Help us reach our goal of performing 50 life-saving surgeries by May 2025. Every surgery brings hope and healing to those in need.
Dr. Ted Belanger of Texas Back Institute, along with his dedicated team from USA, has been instrumental in providing life-changing spine deformity surgeries to patients in Ethiopia since 2010. With a commitment to excellence and compassion, Dr. Belanger and his team have made a significant impact on the lives of many individuals facing complex spinal conditions. Over the years, Dr. Ted Belanger and his team have successfully operated on over 235 spine deformity patients in Ethiopia.
Dr. Ted began his journey of performing surgeries in Ethiopia.
Reached a milestone of 50 life-changing surgeries.
Campaign team grew in number to 10+ surgeons travelling to Ethiopia.
Celebrated 200 successful surgeries and expanded the team.
Working towards performing 50 surgeries in a single month.
From May 13 to June 5, 2024, Dr. Ted, Dr. Serena, and their team achieved extraordinary milestones during their mission to Ethiopia. They performed 50 life-changing spine surgeries, restoring hope and mobility to patients in need, and trained over 40 local healthcare professionals, empowering Ethiopia’s medical community for the future. This campaign set a new record, showcasing the incredible impact of teamwork, innovation, and dedication in transforming lives and advancing healthcare.
Yishak and Loza are siblings with severe scoliosis. Their parents tried every opportunity to get them treatment but couldn’t find anyone to help them in Ethiopia. A few years ago, they came to our clinic. Without surgery their condition could become life-threatening.
In October 2022, they both underwent major spine surgery led by Dr. Ted and his team and are now standing upright. Their parents couldn’t hold back their tears upon seeing them after surgery. For the first time, Yishak is taller than his dad!
Please see the short video of Dr. Ted's 2022 Mission.
Theodore Belanger, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon | Lead Surgeon
Dr. Belanger is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon specializing in neck and back disorders, degenerative conditions, disc disorders, spinal deformity, scoliosis, and spine trauma. He completed his medical education at the University of Wisconsin and pursued residency training at Michigan State University/Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies. Dr. Belanger further honed his expertise through a Spine Surgery and Spinal Cord Injury Fellowship at Case Western Reserve University. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and a member of the Scoliosis Research Society and the Cervical Spine Research Society. Dr. Ted is also a partner physician of the Texas Back Institute, holding leadership positions including membership in the Executive and Peer Review Committees. Additionally, he serves as the Co-director of the Spine Fellowship Program, overseeing its success with over 150 graduates. Dr. Ted is the Medical Director of Complex Spine Surgery at Medical City Plano Hospital.
Serena Hu, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon | Lead Surgeon
Dr. Serena S. Hu is the Chief of the Orthopedic Spine Service at Stanford Hospital and is also Professor and Vice Chair. She holds a joint appointment with the Department of Neurosurgery. She is immediate past president of the Scoliosis Research Society, the foremost professional association for those of care for patients with spinal deformities. She obtained her medical degree from McGill University in Montreal, completed her orthopedic surgery training at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York and her Spine and Scoliosis Fellowship at Rancho los Amigos in California.
You can support our mission by donating to help cover the costs of surgeries and implants. Your contribution can make a difference in the lives of those in need, bring hope to individuals facing spinal deformities, and train Ethiopian professionals in advanced spine care.
