Less than five pounds at birth and diagnosed with Down syndrome, Imanie’s life began with daunting health challenges. Thankfully, she and her family have a team of allies at the Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center helping them every step of the way.
Through the CDTC, Imanie had doctors to repair her weak heart. Therapists to teach her to hold her bottle and start to crawl. A care coordinator to help her mother navigate the myriad of treatment plans and support services available. And all of it during a pandemic.
Imanie’s inspiring story is just one example of how the CDTC in Fort Lauderdale provides expert medical care close to home for children with special needs, as well as support for their families that fosters healthier living.
The CDTC’s talented team recently hosted Community Foundation of Broward President/CEO Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, Ph.D., for a visit to learn more about their life-changing programs, made possible by the power of local philanthropy.
To promote the health and well-being of children with special health care needs, the CDTC provides family centered, comprehensive prevention, intervention and treatment services for young people in need. Medical treatment includes primary care, a dental clinic, vision treatment and much more.
One of the CDTC’s unique services is the Comprehensive Family AIDS Program. This one-stop-shop offers primary care, specialty HIV medical care, medical case management and supportive services to women, children and infants. In addition to HIV treatment and testing, the CDTC’s talented team provides education and support for the program’s clients and connects them with other helpful community programs. Centralizing these services in one location reduces the need for families to travel and makes it easier to coordinate care that promotes healthier outcomes.
More than $530,000 in Community Foundation grants over nearly three decades have supported the CDTC’s mission to help Broward families face health challenges. And when the pandemic hit, the Community Foundation’s collaboration with The Humana Foundation provided crucial emergency support to supply groceries, wellness kits, school supplies and other household necessities for struggling families served by the CDTC.
“Children with serious health challenges and their families receive extraordinary care that helps them live full and rich lives due to the devotion and skill of staff at the CDTC,” Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson said after her visit. “The world-class research, innovative practices and connection to support services that the CDTC provides are invaluable to our community.”
The Community Foundation’s support for the CDTC is made possible by visionary philanthropists who partner with us to shape a brighter future for Broward. By establishing an endowed charitable Fund at the Community Foundation, our Fundholders create permanent resources to take on big challenges today and forever. Together, we create a BOLD impact that makes life better in Broward.
To find out how your philanthropy can create permanent support for health needs in Broward, contact Vice President of Philanthropic Services Nancy Thies at nthies@cfbroward.org or 954-761-9503.
