Seventeen years ago, Ojayah was just six months old when he first traveled from St. Vincent and the Grenadines to Richmond for critical cardiac surgery through World Pediatrics. This spring, he returned once again—now a teenager—for advanced spinal fusion surgery to treat severe kyphoscoliosis. His care was made possible through a long-standing partnership between World Pediatrics and Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital.
Ojayah’s case, shaped by his cardiac history, required a surgical team with both orthopedic and cardiologic expertise. World Pediatrics referred him to Bon Secours, where Chad Aarons, MD, and the pediatric spine team at Bon Secours Tuckahoe Orthopedics performed the surgery as part of the health ministry’s commitment to community health and charitable care.
Supporting this effort was the Bon Secours Evelyn D. Reinhart Guest House, which welcomed Ojayah and his family during their stay. The family—who has grown close to many on the World Pediatrics team over the years—found comfort in the hospitality, stability, and warmth provided by the Guest House, a place of peace and healing for our patients and their families at Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital.
Transportation for Ojayah and his mother was arranged through Mercy Medical Angels, one of World Pediatrics’ flight partners. His father, also present for the surgery, traveled independently from St. Vincent. With both parents in Richmond and strong connections from prior visits, the family has remained largely independent—yet deeply supported by the partnerships surrounding them.
“This is what partnership in pediatric care looks like,” said Romina Newman, Senior Director of Marketing & Communications at World Pediatrics. “Bon Secours didn’t just provide clinical care and housing—they extended welcome, continuity, and compassion to a family that’s been part of the World Pediatrics community for nearly two decades.”
Several members of the World Pediatrics team have known Ojayah since his first visit as an infant. His journey reflects the organization’s model of long-term, patient-centered care: from early cardiac interventions to complex orthopedic treatment and every step in between. World Pediatrics will continue to support his medical needs until he turns 21.
About World Pediatrics
World Pediatrics is a nonprofit organization committed to healing more children, in less time, by transforming access to advanced pediatric healthcare. Through global partnerships and coordinated care, the organization serves children across Latin America, the Caribbean, and the U.S., while strengthening local health systems to ensure lasting impact.
Media Contact:
Romina Newman
Senior Director, Marketing & Communications
World Pediatrics
[email protected] | (804) 637-2611