Our Story
The NuVasive Spine Foundation was founded in 2009 by a group of NuVasive employees looking for a way to band together and help their community. Over the last decade, NSF has evolved into an organization committed solely to operating spine focused medical mission trips.
Becoming NSF
Originally known at the NuVasive Cheetah Gives Back Foundation, NSF earned its 501c3 nonprofit status in 2009, and soon became the NuVasive Spine Foundation (NSF) in 2011.
The foundation is uniquely positioned to share the innovative technology and expertise of NuVasive, Inc. through the operation of medical mission trips. Throughout its tenure, volunteer teams have traveled to 32 countries around the world and provided more 1,500 life-changing spine surgeries.
Today, NSF has found its operational stride through a growing medical mission program rooted in three locations: Honduras, Mexico and the Eastern Caribbean. Each location is setup to address the specific needs of that community.
We provide tailored resources for each location and are directly involved with the planning and execution of each medical mission trip and the long-term program development.
NSF is led by two full-time staff members and is overseen by a board of directors. The foundation is a legally and financially independent organization from NuVasive, Inc. – fundraising every dollar it spends on its medical mission program and providing life-changing spine surgery.
NuVasive generously donates spinal products, technology and clinical services (neuromonitoring and product support) to support NSF medical mission trips.
Why We Do It
Imagine living in debilitating pain without access to surgical care or even the chance to be diagnosed by a spine surgeon. Waiting year after year, as symptoms worsen and quality of life diminishes. Even if you are lucky enough to be offered surgery in your home-country, you couldn’t afford it. These patients are the “why” and together with our program partners, we provide hope to thousands of patients around the world.
Meet Daniela:
Honduras Medical Mission Patient
“I was living in horrible pain. I couldn’t walk, stand-up, go to the bathroom or take care of my son. When I stood up for the first time after surgery, I felt like the happiest woman in the world. I feel like I have my life back and can be the mother my son needs.” – Daniela
Financial Information
NSF is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (Tax ID # 26-4835245). Donations to NSF are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
Donations to NSF support the NSF medical mission program. NSF does not provide grants or charitable donations to external organizations. NSF is financially independent from NuVasive, Inc., and relies solely on fundraising to fund its operations and medical mission program. NuVasive generously donates hardware, technology and clinical services to support the NSF medical missions trips.