On June 12th last week we celebrated Tesfaye's 17th “rebirthday”. This occasion commemorates the day in 2009 when Tesfaye's life was transformed through complex 14 hour life-saving spine surgery, at Vancouver General Hospital, under the skillful hands of Dr. Marcel Dvorak and his team of dedicated medical professionals. What began as a single patient's journey of hope became something far greater than anyone could have imagined.
The best way to understand what this moment means to Tesfaye is through his own eloquent words shared on Facebook:
Hello everyone,
Today is one of the greatest days of my life. Exactly 17 years ago, on June 12, 2009, I was given a second chance at life, a chance to stand tall and live a longer, healthier life.
My journey from being bent to standing straight has not been an easy one. Life was filled with pain, struggles, and countless obstacles. Climbing those hills required courage, hope, and the support of extraordinary people.
Today, as I celebrate this special anniversary in my ❤️, my heart is full of gratitude. I will never forget Dr. Rick, Abba Gary and his wonderful family, Dr. Marcel, Dr. Boachie, and many others who have been part of my journey and continue to impact my life. Their kindness, compassion, and dedication changed my future forever.
This anniversary is not only a celebration of my life but also a reminder that humanity, love, and kindness can overcome even the greatest challenges.
Thank you to everyone who has walked alongside me on this journey.
Peace and love to all.
❤️ Humanity wins everything.
Tesfaye and his 3-year old son, Mihretab - April 2026.
As you know, I first met Tesfaye in 2008 as a young patient of Dr. Rick Hodes facing immense challenges while clinging to hope for a solution with courage, resilience, and determination. This year, during my visit to Ethiopia for the inauguration of the JDC “Bring Back Hope National Spine Center, in honor of Dr. Rick Hodes”, I had the privilege of reflecting on just how far that journey has come.
Seeing Ethiopia's first National Spine Centre open its doors on April 21, 2026, and meeting Tesfaye's wife, Teje, and young son, Mihretab, which means “gift from God” in Amharic, was a powerful reminder that lasting change begins with helping one person. If you click on this 3-minute video you will sense the joy of the historic Inauguration Ceremony.
The official ribbon cutting of Ethiopia’s first National Spine Centre - April 21, 2026.
Tesfaye's story inspired a vision that grew from launching the Vancouver “Bring Back Hope” (BBH) Initiative to address urgent individual needs, to building sustainable spine care capacity for an entire nation. Dr. Marcel Dvorak, who sadly passed away a year ago on May 9, 2025, would have been deeply proud to witness the opening of the National Spine Centre. His skill saved lives, but his belief in what was possible for this one Ethiopian spine patient back in 2009 and his willingness to take on the challenge, was foundational to everything that followed.
The new National Spine Centre stands as a testament to what can be achieved when individuals, organizations, donors, and medical professionals work together over many years toward a common goal.
Please take a moment to view the Bring Back Hope article reflecting on this memorable occasion in further detail, as well as these photos capturing other highlights of the day.
It was a proud moment indeed to see the valuable support of our Vancouver BBH community, half a world away, reflected in the name of the Spine Centre. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey of hope.
As you all know, this initiative means a great deal to me; therefore I will be matching donations made through the link below, to help extend the impact of your generosity.
Warm regards,
Gary Segal, C.M., O.B.C.,
BBH Founder & Chair.
