For Dr Jacqueline Deon Simmonds Goulbourne, life’s most difficult challenges have become the foundation of a powerful mission, one rooted in healing, advocacy, and hope.
An eclectic biopsychosocial professional, Dr Goulbourne’s work spans sociology, gerontology, nursing, disaster management, and organisational systems. With five master’s degrees, a PhD in Human and Organizational Systems, and over a decade of certifications, including evidence-based coaching from Fielding Graduate University; her academic and professional journey is as expansive as it is impactful.
But beyond her credentials lies a deeply personal story, one that gave birth to the Floy-Than Foundation.
Dr Goulbourne’s career began in taxation before transitioning into healthcare as a Registered General Nurse at the University Hospital of the West Indies. Her professional path would evolve to include HIV/STI research, pharmaceutical sales, disaster management with ODPEM, academia at UWI Mona, and ultimately her role today as a Social Health advocate.
Yet, her most defining experience came through her own health journey.
Diagnosed with Lupus in 2008 after years of symptoms dating back to 1999, Dr Goulbourne endured severe complications, including chronic kidney failure. For eight years, she underwent dialysis, navigating not only the physical toll but also the emotional and financial burden of long-term treatment.
In September 2021, she received a life-saving kidney transplant. “I am passionate about helping people to achieve their best life, especially those who have experienced difficult, life-altering circumstances,” she said.
Even before her transplant, Dr Goulbourne envisioned a foundation that would address the gaps she experienced firsthand.
The Floy-Than Foundation was born out of that vision and named in honour of two influential figures in her life: her brother Floyd and her grandfather Nathan, both of whom shaped her values of resilience, self-worth, and purpose.
Today, the foundation is dedicated to providing solutions, not just support for persons living with kidney failure, individuals diagnosed with lupus, persons with other autoimmune conditions, and students, particularly within the Faculty of Medical Sciences.
CONCERNING TREND
While diabetes and hypertension remain the leading causes of kidney failure globally and in Jamaica, Dr Goulbourne highlights a concerning trend, lupus is increasingly contributing to kidney disease within the Jamaican population.
With more than half a million Jamaicans estimated to be living with lupus, many are now presenting with kidney complications, often diagnosed too late for effective early intervention.
She also points to systemic challenges including high cost of dialysis, limited access to kidney transplants, delayed diagnosis of autoimmune diseases, and persistent poverty among affected patients.
The Floy-Than Foundation goes beyond awareness by delivering practical, life-changing support including kidney health initiatives, funding dialysis treatments, providing monthly groceries for vulnerable patients, annual sponsorship of the Bellamour Dialysis Unit in St. Ann, partial sponsorship for kidney transplants overseas, and Caribbean-focused kidney health research.
Lupus and autoimmune support will also include education and awareness campaigns, patient visits, counselling, and empowerment, financial assistance for treatment, research into genetic factors and potential cures, and student support scholarships and financial aid, mentorship for medical students and guidance on academic and professional success
“Not just patients, but people, this foundation is about restoring dignity, hope, and opportunity,” she said.
UPCOMING INITIATIVES
Central to Dr Goulbourne’s mission is knowledge-sharing. Through her autobiography, “ Broken But Beautiful: A Struggle With Lupus and Journey for a Kidney Transplant,” as well as public lectures, interviews, and conferences, she continues to raise awareness and inspire action.
Upcoming initiatives include, May 17, 2026: Lupus Cerebritis to Podiatrist (Understanding lupus from head to toe), June 27, 2026: To Count Cows or To Drink Milk (A focus on practical medicine), and September 24–26, 2026: Can’t Teach Old Dogs New Tricks? True or False
These events aim to bridge the gap between research and real-world medical practice, particularly within the Caribbean context. Dr Goulbourne’s philosophy is grounded in a biopsychosocial model, recognising that health is not just physical, but also emotional, social, and spiritual.
Her work reflects a commitment to helping individuals from “conception to the grave”, find their best life within supportive systems. “Everything I do is about helping people to live fully, despite their circumstances,” she said.
At its core, the Floy-Than Foundation is more than an organisation, it is a legacy of love, resilience, and purpose.
Through her lived experience, professional expertise, and unwavering compassion, Dr Jacqueline Goulbourne is transforming the narrative around chronic illness in Jamaica, proving that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to build a life of impact.
Her journey stands as a powerful reminder: broken does not mean defeated, it can also mean becoming.
keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com
