Testimonials
ChiroMission Testimonials:
Thanks for the opportunity this last week for one of the most inspiring experiences in my life. What you and Todd have been able to accomplish and to hear how many people are slated for next ChiroMission is amazing. It has inspired the 8 of us here in Cali and I know the majority of us are already trying to raise funds to make it in October. Everyone at ChiroMission are great doctors of chiropractic and even better people in life. In just this little time that I have been back home, I have started to feel a difference in my life, and I look forward to seeing the greater changes in my life in the future as time progresses.
Thank you again and I look forward to seeing you again in the future, hopefully in October!
Thanks,
Christopher Kelley, LACC Student
May 2010 ChiroMission Graduate
First off i'd like to thank you and Todd for making this past Chiromission trip happen! I am so stoked i got to be a part of it, and there is no one else i would have rather done it w/ than the group you attracted!! The group was amazing, and definitely felt like a family. I've attended ALOT of seminars in the last 2 years, and have never found mentors like the 20 of you doctors that were on this trip (and am so greateful for the level of trust that you put in us students!!) Anyways, so a little about my experience...
Day 1 i went out w/ Courtney to a church.. where we quickly migrated to a street corner. I think i was so shocked at the process of people lining up and everyone wanting chiropractic!! We only adjusted for 2-3 hours but i felt like i never wanted to stop! For the first time ever, i was adjusting real people, and i got to see the power of a chiropractic adjustment for many of those people that REALLY needed it- they were instantly free of pain, able to move, and just loving life, and rounding up more people to experience what they were feeling! It was an exciting first day and Courtney was amazing to work with!!
Then day 2 was a totally different experience w/ Rosanne. We adjusted an entire school in the first hour out, and continued our journey from house to house w/o being able to speak more than 10 words of spanish. I think this was one of my favorite days ,because we got to see how welcoming each and every individual in the community was to us strangers. I was really surprised at the communication b/w the people there, because some how w/o any phones, cars, etc, they were always able to track us down and relay messages to us about when we were getting picked up, where we were having lunch, etc. It was a AWESOME! I even got separated from Rosanne for an hour or so and had a 1 year old guiding me around from house to house immitating a neck adjustment to each new person! I think this village was the poorest of the places i visited- but the happiest. After lunch we gave out toys, and the children were so so happy with bubbles, stickers, and water guns. It was an amazing experience to just see these kids getting gifts!
The third day was also really great (but very similar to the 2nd day) w/ Heather. Unfortunately for her she was sick, but i guess that got me even more hands on, since she sent me in to houses when she wasn't feeling up for it. This was the day i got to see more of the working crowd since we started in the middle of the town, and cervicals & SHOULDER adjustments were what the people really wanted...and definitely much needed! Its kind of funny to see when you do 1 different adjustment, everyone wants it!! Its amazing how as tired as the students and the doctors are, the energy from the patients makes you want to keep going and going!!
Overall, this was an amazing experience for me!! I could not believe the numbers of people that we each got to treat, the happiness that our presence brought to communities, and the need for the donations to some of these communities. I am 100% sure i'll be back in sept/oct! (just gotta get some of these other chiro trips out of the way!), and have already been thinking of how to get donations! Its so hard to be back at school as i'm pretty sure none of us can concentrate and just keep thinking about the next trips ahead of us. I am so excited for the next experience and can't to see what it has to bring!! Please let me know if any other trips come about (in addition to DR), if you have any ideas for us students,...or just if you ever need anything from the West Coast since i believe you'd been advised not to visit. lol.
Thank you SOOOO much for everything last week, and talk to you soon!
Amber Eckel, LACC Student
May 2010 ChiroMission Graduate
I was attracted to the ChiroMission trip to the DR and Haiti because I saw it as an opportunity to address my spiritual calling to help those less fortunate than myself. It turned out to be exactly that type of experience and more. Getting to spend some time with like-minded, passionate chiropractors was very satisfying. The opportunity to practice chiropractic in a very simple, pure form was amazing. I also enjoyed the opportunity to mentor the students I spent time with. When I returned home, I wanted to share my experience with my community to inspire them to get out and serve the needy. I gave presentations at two churches, one elementary school, a Kiwanis club, and a Lions club. There are other groups that have requested I come speak over the next few months. Todd and J.C., I want to thank both of you for your passion, dedication, and inspiration to myself, and others. Thank you for allowing me to utilize my special training to get my mind off of myself and serve others. It was a privilege.
Dr. Darrel K. Loder, DC
October 2008 ChiroMission Graduate
Thanks JC, also just have to tell you the experience in the DR was incredible, very emotional and deep experience. debbie and I both were extremely touched and changed by the experience. It has had a huge impact on not just my practice but our lives. After many years in practice I probably did not think anything could move me to that level. Deb and I talk about the mission almost every day. thanks so much, PS we have many good photos of each day, dont know if they would interest you, let me know. Thanks again.
Dr. Tom Blake, DC
Debbie Blake, Volunteer
October 2008 ChiroMission Graduates
This expereince was absolutely incredible! It is so difficult to descrbie the feeling and experience this mission has given me. The Domincan people are so loving, trusting and grateful for what we do and for who we are. As a student, this trip allowed me to see chiropractic how it should be and the magnitude that it can reach people who are in desperate need of it. The person that your adjusting might only recevie that one adjustment that you give them! As Dr. David Jackson says, 'I am a chiropractor and I save lives through the power of a chiropractic adjustment!' This is what the msision is all about. The intent, passion and love that you give these people is returned with a hug and/or smile on their face. Not only did you gain something form the Domincan people, but the doctors and fellow students on the trip were awesome!
It is always great to surround yourself with like minded people. To truly understand the purpose of this mission, you must go! This trip is a pivotal expereince and I highly recommend it to anyone (Chiropractor, Student, spouse, volunteers, kids, staff, etc.). Stop making excuses and step up. I was very fortunate to expereince this amazing mission with my wife. My wife is not a chiropractor, she is actually a nurse. It allowed her to see people who were so grateful for what they had and the adjustment that they were receving. I have been to many seminars and chiropractic functions, but I have never been able to describe the things I learned and/or experienced to my wife. I am so grateful to have been there with my wife. We definately plan on coming on another mission in the near future!
Nick Barnes, Chiropractic Student
October 2008 ChiroMission Graduate
My experience through Chiromission was eye opening. Even going as a volunteer the experience was unforgettable. The people of the Dominican Republic need the help and healing of chiropractic. I was amazed that mothers handed us their day/week old babies without hesitation and trusted us to increase their quality of life. It was amazing to go through this experience with my husband. We came home with the realization that 'we no longer want, we no longer need, for we have everything.' The Dominican people have forever changed my outlook on life; everything has been put into perspective.
Melissa Barnes, Volunteer
October 2008 ChiroMission Graduate
As a patient volunteer, I wasn't sure what my role on this mission was going to be. But it soon became clear to me that all I had to do was Give and Receive, without any effort or thought. I held hands, gave hugs, took pictures, held babies...I knew what was needed of me after I had already started doing it, and it was always the right thing to do. I really didn't have to think much! The mission was an essential step on my path to personal growth. It was a needed change from my life of worldly comforts here in the US, and I had a chance to experience what really matters in life.
Belinda Kahn, Patient Volunteer
October 2008 ChiroMission Graduate
"To give, to love, and to serve,” that is what it’s all about. This trip was really life changing for me. I have to say I learned so many things, met so many wonderful people, and I am so grateful for everything that I have. Thank you guys for giving me the opportunity to be part of this. I would like to come back and be part of the staff, and contribute a lot more to the mission. Let me know what I have to do, and I will do it!!
Sincerely,
Adriana Perez, Chiropractic Student
October 2008 ChiroMission Graduate
JC and Todd:
I told both of you in person, but wanted to follow up with a quick thank you for everything you've done to put together a group like Chiromission. From a selfish point of view, the week I spent in the Dominican really set me on a different path emotionally, professionally, and personally (upped the ante). From a larger point of view, I think the impact of these trips is immense...and growing. I'm grateful to both of you for having the determination to make this happen, and hope to be a part of expanding its impact in the future. When people tell me something will change my life, I have a hard time believing them until I experience it for myself, and this trip was true to form. I've spoken with many others since I returned back here and there is definite excitement to bring more people for trips in the future. I expect that if I can help expand the organization in any way, you will not hesitate to ask.
Jeff Getbehead, Chiropractic Student
October 2008 ChiroMission Graduate
Wow, what an amazing experience Chiromission has given me in the Dominican Republic. I spent my days in different villages and schools, serving and loving hundreds of people! There is nothing more fulfilling than the removal of nerve interference, hugging, and giving as a chiropractor. One of the coolest parts was sharing this personal growth experience with 100 other amazing chiropractors! The energy level is intense and the locals excitement and openness to chiropractic is inspiring. I returned home with confidence and love for my profession and it's goal in making the world a better place (one spine at a time)! Thanks JC and Todd!
Gena Bofshever, Chiropractic Student
October 2008 ChiroMission Graduate
Good Morning JC !
I have been trying to figure out how to put into words all I have to say. Bottom line, thank you on so many levels for who you are, what you do and how you touch others lives and enable/inspire us to do the same.
Doreen Dube, Chiropractic Assistant
October 2008 ChiroMission Graduate
Thank you so much for this opportunity, I knew there would be a change in my life during and after this week, but never dreamed it would be this incredible. I know now, no matter what happens in my life I am the riches man in the world, I need nothing I want nothing, I have everything!! I saw and felt a change in myself and in the men, woman , and children i touched, but to me the greatest experience was seeing the changes in the students I worked with!! These kids will NEVER be the same and I thank you Todd, and Pete and the rest of my NEW family, for letting me part of that. I will be with you at least once a year, and probably with my family, maybe not all but you will meet them. My oldest daughter (10 yo who wants to be a Chiropractor) told me she wanted to come with me a few days before I left, I can not wait for the day she does come with me, and she will be with me before she is in high school.
Dr. John Fuentes
October 2008 ChiroMission Graduate
I would just like to thank you for the wonderful time and experience you have shared with me. What i have learned and what i will learn from this experience will be etched in my mind for a life time and i do not ever want to forget it. There are so many feeling i have for all of you and i want to go back next year to do it again even though i was not a student and i only massaged the ones i was able to touch i felt there love and there compaction for all that they were given. There is so much more i could say but i am leaving it to my heart and my love to express it. Until we meet again.
Crystal Anderson, Chiropractic Assistant, Massage Therapist
October 2008 ChiroMission Graduate
I cannot begin to convey how amazing this trip has been for me. I've tried putting into words what it was I experienced (and am still experiencing) and I just can't. All I can say is you have to go in order to experience it. I'm going back in April because I want more of what you get when you put Chiropractic, Chiromission, and the people of the Dominican Republic together. I can guarentee that if you do not go on this trip as a student you will truely be missing the key ingredient to starting an amazing "Give and Receive" practice and lifestyle.
Jason Brown(Life University Student)
October 2007 Chiromission Graduate
A few months back I became aware of something called Chiromission. It was described to me as a trip to Puerta Plata in the Dominican Republic. Several doctors would be going and adjusting thousands of people. On paper it sounded pretty good: an all-inclusive resort at a very good price, an excursion to a jungle, with the added bonus of high volume adjusting.
I have been to many seminars seen many gurus and have had the “Monday morning will be awesome experiences”. Nothing I have done can compare to this experience. Yes the resort was great, and yes the jungle excursion was off the charts. What separated this from everything else? The things that we did not know about or the unknown. The agenda was pretty clear; we would show up to this location at such and such time and adjust until there was no one left to adjust. Then we will eat lunch, go swimming, have dinner, wake up tomorrow and do it again. Did you catch the “until there was no one left to adjust” part. The unknown was: how many people are coming, what if the river guides are too weak and can’t speak English, what about lunch if we have to keep going, is the driver going to be there or come at all. The mantra of chiromission has become we will work it out when we get there and we did. Because when something is pure, right, whole and driven by principle nothing can block it. So of course it all works out!
I believe in living life for its experiences and never missing one. Being fully present at all moments. I went on this trip for one personal reason. Why did I go? I was looking for my heart. The idea was to give and receive. Yes whenever we give we receive. In chiropractic we give of ourselves. There is nothing that transcends the physical and spiritual so wonderfully as the chiropractic adjustment. Practicing in New York City I sometimes need to reconnect and refocus. A weekend seminar may help to repair the symptom sometimes but the core that needed repair for me was my heart. I want to help people so much that when they do not want the help it breaks my heart.
The health paradigm that exists in the US is drug it, cut it or tell them they are crazy. The US is taking its paradigm to the entire world. The Dominican Republic does not yet have a health paradigm. They do have a culture; and cultures supercede paradigms. Simply stated: most people there were unaware of Chiropractic. So all we had to do was tell them that god created you and a nervous system that is protected by the spine and when we remove the interferences the body heals, and most of these interferences are in the neck. These was very well received to a culture that is 100% Catholic and we were the first Chiropractors that ever spoke to them. To be able to deliver an adjustment that was received as an instrument to connect them to their maker and bring them closer to their natural state without by bias and untrue knowledge was beautiful.
How can one adjustment help someone? This question was asked of me by a number of people before I left. Here is how. The adjustment is the tool, but the information and the education is what Chiropractic is. Imagine if the first chiropractor that saw them asked them what was wrong, where does it hurt and then realized that there wasn’t anywhere to plug in the F/D table or the ultrasound- stim unit. At the end of the day we all are instruments and the adjustment is a great tool. But the intent and education that you give to someone is what enables one adjustment to have a resonating effect. They got well before the adjustment. The adjustment was the capper.
Since returning people have asked me to tell them about it. It is very hard to summarize and explain. The memories and stories are etched in my brain. I do not want to share them all for two reasons: because some are my own and personal and because you must go and make your own. This trip is happening again in March. Get your hands to Puerta Plata. I found my heart their who knows what you’ll find.
Dr. Craig Fishel, Mission Leader
March 2006 Graduate
The best way to explain my experience on Chiromission is: Amazing, my patient's have been asking me this and my response is that I am walking on a cloud. To be able to affect so many people on such a short amount of time was incredible. I look forward to serving even more next trip (yes, next trip). To just be able to deliver the goods with minimal verbal communication and know they got it was just so awesome. From the handicapped children in the two orphanages to the massive amount of people from infants to super seniors was rewarding beyond words. Waterfall excursion also ROCKED!
Definitely referring friends, what a great experience to share with close friends.
Dr. Dave Hecht, Mission Leader
March 2006 Graduate
I must say that I was not sure what to expect when I first found out my role...but I have to say WOW!!!! The people of the DR were so warm and welcoming. I am not convinced that the people knew what to expect from us either. I do know the many patients we saw were there because they knew we could make a difference in their lives...they wanted to be there. Many came from miles away with the hope to feel better and they left knowing we helped them. All day long we received thanks and smiles from each patient- even if we could not communicate by words.
One moment of many that stands out occured while Dave and I were at a small church about 45 min from town. We were in a small room- no bigger than 8x12 with 2 windows. We had six chairs to see people. At one time I looked outside and there at least 12-15 children all ages peering in the window with such curiosity. Then at the very next instant (so it seemed) our whole room was filled with children- all those that were looking in...and then more and more children- some left to bring back their siblings- all left with huge smiles.
It was great to be appreciated...it was a tremendous feeling to be able to give, just to give. It definately makes you hope our own patients would be so grateful.
Thank you for including me on the experience...I cannot wait to see the video....
Dr. Marti Hecht
March 2006 Graduate
Providing a testimonial for my Chiromission experience has been a difficult task. Do I tell you how much fun we had? Plenty of fun and laughs. Do I tell you how good the food was? It was mighty good. Do I tell you how enjoyable it was to spend time with other Chiropractors who were of both the same and different philosophies? Definitely enjoyed my colleagues and they will tell you I challenged them. Do I tell you how cool the waterfall challenge was? Way cool. Do I tell you that adjusting people at a pace I didn't think was humanly possible and have them come back the next day looking for you with a big smile on their face to tell you they felt "mucho Mejor" ( much better) was awesome? It was beyond awesome. All of those things and much more made this a memorable experience, but what made this an experience that will always be etched in my mind's eye and make me commit to every future chiromission adventure was the overwhelming sense of inner strength I personally walked away with, knowing that I had made a difference.
Dr. Doreen Sundin
March 2006 Graduate and First Winner of The Sundin Award
