St. Mark’s Names Dr. David Vanderpool as Inaugural Recipient of Lee S. Smith ’65 Courage and Honor Award

DALLAS, April 19, 2023 — St. Mark’s School of Texas is proud to announce that alumnus Dr. David Vanderpool has been named the first recipient of the “Lee S. Smith ’65 Courage and Honor Award.” 

The award recognizes a graduate of the St. Mark’s community who demonstrates courage, honor, perseverance and justice in the communities to which they belong by using his voice and actions to affect measurable change to elevate humanity.

A 1978 graduate of the prestigious college-preparatory school for boys, Dr. Vanderpool, M.D., went on to become a successful and highly esteemed surgeon. Following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, he felt called to abandon his private practice and move to the suffering nation and lend his support. With the shared commitment of his family, they established LiveBeyond, a nonprofit dedicated to creating change for at-risk populations through healthcare, nutrition and education.

“He’s a really remarkable individual who embodies everything that we were looking to recognize in this award,” notes Michael Flanagan, Chair of the Lee S. Smith ’65 Courage and Honor Award committee and 1990 graduate of St. Mark’s. “It’s really his life’s mission. The commitment he has shown and the impact he’s had on thousands over his time [in Haiti] is truly remarkable.”

Dr. Vanderpool will address students, faculty and alumni at a special Upper School assembly on Friday, April 21, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. Later that evening, at the annual Spring Alumni Dinner, he will be formally recognized and celebrated by his St. Mark’s peers and faculty members.

To learn more about the award and Dr. Vanderpool’s inspiring and life-altering acts of service, visit https://www.smtexas.org/alumni/alumni-awards/lee-s-smith-65-courage-and-honor-award.

About LiveBeyond 

LiveBeyond is a faith-based humanitarian organization bringing medical and maternal health care, clean water, education, orphan care, community development and the gospel of Jesus Christ to the oppressed in Thomazeau, Haiti. After 20 years doing volunteer medical missions work, and following the devastating 2010 earthquake, Dr. David and Laurie Vanderpool sold everything, purchased 63 acres in this region outside of Port-au-Prince and moved to Haiti full-time. The LiveBeyond compound consists of a medical clinic, a teaching center and school, a training farm, a worship center and a guest house.

About St. Mark’s School of Texas

Founded in 1906, St. Mark’s School of Texas is a nonsectarian, college-preparatory, independent day school for boys in grades one through twelve. The School’s charter states that it is “designed to afford its students well-rounded physical, intellectual, moral, and religious training and instruction.” St. Mark’s is intended to be a diverse community of teachers and students who share a love of learning and who strive for high achievement in whatever they undertake.

LiveBeyond Celebrates Grand Opening of Johnny’s Kids Center in Israel Serving those with Disabilities

JERUSALEM, Nov. 22, 2022 – Faith-based humanitarian organization LiveBeyond is excited to announce the opening of its brand new Johnny’s Kids Center, serving children with disabilities in some of the most impoverished areas outside of Jerusalem. An expansion of its previous program visiting children in their homes and providing nutritional support to those in need, now, they have a place to gather as well as to receive physical therapy and an education.

The center officially opened Nov. 7 and is equipped to serve 40 children and their families, at capacity. The goal of the program is to help these young people become as independent as possible while also helping them and their caregivers understand they are not alone, and there’s no shame or stigma because of a disability.

“We look forward to helping these precious young people and their mothers who often feel isolated, to find a sense of community and the encouragement that comes from knowing they’re not alone,” said LiveBeyond CEO and founder Dr. David Vanderpool. “Often in their culture, these children are seen as ‘defective’ and aren’t even allowed to attend school, so it’s our desire first and foremost to let them know they are loved and valued, and then help them to integrate into the general population.

“We’ve learned from our work in Haiti that once they begin interacting with other children, they will be accepted,” Dr. Vanderpool continued. “Naturally, younger children don’t perceive differences, and it’s such a blessing to see how the able-bodied children will carry on their backs those who can’t walk as they run around together playing soccer.”

The Johnny’s Kids program is named after Dr. Vanderpool’s brother-in-law, Johnny Stallings who had Down syndrome and passed away at a young age, but not before making his mark on the world. There are many buildings named in his memory, most notably on the campus of the University of Alabama where his dad coached football and Johnny was a light in many people’s lives, touching the hearts of thousands.

The first Johnny’s Kids program was established in rural Haiti, where Dr. Vanderpool and his wife Laurie moved fulltime after the devastating earthquake in 2010. They built a compound with a clinic to provide maternal and child health care, a school, a training farm, and outreaches to the local community to provide nutritional support for those in need. 

LiveBeyond kicked off the work in Israel last year, beginning with a similar nutritional support program targeting poorer communities around Jerusalem and especially families of those with disabilities. This work is funded, in part, by the Tim Tebow Foundation, and serves approximately 80 families in the area, many of whom are long-term refugees. 

“We are grateful for all of the support that has helped us to launch this program, and now, this world class center,” Dr. Vanderpool added. “We know our donors see these people as children of God, just as we do, and join us in wanting to build them up and help them to see their value and their worth.”

For more information about the Vanderpools’ work in Haiti, see www.livebeyond.org.

About LiveBeyond

LiveBeyond is a faith-based humanitarian organization bringing medical and maternal health care, clean water, education, orphan care, community development and the gospel of Jesus Christ to the oppressed in Thomazeau, Haiti. After 20 years doing volunteer medical missions work, and following the devastating 2010 earthquake, Dr. David and Laurie Vanderpool sold everything, purchased 63 acres in this region outside of Port-au-Prince and moved to Haiti full-time. The LiveBeyond compound consists of a medical clinic, a teaching center and school, a training farm, a worship center and a guest house.

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Media Contact:
Melany Ethridge
melany@alarryross.com
214-912-8934

Trauma Surgeon Launches ‘First Thousand Days’ Podcast on Maternal and Infant Health

Dr. David Vanderpool leads LiveBeyond humanitarian development non-profit, serving women and children in need

DALLAS, May 17, 2022 – After responding to the immediate trauma needs following the earthquake in Haiti more than 12 years ago, Dr. David Vanderpool was inspired to sell his practice and launch a full-time work in Haiti. Recognizing an overarching need for better healthcare for pregnant women, he put some best practices in place, which have dramatically improved both maternal and infant mortality rates in the developing nation. Now, he shares these stories and ideas for other medical missions and healthcare workers on the new podcast “The First Thousand Days.”

Those involved with caring for pregnant women and newborns will already be familiar with the term, which encompasses the nine months of pregnancy plus the child’s first two years. This period is a pivotal window both to receive proper care and nutrition to ensure a safe delivery and that the baby grows healthy physically as well as mentally.

“Not many people realize how vital mom’s health during pregnancy is to the long-term development of the child, so we want to educate audiences about that along with the important nutritional needs both mom and baby have once the child is born,” Dr. Vanderpool said. “This is a vital period during which both mental and physical growth of the child – or lack thereof – can impact their future for years to come.

In addition to providing information about what moms and babies need during those first thousand days, Dr. Vanderpool will share from his experiences in Haiti, where he and his team were able to measure drastic improvements in maternal and infant mortality outcomes. From helping women understand the risks of giving birth on a dirt floor, to explaining which voodoo traditions were actually harmful to their babies, Dr. Vanderpool and his team learned a lot about working in the context of a given environment, which knowledge he is excited to pass along to others in this field.

“When moms and babies are in such desperate conditions as they are in Haiti, it’s easy to make a big difference,” Dr. Vanderpool said. “But we are going to be talking about other transferable principles that similarly apply in the developed world so that we can promote the health of as many moms and babies as possible.”

With new episodes releasing every Thursday, the LiveBeyond “First Thousand Days” podcast is available at https://livebeyondpodcast.home.blog/.

About LiveBeyond

LiveBeyond is a faith-based humanitarian organization bringing general medical care, mother and child health care, nutrition, clean water, education, and community development to people worldwide. LiveBeyond has worked in a number of countries, including Mozambique, Ghana, Honduras, and Haiti. In 2012, LiveBeyond established a base in the Thomazeau region of Haiti, where Dr. Vanderpool and his wife, Laurie, now live. The LiveBeyond compound consists of a guesthouse, a surgical hospital, a demonstration farm, a church, and a school. For more information, see www.livebeyond.org.

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LiveBeyond Partners with Steward Healthcare to Promote Sustainability in Haiti

Hospital System Provides Resources to Help Those in Greatest Need

DALLAS, March 16, 2022 – Faith-based humanitarian development organization LiveBeyond, co-founded by David and Laurie Vanderpool, is excited to share about the incredible impact on the people it serves in Haiti thanks to generous medical equipment donations from Houston’s St. Joseph Medical Center, a Steward Family Hospital. After learning of LiveBeyond’s efforts in 2021, leadership at St. Joseph Medical Center mobilized its staff to collect operating supplies to send to hospitals in Haiti.

"It's tremendous what St. Joseph Medical Center is doing for the people of Haiti,” Dr. Vanderpool said. “The impact of their efforts just can't be overstated, especially for a country that has one of the worst healthcare systems in the world. We are immensely grateful for all they have done."

In addition to gathering supplies for hospitals in Haiti, Dr. Konrad Harms, director of the obstetric residency program at St. Joseph Medical Center, is working to educate the LiveBeyond medical team based in Haiti to provide better care for their patients. Specifically, Dr. Harms teaches obstetrics and general gynecology via video conference, which has proven greatly beneficial.  

"The team at St. Joseph Medical Center is helping the Haitian people in ways that are almost unimaginable, helping the country to become more independent and sustainable," added Dr. Vanderpool. "Those involved are sacrificing their time and energy to make life better for those in dire need."

About LiveBeyond

LiveBeyond is a faith-based humanitarian organization bringing general medical care, mother and child health care, nutrition, clean water, education, and community development to people worldwide. LiveBeyond has worked in a number of countries, including Mozambique, Ghana, Honduras, and Haiti. In 2012, LiveBeyond established a base in the Thomazeau region of Haiti, where Dr. Vanderpool and his wife, Laurie, now live. The LiveBeyond compound consists of a guesthouse, a surgical hospital, a demonstration farm, a church, and a school. For more information, see www.livebeyond.org.

About Steward Health Care System:

Nearly a decade ago, Steward Health Care System emerged as a different kind of health care company designed to usher in a new era of wellness. One that provides our patients better, more proactive care at a sustainable cost; our providers unrivaled coordination of care; and our communities greater prosperity and stability.

As the country’s largest physician-led, tax paying, integrated health care system, our doctors can be certain that we share their interests and those of their patients. Together we are on a mission to revolutionize the way health care is delivered - creating healthier lives, thriving communities and a better world.

Steward is among the nation’s largest and most successful accountable care organizations (ACO), with more than 5,500 providers and 43,000 health care professionals who care for 12.3 million patients a year through a closely integrated network of hospitals, multispecialty medical groups, urgent care centers, skilled nursing facilities and behavioral health centers.

Based in Dallas, Steward currently operates 39 hospitals across Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Utah.

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LiveBeyond Launches Special Needs Program in Israel

Humanitarian Organization Expands Special Needs Nutrition and Healthcare Program in Jerusalem and Surrounding Areas

THOMAZEAU, Haiti, Aug. 3, 2021 – Faith-based humanitarian development organization LiveBeyond, co-founded by David and Laurie Vanderpool, is expanding its special needs ministry into areas of dire need in the Middle East. This program, Johnny’s Kids, is named for Laurie Vanderpool’s little brother Johnny Stallings who had Down Syndrome. The program will be launched in areas surrounding Jerusalem where partnerships have been established with local non-governmental organizations to serve as liaisons between both Arab and Israeli groups. 

“We are thrilled to bring our special needs and nutrition programs to the Middle East,” said LiveBeyond CEO and co-founder Dr. Vanderpool. “It is always an exciting time when we get to bring resources, education and encouragement to new areas and reach new individuals with the hope our programs provide. We are especially grateful to be partnering with the Tim Tebow Foundation and Convoy of Hope to provide these services.”

LiveBeyond continues its focus on poverty and healthcare, serving people by providing nutritional support, medical care, and humanitarian development. Johnny’s Kids was originally established in Haiti, providing education, nutrition, and physical therapy to people with intellectual and physical disabilities.

“While the people we serve have a variety of disabilities, they each bring a special light to this world and are a blessing to everyone with whom they come in contact,” Dr. Vanderpool said. “Each of these people carries an abundance of joy within their hearts that is infectious to those around them.” 

To learn more about LiveBeyond visit, https://livebeyond.org.

About LiveBeyond
LiveBeyond is a faith-based humanitarian organization bringing general medical care, mother and child health care, nutrition, clean water, education, and community development to people worldwide. LiveBeyond has worked in a number of countries, including Mozambique, Ghana, Honduras, and Haiti. In 2012, LiveBeyond established a base in the Thomazeau region of Haiti, where Dr. Vanderpool and his wife, Laurie, now live. The LiveBeyond compound consists of a guesthouse, a surgical hospital, a demonstration farm, a church, and a school.

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Faith-Based Humanitarian Organization Releases Podcast Series

LiveBeyond’s Podcast Will Share Messages on Living Missionally

THOMAZEAU, Haiti, April 28, 2021 -- Faith-based Humanitarian organization LiveBeyond is announcing the launch of a podcast focused around the theme of living missionally. It will feature conversations with missionaries as well as committed believers who live every day on mission, with the first few episodes highlighting Dr. David Vanderpool, LiveBeyond founder and CEO.

In each episode, those who have served either in the short term or as full time missionaries will share stories from the field as well as insight into what it means to live missionally wherever we may find ourselves in our current life circumstances.

“I love having this avenue for sharing with listeners what God is teaching me in the field, as well as how it can apply in our daily lives,” said Dr. Vanderpool.  “Whether we are serving in Haiti or Honduras or here at home, we are called to live on mission for Jesus in everything we do.”

In the first podcast episode, Dr. Vanderpool is interviewed by his daughter, who also serves on staff with LiveBeyond, and they discuss his recently released book “LiveBeyond: A Radical Call to Surrender and Serve.” Dr. Vanderpool shares the inspiration behind writing it and gives listeners a taste of what to expect when reading the book. He highlights stories included in the book and how serving on missions as a 16-year-old boy changed the trajectory of his life. He explores the realities and struggles that face the country of Haiti, and his journey of learning to live life on mission.

“Looking at the television screen on Jan. 12, 2010, I could not take my eyes away from the horror caused by the earthquake -- I felt the Lord telling me to go,” Dr. Vanderpool said. “There was a change and sense of urgency that I felt I needed to share what I had been given with others. In the Bible, Paul talks about the idea of equality and that we share what we have been given with others, and that really had an impact on me.”

“LiveBeyond: A Radical Call to Surrender and Serve” gives the inside story of how and why Dr. Vanderpool listened to the calling from God and uprooted his life as a surgeon in Brentwood, Tenn. Readers will be given a first-hand account of what life in the poverty-stricken country of Haiti is like and the challenges and rewards that come with serving there full-time.

To listen to the podcast and learn more about LiveBeyond, visit https://livebeyondpodcast.home.blog/.

About Dr. David Vanderpool
Dr. David Vanderpool is founder and CEO of LiveBeyond, a faith-based humanitarian organization bringing medical and maternal health care, clean water, education, orphan care, community development and the gospel of Jesus Christ to the oppressed in Thomazeau, Haiti. A successful trauma surgeon, Dr. Vanderpool served as a volunteer for more than 20 years providing free health care in developing countries that suffered from either natural or man-made disasters. After serving as first responders for a devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010, the Vanderpools felt called to truly help the Haitian people and provide a lasting impact in this country. In May 2013, Dr. Vanderpool and his wife Laurie officially moved to Thomazeau, Haiti, on a full-time basis. They sold both their home in Brentwood, Tenn., and Dr. Vanderpool’s private medical practice. To learn more visit, https://livebeyond.org/.

About LiveBeyond
LiveBeyond is a faith-based humanitarian organization bringing medical and maternal health care, clean water, education, orphan care, community development and the gospel of Jesus Christ to the oppressed in Thomazeau, Haiti. LiveBeyond purchased 63 acres in this region outside of Port-au-Prince. The LiveBeyond compound consists of the Hamilton Guest House, a medical clinic, worship center and a school, in addition to housing for orphans and other missionaries.

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Technology Helps Close Education Gap in Developing World

LiveBeyond Provides Haitian Children ‘First World’ Experience

Thomazeau, Haiti, Feb. 5, 2019 – Having just opened this past Fall, the new LiveBeyond School is working to transform Haiti by providing a world-class education to its children. Historically, education is beyond the financial means of most rural and poor Haitians, as they must cover the cost of school uniforms, supplies, books, classroom furniture and even teacher salaries. When families can’t even afford food to eat, education becomes a low priority.

In addition, for those who attend traditional Haitian schools, the curriculum is French-based – a language that most Haitians no longer speak – and focuses on rote memorization rather than encouraging students to think for themselves. Classrooms are over-crowded and teachers are not required to meet specific standards nor engage in professional development.

In its efforts to transform Haiti, LiveBeyond recognizes that sustainable change can only come from within. By educating students to compete in a world environment but to be proud of their nation and heritage, LiveBeyond hopes to halt the “brain drain,” and see Haitians pursue a higher education to benefit their own communities and the nation’s future.

Where most schools in Haiti don’t even have reliable electricity to keep the lights on, LiveBeyond has installed fiber-optic cables and wifi, with reliable electricity sourced through the non-profit’s own generators and solar energy. Access to this kind of technology is both innovative and transformative for nations like Haiti.

The LiveBeyond School classrooms are each equipped with apple TVs, projectors, and laptops. Both retired and active teachers, universities, and classrooms across America participate in skype sessions with the LiveBeyond students and teachers to aid in professional development, student enrichment, and cross-cultural and international bonds between classrooms.

“Through the use of technology, the LiveBeyond School has unlocked so many educational doors for both the teachers and the students,” said Courtney Stegall, LiveBeyond’s education director. “The LiveBeyond School will continue to implement technology in creative and purposeful ways as we prepare our students to become Haiti’s future leaders.”

For more information about the LiveBeyond School, please visit https://www.livebeyond.org/thriving-communities.

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LiveBeyond is a faith-based, humanitarian organization improving lives of the poor in Thomazeau, Haiti, with sustainable solutions in medical and maternal health care, clean water, education, and agricultural and economic development. It was founded by Dr. David Vanderpool, a trauma surgeon who has worked for more than 20 years responding to humanitarian disasters around the world. For more information, visit www.livebeyond.org.

Media Contacts:
Melany Ethridge
melany@alarryross.com
972.267.1111

Haiti-based LiveBeyond Providing Post-Hurricane Harvey Aid in Houston

HAITI-BASED LIVEBEYOND PROVIDING POST-HURRICANE HARVEY AID IN HOUSTON

NASHVILLE, Tenn., September 6, 2017 – With clean up and restoration estimated to take several months, LiveBeyond has a well-trained team participating in Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. In addition to assisting in clean up, the non-profit was able to provide over 30,500 pounds of water and other supplies to the devastated area thanks to donations from LiveBeyond supporters.Additionally, the people of Haiti have donated nearly $1,000 to Harvey relief.

“Shortly after making an announcement in church about Hurricane Harvey, people jumped into action. These people are the poorest of the poor who know the devastation that can come from hurricanes and what it is like to lose everything. To see them come together without any hesitation, to help the people of Houston is truly inspiring,” said Dr. David Vanderpool, founder and CEO of LiveBeyond. “This is a real testament to the power of giving and caring for others more than ourselves. We have seen the best of humanity in one of the darkest of times. All of our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Houston and we want them to know we will help them through this every step of the way.”

 While water continues to recede in Southeast Texas, LiveBeyond will keep mobilizing groups to help clean and provide more supplies to the area for as long as needed. In addition to their relief efforts, the non-profit is monitoring Hurricane Irma, currently a category five storm that could devastate the area less than a year after suffering damage from Hurricane Matthew, which was also a category five storm.

“Last October, Matthew destroyed the nation’s limited agricultural infrastructure and disrupted food distribution channels. Many people have not fully recovered from it,” said David S. Vanderpool, director of agriculture and marketing. “Should Irma hit, we believe similar destruction could occur. We ask for people to pray for everyone in the path of the storm and should it be needed, consider donating to LiveBeyond, as we will be assisting in recovery efforts.”

Dr. Vanderpool urges LiveBeyond supporters to stand with the people of Texas and Haiti. He asks that those who want to help consider donating to the organization. All of the money and supplies donated to LiveBeyond go directly to those hit by Harvey.

LiveBeyond is seeking to partner with more schools and churches as they proceed with recovery efforts. Groups or individuals interested in volunteering or sending in-kind donations can visit http://livebeyond.org/waystohelp/ for more information.

LiveBeyond is a faith-based, humanitarian organization improving lives of the poor in Thomazeau, Haiti, with sustainable solutions in medical and maternal health care, clean water, education, and agricultural and economic development. It was founded by Dr. David Vanderpool, a trauma surgeon who has worked for more than 20 years responding to humanitarian disasters around the world. For more information, visit www.livebeyond.org.

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LiveBeyond Relocating U.S. Headquarters to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex

DALLAS, November 13, 2017 – As part of efforts to expand its disaster relief program and grow its mission to aid the people of Thomazeau, Haiti, LiveBeyond has announced the move of its U.S. headquarters to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Coming on the heels of its receipt of official NGO status, this positions LiveBeyond to serve those in direst need more effectively.

“We are always looking for ways to better serve people and this move allows us to not only grow our international and disaster relief outreach but expand our community outreach as well,” said Dr. David Vanderpool, founder and CEO of LiveBeyond. “I completed my residency in Dallas so this area has always held a special place in my heart and the people of Texas have always been so supportive of the work we do. It just felt the natural fit for us to move here.”

Located in Grapevine, the building will provide LiveBeyond more space to store disaster aid and medical equipment. Additionally, the organization will be able to host community classes and seminars to provide training for both individuals and church groups in CPR, cardiac and pediatric life support, and even provide FEMA training for those interested in disaster response.

“We really want this space to become a local disaster relief headquarters – a place where people can prepare for a missions trip, learn safety procedures and when disaster strikes have a trustworthy and reliable place to drop off donations that they know will go directly to those in need,” said David S. Vanderpool, director of agriculture and marketing. “This new space positions us to have a better hub for serving the DFW community and the community around the world.”

In addition to the new headquarters, LiveBeyond is seeking to partner with more churches and people with experience in the construction industry as they proceed with recovery efforts in south Texas. Groups or individuals interested in volunteering or sending in-kind or monetary donations that will be used to purchase supplies from Houston area businesses can visit http://livebeyond.org/waystohelp/ for more information.

“We want people to know that LiveBeyond is here to help for the long haul, we consider ourselves Texans and it is so important to us that we help our of fellow Texans whether here in North Texas or our neighbors to our south,” said David S. Vanderpool. “Texas hospitality is second to none and we are all about finding ways to share that both here in the states and internationally.”

LiveBeyond is a faith-based, humanitarian organization improving lives of the poor in Thomazeau, Haiti, with sustainable solutions in medical and maternal health care, clean water, education, and agricultural and economic development. It was founded by Dr. David Vanderpool, a trauma surgeon who has worked for more than 20 years responding to humanitarian disasters around the world. For more information, visit www.livebeyond.org.

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