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Community Corner

Chiropractor Extends Healing Hand to Haiti

Gregg Stern is about to embark on his second mission trip to Haiti and the Dominican Republic

Chiropractor Gregg Stern has treated hundreds of patients over the last 10 years in his Buffalo Grove office, but nothing could prepare him for the droves of patients he would see in just four short days in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

"They came out in huge masses and waited hours," said Dr. Stern. "Literally, over the top of the crowds, people were passing newborns to you."

Stern, who is a certified specialist in chiropractic pediatric, maternity and family wellness care, traveled to the impoverished countries in May with the non-profit organization ChiroMission. The organization was founded in early 2000 by two chiropractic doctors who realized no chiropractors existed in the entire Dominican Republic nation of 10 million people. Their mission is to promote chiropractic care and adjust those in need as well as encourage new students to train and return to their countries to work in offices established by ChiroMission.

Stern said the need is dramatic in both the Dominican Republic and Haiti. He traveled to remote, poverty stricken villages and shanty towns where no one spoke English. Stern said all they knew was he was a doctor from the United States who was there to help them.

"Their health is so challenged," said Stern. "I was able to get 1,800 people adjusted, and 95 percent of them were kids."

Stern said after examining each child he could tell many of their immune systems were compromised. But he said he saw their lives change after he adjusted them and relieved the pressure on the nerve system.

"Their eyes would glow after the adjustment," he said. "All of a sudden they would hear 'pop,' but then realize they felt different, felt connected to their body and would feel better."

Stern said the children couldn't be happier and more appreciative. "Being able to enhance the health of these children changes their experience for a lifetime," he said.

The experience impacted Stern so much that he's returning on Sept. 25. This time he'll be traveling for 10 days and spending time in areas of Haiti directly hit by January's catastrophic earthquake.

Stern recently held a fundraiser at his office in cooperation with the Buffalo Grove Chamber of Commerce's After Hours program. He raised $2,200 from the silent auction, to which local businesses donated 55 items. Another $1,000 came in through extra donations and Stern said people are still contributing.

"Every penny goes to the people there for food and supplies," said Stern, who pays all his own travel expenses.

Stern said it's his life mission to help others in need, not only in the Dominican Republic but here in his hometown of Buffalo Grove. He gives free chiropractic care to military veterans for one year after they return from active duty. He also teaches an annual health and backpack safety class to students at Stevenson High School and frequently gives health and wellness talks.

Stern knows not everyone is able to participate in global missions, but he hopes his work will inspire others. "My bigger hope is for people reading about this will open up and search their hearts to find what's important to them so they can help others in any way they can," he said.

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