolle, Shirley Clarke, Tony Olton, Carlyle Fletcher
Corporate Sponsors - Sagicor, Guardian Life
Special Sponsors - Tony Williamson
In Memory of Joseph N. Smith
We also wish to thank our Member Associations and Bronze Sponsors - without you, the Foundation wouldn't be possible!
Foundation Recipients
| Name | Territory | Period | Amount (US$) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creton Bourne | Jamaica | April, 2017 | 2,000 |
| Jyoti Bann | Trinidad & Tobago | April, 2015 | 3,000 |
| Cleveland 'Livy' Carter | Barbados | February, 2013 | 2,000 |
| Victor Prime | Grenada | January, 2013 | 3,500 |
| Leebourne Reid | Jamaica | May, 2010 | 1,810 |
| Nashali Malara | Belize | November, 2008 | 1,200 |
| Henrietta John | St. Lucia | May, 2007 | 4,322.90 |
| Zedina Bristol | Grenada | March, 2007 | 1,500 |
Download the Financial Aid form here.