Anna travel to Uganda to have some palliative
surgery. In November 2018, doctors said there
was nothing more they could do for Anna.
Cook contacted Papa Doug Manchester,
with the Manchester Charitable Foundation,
which lead to scheduling a meeting with Harry
Leibowitz, Co-Founder of World of Children.
In January 2019, the three men met in San
Diego and put together a plan of action to help
Anna. They concluded that COANIQUEM, a
World of Children Honoree located in Santiago,
Chile would be the best location for her
treatment. Dr. Jorge Rojas-Zegers, founder
Juba, South Sudan
Juba, South Sudan
of COANIQUEM,
and world-renowned
plastic surgeon and
specialist in treating
children with severe
burns, agreed to help
Anna right away. “The
Manchester Charitable
Foundation and World
of Children share the
joint belief that no child
is disposable,” said
Leibowitz.
Cook added, “It is so
exciting that we are
so close to what was
a dream just a few
months ago when Papa
Doug gathered some
folks together in his
office in San Diego.”
Anna with her medical team
After nearly three and a half years of struggle for survival,
coordination with six organizations, four countries, three
languages, an arduous process of obtaining sufficient
paperwork and visas for Anna, and the assistance of more
than 30 people, Anna was finally admitted into COANIQUEM
on September 9, 2019 to begin the long process of
treatment and recovery. “COANIQUEM is a holistic
mission with a heart of Christ,” said Groenendijk. “It has a
unique combination of good things;
beauty, creativity, professionalism,
effectiveness, love, compassion and
child friendliness.”
“We are grateful for The Bill Cook
Foundation, World of Children and
COANIQUEM for working together to
help a child in need. We give thanks for
the gift of Anna’s life and know that she
will continue to heal and grow. Anna’s
story is a story of hope, compassion
and persistence that has inspired us all.
We are proud to have made a significant
impact and difference in this child’s life
and will continue to support children
in need,” Papa Doug Manchester,
founder of the Manchester Charitable
Foundation shared with GB Magazine.
The Manchester Charitable Foundation
was established in 1990 with a mission
of supporting causes that advance
youth, education and health and human
services. The Manchester organizations have donated more
than $70 million worldwide and encourages other businesses,
philanthropists, civic and social leaders to join in giving grants
and contributions to those in need. For more information
visit: www.manchestercharitablefoundation.org.
FEBRUARY 2020 | GBSAN.COM 79