Conversations about community, philanthropy and access to care brought supporters together at Fiola Mare in Georgetown on June 22, 2026, for FOCOS Foundation’s inaugural Washington, D.C. fundraising reception.
The evening introduced a new audience to the Foundation’s work supporting specialized orthopedic and spinal care for underserved patients in Ghana and beyond. It also offered guests an opportunity to meet the people behind the mission and hear about children whose access to treatment depends on financial support.
FOCOS board member Bahia Akerele, Chief Operating Officer at the Law Office of Edward W. Neufville III, hosted the reception. She was joined by Board Chair Kwadwo Boachie-Adjei and fellow board members Edward Baiden, Eric Major, Yaw Asamoah, Peter Akwaboah and Roland Akosah.
Welcoming guests over Fiola Mare’s signature cuisine and cocktails, Akerele described the gathering as both a fundraiser and an invitation to build lasting connections with FOCOS. She highlighted the children awaiting surgery and the role supporters can play in helping them receive care.
That need became especially clear through the patient stories shared during the program. Guests learned about Linda and Jessica, two children living with severe spinal deformities, and how philanthropic support can help fund their surgeries and care.
Jessica, an 11-year-old from Bawku in Ghana’s Upper East Region, dreams of becoming a doctor. Scoliosis has made everyday activities, including sitting, standing and concentrating in class, difficult. Her parents, both teachers, cannot afford the surgery she needs. Her story gave guests a personal understanding of the challenges behind the waiting list.
Board members also reflected on what had drawn them to FOCOS. Yaw Asamoah spoke about the value of an organization taking action to address a pressing healthcare need. Eric Major shared his appreciation for two decades of involvement, while Edward Baiden described the fulfillment of contributing to work that improves children’s lives. Roland Akosah presented an overview of the organization’s impact and the continuing demand for treatment.
Founded in 1998 by renowned spinal surgeon Nana Prof. Oheneba Boachie-Adjei Woahene II, FOCOS has grown through the commitment of donors, volunteers, partners and healthcare professionals. The opening of FOCOS Orthopedic Hospital in Accra in 2012 established a permanent center for specialized care, supported by hospital staff and visiting medical teams from around the world.
Throughout the reception, guests met board members in small groups, asked questions and shared their own connections to the cause. Guest Anne De Santis described those she met as having “a clear dedication to an important and compassionate cause,” adding, “Thank you for all you are doing.”
Building on its fundraising presence in New York, the Washington, D.C. reception marked a new chapter for the FOCOS community. The evening created relationships around a common purpose: helping more children access the care they need and pursue the futures they imagine.