As you all know, Puerto Rico was destroyed by two category 5 hurricanes two weeks apart: first by Irma and then by Maria – a hurricane unparalleled by any storm in American history. Months later, we still have 1.83 million without drinkable water, millions with no electricity, and no electrical grid. Less than 10 of our 69 hospitals are barely functioning and 1,600 cell towers are still down.
Chiropractic before Maria was a powerful, successful and well-respected profession throughout Puerto Rico. There was no shortage of many large and successful chiropractic practices. Today, no patients, whether new or established, are going to the chiropractor. Not even patients who have pre-paid for their chiropractic care are coming. How can they? Almost all of the chiropractic offices are demolished or unable to function.
The resurrection and salvation of chiropractic's existence in Puerto Rico is being threatened heavily if we do not band together. Chiropractic and what it offers to the people of Puerto Rico are about to disappear. This is exactly why I am writing to you.
Dr. Jay M. Holder, along with support from chiropractic leaders and the ICA, has volunteered to host a torque release technique (TRT) seminar to raise funds for all the chiropractors on the island and our foundation, Fundacion Para La Difusion De Los Principios Quiropracticos (FDPQ), fondly known as Ajustate. For the first time ever, seminar fees are slashed in half and the event is free to all DCs on the island.
You can help us save chiropractic in Puerto Rico while you learn an incredible technique from its creator and take a break, escape the winter and come to paradise, San Juan – the only part of the island that has been completely restored.
We want each one of you to "Come Visit P.R." as a chiropractic ambassador and give back to chiropractic. We are inviting you to come to the Doubletree by Hilton San Juan Gallery Plaza, a totally restored and remodeled resort in the best part of San Juan, for this seminar on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 23-24, with an optional hands-on workshop on Sunday morning (Feb. 25).
Although Dr. Holder retired from teaching TRT last year, he has volunteered at his own expense to teach the entire 15-hour TRT program. ICA President George Curry, DC, FICA, will also be speaking at the event and believes "we are all charged with the responsibility of coming to the aid of our fellow brothers and sisters who are in need. The hurricane may have devastated the island, but it hasn't dampened the spirits of the brave chiropractors who continue to serve their patients. Let's all get together and help out any way we can."
So many of you have reached out to help in your own way. You have called us. You have sent us needed items in short supply. You have had us in your prayers And for this and so much more, both my community and I will be forever grateful. However, this is just the beginning.
Come visit us. Escape the winter and warm yourself in paradise. Have a blast while you learn how to perform this important subluxation-centered, principled, non-linear tonal model technique. Earn 15 CEU hours through Life University, enjoy a tax-deductible vacation and help chiropractic return to my island.
Editor's Note: For more information and to reg-ister, call Neia Diaz at 787-644-3567. Seminar fees for first-time DCs are $250 (early bird) or $350 at the door; $150 for refreshers and $75 for students. Hands-on workshop fees are $100 (early bird), $150 at door; $75 for students. Remember, this event is free for all chiropractors currently living and practicing in Puerto Rico.
Dr. Sebastian Bonnin is co-founder of the Fundacion Para La Difusion De Los Principios Quiropracticos (FDPQ) of Puerto Rico.