Perspectives Winter/Spring 2019

NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY | 23 shoe and trying it on myself, I was impressed with the low cost and how comfortable it was to wear. The sandal-like shoes are specifically designed to grow five sizes and can last for many years, because the sole is made of compressed rubber similar to that of a car tire. Since children require new shoes more often, I decided to concentrate my efforts on obtaining shoes for them. Children will outgrow an ordinary pair of donated shoes quickly, but this product helps solve that problem. Knowing that NSU’s Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine sponsors the annual Jamaica medical outreach trip each June and December, I brought up the idea of taking shoes to Jamaica. I presented the idea to Keiba Shaw, Ed.D., D.P.T., PT, associate professor, who wholeheartedly supported the idea. Shaw, who is experienced in providing services to the underserved, volunteered her expertise after Haiti’s 2010 earthquake, as she does during the NSU Jamaica medical outreach trips. I thought this would be a great opportunity to help others, even though I could not attend the trip myself. My goal was to raise enough money to purchase 100 pairs of shoes in a variety of sizes. The support I received from NSU and the PT community to make this goal a reality was incredible. Within a week of launching my campaign, I achieved my goal. While in Jamaica, the PT team donated more than 70 shoes to children in need, and the rest remain available for distribution. I am thankful to belong to such a caring and com- passionate community. We hope to continue to serve those who need basic necessities. Perhaps through sharing this story in Perspectives , others will be inspired to change more lives from the ground up. † Beatriz Galindo is a class of 2019 student in the Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) Program—Tampa Bay. The variety of colors and sizes makes The Shoe That Grows both an affordable and fashionable option.