Providing Erb's Palsy Surgeries & Emergency Distaster Relief

About

Learn more about our work.

joanna with doctor and child after successful erb's palsy surgery and beach in latin america after hurricane disaster

Mission

PURPOSE

Erb’s Palsy Relief: We are facilitating medical expenses, family support, and legal assistance for children affected by Erb’s Palsy.

Disaster Relief: Provide humanitarian aid for disaster events in Latin America and the Caribbean, including bringing in freeze-dried foods and supplies for both people and pets displaced by these disasters. We will deliver food directly to victims to avoid government delays and profiteering that seem to affect most relief efforts.

latin american baby after completing corrective surgery for erb's palsy and a satellite image of hurricane maria passing over the caribbean and puerto rico
latin american baby after completing corrective surgery for erb's palsy and a satellite image of hurricane maria passing over the caribbean and puerto rico

Vision

Long-term

Erb’s Palsy Relief: We aim to change hospital policies to help prevent Erb’s Palsy, an injury to newborns that can often be avoided. Additionally, we aim to support families with children affected by Erb’s Palsy to ensure they receive the necessary medical attention for a normal life.

Disaster Relief: We currently have approximately 35,000 freeze-dried meals on hand, and this number is growing daily. Our goal is to increase and maintain an inventory of 200,000 meals for people and 20,000 meals for pets by the end of 2025. We also aim to add a second location in the Caribbean, ideally at an airport, to ensure a faster response time to disasters in the area.

Our Co-Founders

We’re run by active & retired professionals who want to give back.

TEAM

  • Jeffery Mann

    Jeff Mann is a seasoned entrepreneur with a rich history of leadership and innovation across various industries, including construction, e-commerce, and tourism. 

    With over 40 years of experience, he has successfully founded & led multiple businesses, such as Coastal Development, where he built custom homes in Central Florida, & OnLine SuperStore, generating $12-15 million in annual sales. His deep connection to Latin America is evident in his work as the founder of Segway Costa Rica, where he established a prominent sales & tours business. Now retired, Jeff is committed to giving back through his latest venture, Latin America Relief, dedicated to providing fast, direct disaster relief & medical aid to those in need across the region.

    Co-Founder, Head of Disaster Relief
  • Joanna Mann

    Joanna Mann has always loved helping vulnerable children in Costa Rica, but her involvement became more prominent in 2021 when her nephew Eithan (pictured) was injured at birth and diagnosed with Erb’s Palsy. 

    This prompted her to research the injury further and led her to create support groups for mothers whose children have Erb’s Palsy, not only in Costa Rica but throughout Latin America. Connecting with these mothers and their children helped her identify a common need for economic and medical assistance, whether for surgeries, therapy, or materials needed to improve their arm condition. Her group, PBO Costa Rica, has helped many low-income mothers in Latin America.

    Co-Founder, Head of Erb's Palsy Relief
    joanna mann headshot with baby eithan
  • Board of Directors

    Meet our board members.

    Daniel Scammell

    Board of Directors

    Daniel Scammell is a seasoned financial professional with a strong foundation in business, having earned his degree from the University of Florida. With extensive experience working at institutional banks and investment firms in both Boston and Tampa, Daniel has specialized in alternative investments and ETFs. He currently resides in Tampa, Florida, with his wife and two daughters. Daniel’s expertise and commitment to the financial sector make him a valuable asset in the field of banking and investments.

    daniel scammell board of directors headshot
    Kenny Lester

    Board of Directors

    Ken Lester is a distinguished retired judge with a career spanning over two decades on the bench, primarily serving in the Criminal and Juvenile Divisions of the 18th Judicial Circuit Court. With a background in both civil and criminal litigation, Ken was first elected to the Circuit Court in 1996 and re-elected multiple times, reflecting his steadfast commitment to justice. He has held key leadership roles, including Division Chief and Administrative Judge, and has been recognized with numerous awards for his exceptional service, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Seminole County Bar Association. Ken’s deep legal expertise, combined with his dedication to community service, makes him an invaluable member of the Latin America Relief Board of Directors.

    Kenny Lester headshot board of directors
    Michael Hostetler

    Board of Directors

    Michael Hostetler is a highly experienced environmental consultant and state-certified mold assessor with nearly two decades of leadership in the industry. As the owner of Green Detectives Inspections, Inc., Michael has specialized in indoor air quality testing, mold assessment, and environmental studies across various sectors, including residential, light industry, and veterinary environments. His expertise extends to successfully resolving OSHA complaints and providing expert testimony in mold litigation cases. With a strong background in both environmental consulting and building construction, Michael brings valuable insights and a wealth of knowledge to the board of Latin America Relief, ensuring the organization operates with the highest standards of safety and compliance.

    Michael Hostetler board of directors latin america relief headshot

    You Can Make a Difference

    Get involved with our work today. Your support can make a real impact.

    Take action

    Giving is Good Medicine

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    Every life we touch at Latin America Relief, every family we help support, starts with a simple, selfless act of generosity. You don’t have to donate — but when you do, it changes everything.