Our Story

The DEJ Foundation stands as a beacon of hope for neglected communities throughout Jamaica, West Indies, extending critical emergency medical care where it's needed most. Our mission is rooted in the belief that by empowering individuals, we catalyze positive change not only for themselves but for their entire community. Embracing the timeless wisdom of the proverb, "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime," we champion self-reliance and community engagement.

Eudel James-Rowe's journey serves as the cornerstone and inspiration behind the DEJ Foundation. Born in 1960 in the rural parish of Clarendon, Jamaica, Eudel's childhood dreams of becoming a nurse were abruptly sidelined by familial responsibilities. Yet, her spirit remained undaunted.

In the middle of the night on December 9th, 2007, tragedy struck when Eudel woke up with shallow breathing and the feeling of a lump in her throat, which restricted her breathing. Alerting her family, whose immediate action was to seek medical help, her son, husband, and a family friend embarked on the journey at 2 am to drive her to the hospital, which was 45 - 60 minutes away. With no medical personnel locally, Eudel's condition deteriorated severely, and 20 minutes into the drive to the hospital, she became unresponsive. On arrival at the hospital at 3 am, it was official: she was pronounced dead.

Eudel's harrowing experience underscored the urgent need for accessible healthcare services in rural parts of Jamaica. Had there been an urgent care facility with functioning EMT services and medical professionals within her community, she could have been stabilized and transported to the hospital, receiving the adequate medical treatment she desperately needed.

Eudel's story echoes the stark reality faced by countless Jamaicans, where the lack of healthcare professionals and infrastructure has dire consequences. At the DEJ Foundation, we refuse to accept this status quo. Through our initiatives, we strive to equip aspiring young minds with the tools and resources to pursue careers in emergency medicine, bridging the gap in healthcare accessibility.

Join us in honoring Eudel's legacy and transforming lives across Jamaica. Your support will enable us to continue our mission of providing vital healthcare services to underserved communities, ensuring that no one is left behind. Together, we can rewrite the narrative, ushering in a future where healthcare is a fundamental right for all. Every minute counts in our journey towards a healthier, more equitable society. Your partnership will help send young boys and girls to pursue Emergency Medical Technician(EMT) training and support younger ones in achieving the learning outcomes so they can come back to their local community to serve. You are the lifeline to being the change agent in our rural parts, where life is empowered, and underserved regions are ignited to become thriving communities with paramount healthcare needs.