Anesthesiologists

Barry Beutler, left, and Ron Abrons

Barry Beutler

Barry Beutler after Surgery

Barry grew up in Utah.  He has served two years with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Vina Del Mar, Chile. Barry graduated from Utah State University and said he “married the woman of my dreams two weeks later and moved to Hershey, PA where I attended Medical School at Penn State and three children joined our family.”  Barry did his Anesthesia Residency at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI where a 4^th child joined them.  Barry is currently completing a Pain Medicine Fellowship at U of Iowa.  Plans next year include a practice of both Pain and Anesthesia in Casper, WY.  Barry said, “Trips like this remind me why I chose medicine as a career in the first place. Being among such giving team members, and such humble people that we serve, revitalizes my enthusiasm for life!”

Thanks Barry for your skills and good luck!     

Ron Abrons

Ron Abrons, right

This is Ron’s first mission with MOST however he has done previous medical missions to Ethiopia and Ecuador.  Ron is Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology at the University of Iowa specializing in Regional Anesthesia and Airway Management.  His wife is Assistant Professor of Pharmacy.  Ron grew up in Lexington, MA, but came to the U of I for his degrees in Biochemistry and MD. He then did his Anesthesia Residency in Madison WI and practiced in Albany NY for 3 years before returning to Iowa City.

 Ron says, “I am honored to have the opportunity to help our less fortunate neighbors.” 

Thanks Ron for all you do.

David Swanson

Ruben Zuniga and David Swanson, right, taking a break

David Swanson in OR

This is Dave’s third trip with MOST.  Dave says, “I love helping kids through their cleft surgeries.  The patient’s future is so much brighter from a health and social standpoint.  The camaraderie’s of the team and learning about a new culture and country are added benefits.” Dave has been an anesthesiologists at the U of Iowa for almost a decade.  Dave attended U of I Medical School. This is where he met his wife who was a classmate, and they went to Vermont to do their residency, before going into private practice in Wisconsin. Dave and his wife have three awesome kids in Jr Hi and High school.

Dave it was great having you join us again this year.  

Jessica Kelley

Jessica Kelley Intubating a Patient

Jessica Monitoring Equipment During Surgery

Jessica, an Iowan, from West Branch, Iowa is also a 4^th year Anesthesia Resident at the U of Iowa Hospitals.  Jessica attended UNI and U of I Med School.  Jessica says, “I wanted to be a part of a team whose goal is to provide opportunities for children who otherwise may not have the chance to get the care they deserve.  I also wanted to enhance my skills in pediatric anesthesia, especially in a setting where all the resources we are use to having weren’t readily available.”  

Thank you Jessica, for joining us this year.  Good Luck!  

Rebecca Floyd

Rebecca Monitoring Anesthesia Equipment

Becky is from South Carolina where she attended University and Medical School.  She is presently a 4^th year Anesthesia Resident at the U of Iowa Hospitals.  Becky said, “I was eager to participate in Iowa MOST after learning about the great experiences previous residents have enjoyed.  My family had previously been able to host a child through Rotary’s Gift of Life Program and being able to interact with Rotary again was a wonderful experience.  I was also excited to help provide healthcare to those who may not have the access or the means to receive surgery.”

Becky so glad you could join us this year.  Thank You! 

Keith Barkalow - Biomedical Engineering Technician

Keith Barkalow

Keith Barkalow – our team bio medical engineering technician

Keith began his career as a biomedical engineer technician at the UIHC, but since 1984 he has been at the Veterans Hospital in Iowa City.  Keith heard about MOST via Dennis Wilson another bio-medical engineer who has been on three different MOST missions. When Keith heard about the mission, he told Dennis that this would be something he would be interested in doing sometime. Last year Dennis was not available to come with MOST, so Keith was happy to take his place, coming on his first mission with MOST. Again this year there was an opening and Keith was asked by Gary and John to fill the vacancy.  Keith said, “this is the most rewarding thing I have ever done.”      

Operating Room Nurses

Jennifer Oliver

Jennifer Oliver

   

Jennifer in the OR

This is Jennifer’s third mission to Xela with MOST. Jennifer is one of the Teams Operating Room nurses.  She has worked for 8 ½ years in OR at the U of I Hospitals, but is currently working at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City as a Clinical Informatics Specialist.

Jennifer is married with two sons.  She says. “It is important to give back. We have so much, so it’s the least I can do.  The group is dynamic and fun which makes every moment worth it.  Last and most important these families are so wonderful.  Their love for their children is amazing.”        

Thank You Jennifer for joining us again.

 Jody Meyer

Jody Meyer

Jody Observing Surgery

  

Jody says, “I have been an operating room nurse for almost 23 years.  I love it!  This is my 5^th MOST Mission.  I love to help people and I love to work hard. These missions are so rewarding.  Seeing the gratefulness of the parents is one of the best things I’ve ever experienced. Guatemala is full of such wonderful people.  It is a pleasure to return here year after year.”   

At home in Iowa Jody likes to bike and swim in her spare time.  She has been married to a fantastic man for 27 years.  They have 2 daughters who are both in college.

Last September Jody opened a B&B in her home.  She hopes to make this a full time profession once my kids are out of college. 

Thank you Jody, for being the lead OR nurse this year on Iowa MOST.  

Sandy Kessler

Sandy Kessler

Sandy, left, Assisting Surgery

Sandy became a nurse in 2005 at the UIHC.  Sandy says, “I love OR nursing and having the opportunity to work with surgeons and anesthesia staff, as well as coming on this mission.” Currently Sandy works in OR at the Veterans Hospitals in Iowa City. Sandy is enjoying seeing many of the same staff as when she worked at UIHC.

To Sandy, “The mission trip is all that I expected it to be and more!  I am very thankful to be part of such a wonderful team –making such a life changing impact on so many children and their families.”

Sandy, thanks for all your help.

Kallie DeWall

Kallie DeWall

Kallie Assisting Surgery

Kallie began nursing in 2004 in the Otolaryngology team at the UIHC.  Currently she is an OR nurse at Allen Hospital in Cedar Falls, IA. This is Kallie’s first MOST Mission.  She says, “I am so happy to have the opportunity to be a part of this organization. I have always wanted to take part in a medical mission.  I first learned of the Iowa City Rotary/Iowa MOST project through Pat Wehrle when I worked with her in the U of I Operating room.  I have always heard nothing but possible experiences from the people who participate.  I have learned an immense amount of information about organizing a medical mission and how important it is to work with what supplies you have, even if the resources are limited.”

Kallie,thank you for joining us.   

Terri Cody

Terri Cody

Terri has been an OR nurse for 22 years and at the U of I Dept of Neurosurgery for 19 years. Terri said, “I was encouraged to participate in the MOST trip to Guatemala by Pat Wehrle and Diane Miller.  This year I am privileged to be a part of the team.  It is an experience that is beyond anything I imagined.  The love that radiates from our team to the patients and their families is given right back to us.  It is amazing to see the concern and care that everyone on the team gives to the Guatemalan people.  It comes naturally!!  And we have been the recipients of much love in return from them.  This whole experience has been life-changing for me.  I am so thankful for this opportunity! Thank you Rotarians, and all the great people who went to Guatemala.”

Thank you Terri, for sharing of yourself.       

Following a Patient Through Surgery

Jim Arthur telling of his experience of following a patient through the surgical process, from beginning to end.

Today, Tuesday the 23^rd, I was again struck by the dedication and skills of the team of people who make up M.O.S.T.. I saw 18 month old Glendy have her cleft palate repaired by the team led by Dr. Brian Andrews.  Looking at the top of Glendy's  mouth, you could see the hole in the top of the palate, and the entries into the nose were visible in the gap. Because of this she would never be able to be at ease eating in public because some of the food would come out of her nose. The cleft would make her voice sound funny when she talked causing her further grief. Slowly Brian and his team isolated the muscles under the tissues at the edges of the cleft and sewed the two sides of each together. Repair of the rearmost muscle will improve her ability to swallow. After 3 hours of surgery, Glendy had a roof in her mouth and moved to the recovery room.

Glendy was agitated and unhappy as she came out of the anesthetic. The nurses  assisted by non-medical members of the team struggled with her to keep her from hurting herself and to prevent her from pulling out her iv tube or pulling off the monitors. She couldn't be released until she could maintain a proper oxygen level. It was slow to come up, and she struggled long and hard. Eventually tender loving care calmed her, and after an even longer time her oxygen level came up. It was a challenge for all concerned, but Glendy left the area calm and with a brighter future ahead of her.

I saw several other children come through recovery from surgery today. It was a moving day, one I wll long remember.

Brian Andrews, Daniel Jorgensen, Kirsten Boyle, Reinhard Juraschek

BJ Wagner, Krasi Hristov, Marilyn Wurth

Glendy before Surgery

Glendy after Surgery

Jim Arthur

Submitted by Jim Arthur

Jim Arthur’s bio

“I had the privilege to watch Dr Cable in Surgery today (Sunday).  I left impressed by his skill and with the thought in my mind that I have often paid to listen to skilled artists perform music or watch skilled actors perform on stage. Today I saw someone just as skilled or more so, than I have paid good money for in the past.”

Jim is a retired Geneticist with Hy-Line International, breeder of laying hens. Jim has been a Rotarian for 11 years in the NW Des Moines Club.  For his Club he has been involved in both international and local grants. Currently he is involved with a District Simplied Grant, purchasing meat for the Urbandale Food Pantry.  This permits meat to be included in emergency food packages for people in need each month. This is particularly rewarding because it allows being physically involved with getting to meat to the Food Pantry.

He also enjoyed being a part the water purification project directed by Bob Main in Xicotopec three years ago, 

Comite de Damas Rotarias (Rotary Women)

            The Rotary Women are wives of the Rotarians.   They have their own organization, a group of 16 intrepid women, ready to do anything, working tirelessly to support others and make the world a better place.  They raise funds through raffles, offering cooking courses, selling pastries and arranging flowers among other activities.  With the funds they help a local orphanage, a home for the aged, El Hogar de los Ninos Minusvalidos (a home for disabled children) and Oratorio Don Bosco, which offers wholesome activities for children.  This week Iowa MOST is their project.  They have brought us lunch each day and been gracious hostesses, staying to chat and make us feel like old friends. 

Lucia Najangus de De Leon, President of the Comite de Damas Rotarias, and Michelle Zuniga de Juarez 

            Lucia Najangus de De Leon is the President of the Damas Rotarias.  She owns a flower business and works part-time with her brother to rent and build houses.  She enjoys the opportunity to help people that the organization affords.  There is strength in working as a group.  Each woman brings her talents and work ethic to the effort.  On Tuesday this kind woman brought us lunch along with Michelle Zuniga de Juarez who has been a member of Damas Rotarias four years and is the youngest member.  Michelle admires the other women in the group who continually work to help others.  Working with them “makes me happy,” says Michelle.  When not working on humanitarian projects, Michele manages her family’s business of importing encyclopedias from Spain to Central American countries.

Micky Mauricio (l.) and Marceal de Sotomora (r.) rest a moment to chat after delivering lunch to 37 Iowa MOST members

Submitted by Nancy Pacha

Second Day of Surgery (Monday)

Our team leaders Gary & Nancy Pacha, Surgery leader, Dr Canady and in country coordinator, Paco are facilitating another great MOST mission to Guatemala. We are missing Karin Franklin, but we are trying to fill her spot the best we can. 

Mario 2011 before Surgery

  

Mario 2012 

Mario, from last year, is so attached to the team. We have brought more hope to him than anyone else ever has in his life. Due to his deformities his language pronunciation will always be difficult to understand.  Even with his new prosthetic, for the roof of his mouth, it would take years of speech therapy to develop clarity - of course he will never have one day of speech therapy.  I reported on the Sunday blog, that Mario was attending a trade school.  Well, in gathering further info, he is not at a trade school as I reported, but he does have a job at a bus terminal. Today he began the fitting of his prosthetic and he should have the final fitting tomorrow. 

It was very busy day, but all ended well. Everyone was tired.

One of the volunteers, Robyn Braverman came prepared to set up a ‘fun center’ for the older kids.  They were able to color, work with puzzles and do crafty items which helped make the time go faster as they waited for surgery.

This year we are so blessed with so many translators. 

During screening and today, a group of local young medical students, dressed as Clowns, wander around among the kids, making them laugh, giving them balloons, and simply breaking the stress of the day.  They were great!

MOST has brought many beanie babies and stuffed toys.  Each child will receive one or more.  We are also giving the kids clothes, and socks.  The kids simply love them and the parents are happy for anything.    

A Day in the Dental Clinic

Today the dental clinic worked its magic on three patients who needed obturators, a type of dental prosthetic composed of molded plastic made to fit each individual defect to seal off the nasal passages from the mouth.  One child, Monica, also needed some teeth extracted. I don’t think she expected Doctor Antonio Rosal Alvarez to cause her a bit of pain and numbness in her mouth while he gingerly and effectively extracted some of her teeth so fast she really didn’t realize what happened. Her mother, from Quiche, spoke Mam to her, their native language.

Three patients were seen and molds were taken from their mouths.  The dentists on the delegation, Steve Aquilino and Bill Gates, worked fervently to mix the plaster and place the molds in the mouths of the patients. The following step was to make the actual obturators. The dental team will meet the patients tomorrow (Tuesday) to fit the obturators.  The dentists will show each individual how to use and care for the obturators.

Bill Gates in the Dental Clinic

Molding an Obturator

Steve Aquilino and Bill Gates with Patient and Mother 

Obturators- A Huge Success

The successful delivery of three obturators to three kids, aged 11-16 made substantial changes in the lives of these kids. The kids seemed shy but comfortable, but after the obturator was in place, the kids practiced drinking and enjoying the feel of water going down their throat instead of up and into their noses. Their smiles said it all- something made of acrylic resin, and molded to the patient’s mouth, just made their lives become a whole lot easier.

WOW, WOW! Mario screamed after drinking water and feeling it go down his throat. Both dentists and translator started giggling and hugging each other to see the sheer joy on Mario’s face. Mario has a history with the Rotary Club, he had his cleft repaired last year and came back to have his obturator fitted. 

Another Happy Customer

Submitted by Robyn Braverman

Our Dental Team

Aaron Figueroa, Bill Gates, Steve Aquilino

Bill Gates

Steve Aquilino

Bill Gates dentist  

This is Bill’s third trip to Guatemala with Iowa MOST.  Bill trained with Steve Aquilino at the University of Iowa Department of Prosthodontics.  After the University of Iowa, Bill completed at year program in Maxillofacial Prosthodontics at University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.  Bill taught at the University Of North Carolina Dental School for 3 years before entering private practice in Durham, NC.  When he is not working, he spends his time playing with his two Golden Retrievers, Cider & Shadow. As to what motivates Bill to return, he says, ‘Where else could I spend 10 days with the best people on earth providing a life changing service to a gracious and genuine people.  I am fortunate to be a part of this group, and humbled by the hardships endured by our patients.” 

Steven Aquilino dentist

Steven has been a professor at the U of Iowa in the Department of Prosthodontics for 30 years. This is Steven’s 5^th trip on MOST to Guatemala.  Steven was recruited to the team by Dr Bill LaVelle, one of his mentors at Iowa. Three years ago Steven recruited one of his former students, Dr Bill Gates to join the team.

During the mission the main role of the dentist is to:

(1)   remove non-restorable teeth in patients undergoing cleft lip and palate surgery, thereby removing any source of infection that may interfere with healing

(2)   make obturators (prostheses) to close cleft palates in those patients unable to have surgery. 

As to Steven’s personal statement, “One of the main things that keeps me coming back is the working with this incredible team of individuals with a common goal of helping the children of Guatemala.”       

Aaron Figueroa, dental student 

Aaron grew up in Glencoe, IL, which is a northern suburb of Chicago. He attended New Trier Township HS and completed his BS in Microbiology at the U of Rochester in NY.  Immediately following he began dental school at the U of Iowa and is currently a 4^th year student.  He will continue his training at U of Iowa in Oral Maxillofacial Surgery.  Arron has one older brother Alex, who recently joined their father in his Orthodontic practice.  Aaron says, “My father is originally from Guatemala City.  I chose to attend this mission for the opportunity to give back to my roots.”     

Ruben Zuniga – Team Sterilization Technician

In Iowa Ruben is an ESL (English as a second language associate teacher) at Columbus Community Schools.  At night from 5:00 to 1:30 Ruben is a sterilization technician in the operating rooms at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.  This is Ruben’s 6^th mission with MOST. 

Ruben says, “In Iowa I was one of the victims of the flood in l993.  Many people helped me out, friends, family and people I did not know.  One night at work Pat Wehrle a nurse at the University invited me on a Mission. I fell in love with the work and what it means to help these people with cleft lips and palates.  I decided this was going to be the way I would ‘pay it forward’, for the good things people did for me in 1993.” 

Another valuable aspect of having Ruben on the team is that he speaks fluent Spanish.

Thanks Ruben for all you give.

Guatemalan Rotarian Partners

John Diehl

                Originally from Santa Fe, New Mexico, John Diehl has lived in Guatemala a long time.  John ‘s first experience in a Spanish-speaking country was as a Peace Corps worker in 1973 in Peru and later in Paraguay where he worked as an agricultural extension agent and teacher of animal science.  He was sent to Guatemala by the Office of Overseas Development of the USDA to create a project for diversification of agriculture in the altiplano.  The project was accepted and John was hired to carry it out.  He returned to do that, married and has never left.  It’s a good thing he did not.  His was the name that led us to Quetzaltenango (Xela). 

Alvaro and Mario

Alvaro Ordonez Cifuentes 

                A professor of mathematics and statistics at the Universidad Mesoamericana and the Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, Alvaro Ordonez Cifuentes became a Rotarian in 2005.  After attending many Rotary fundraisers and being aware of their projects, he decided he could do much more as a Rotarian than merely supporting their efforts.  By 2010 when Iowa MOST last came to Quetzaltenango, Alvaro was the club president assuming all kinds of responsibility for taking care of one of their bigger projects, supporting this mission.  This year Alvaro is the Guatemalan Iowa MOST project coordinator with the help of Dr. Raul Cordon, a Rotarian and a doctor at the hospital with we are working.  Alvaro's big heart has led him to take Mario under his wing.  The two are inseparable.  (refer to yesterday’s blog - re Mario the 16 year old from last year) 

Submitted by Nancy Pacha

Dee Ann Grems & Mindy Bowen - Pediatric Nurses

Mindy Bowen & Dee Grems

Dee Ann Grems  – a Pediatric nurse. 

This is Dee’s 6^th mission with MOST.  Dee has worked for over 23 years at the University of Iowa Hospital where she works with Pediatric patients, many of whom have cleft lip and palate repairs.  Dee and Mindy Mahoney make a wonderful pediatric nurse team on MOST, working with the kids in pre-op and post-op.  Dee says, “I love doing this and continue to return because of the huge amount of satisfaction I get helping the children of Guatemala.”

Mindy Bowen – a Pediatric nurse on MOST. 

This is Mindy’s 5^th MOST Mission.  Mindy has been a nurse for 24 years.  Presently at the University of Iowa Hospitals Mindy is Assistant Nurse Manager on Team #8 in the Pre-operative Division for persons over 18 years of age.  Mindy says, “This trip teaches me more about humanity than I can learn in the States.”  Mindy is an energetic part of the MOST team.

Both of these gals love working with the babies and children.  A big thanks to Dee & Mindy.     

Idalma and Her Father Jorge

Dressed in a cowboy shirt, boots and belt, Jorge, the father of Idalma, age 11, fought to get his daughter operated on sooner than later. He was ready to say no, he did not want to stay, he wanted to be bumped up on the schedule. Idalma, who has had a bilateral cleft repair previously, decided to speak up. She said to her parents, and anyone else who would listen, that she did not care how long she had to stay, she was not leaving without having the second procedure, a tooth extraction. I asked Jorge what his expectation of his daughter was before and after the surgery.

“I want her to talk, want her to be happier…”  Idalma has difficulty speaking, but managed to eek out a smile.  As we set up the child friendly play center where she was, Allison, 11 months came in, held by her very nervous mother. Allison was a very hungry and cranky baby.  Jorge looked at Allison, who was born with a cleft palate and said, very calmly to her mother”  is that your daughter?” , and the nervous mother nodded shyly. Proudly, he pointed to his daughter, and said “this is my daughter, and your daughter will look as beautiful as mine does after her surgery. “ 

Submitted by Robyn Braverman

Tita Coffman - Volunteer / Translator

Tita Translating on Screening Day

Tita & Dee Grems in Pediatrics 

Tita Coffman – an essential translator on MOST.  

A native of Mexico, this is Tita’s second year on MOST.  Tita is currently Vice President and CEO of the University of Iowa Alumni Association.  Tita, one of the Rotarians on MOST, has been a Rotarian since June 2010. Tita says, “MOST was a life changing experience.  Service and assisting individuals in need is addictive and I am now “hooked”.    This return trip had a second goal.  “As Chair of my Rotary Club’s World community Service Team, I came early to Guatemala to finalize an agreement with a Guatemalan Orthopedic Surgeon who will promote the Ponseti method among the Gualemalan medical community.  The project is to treat 100 children afflicted with Club Foot using the Ponseti method.    The Rotary Club of La Ermita is the local Rotary Partner.  I try to live “Service above Self”.

Thank you Tita for your valuable services as a translator.  

First Day of Surgery

Xela Hospital

A note – our internet situation is not ideal, so we will post whenever possible.  Hopefully it will be each day, but do not panic if this does not occur – keep checking back.

After we posted the blog last night (it seems the internet is more accessible after 10:00pm) I thought of several items I should have mentioned. 

-The shipment arrived early Saturday morning – What a relief!  However we did have sufficient supplies that we could have preceded today without the shipment.  It was finally ‘liberated’ from customs.

-Also, I mentioned it was a ‘tough day’.  Missions of this sort are very emotional experiences.  Most of these families are from poor hillside villages and are devastated when at the birth of their precious baby they realize their baby has a facial deformity.  They are often too poor to search out medical treatment, so the family often lives a secluded life with their child. When they hear of a ‘free’ clinic, they arrive on screening day full of HOPE.  They travel great distances (for them) often on a ‘chicken bus’, to arrive early in the morning.  Many think there will be surgery yet that day.  They are so patient and so full of Hope. 

Waiting Room During Screening Day

Dee Grems Checking Vitals of Potential Patient

Developing Surgery Schedule

During the screening process yesterday, we screened 80+ persons.  However some were not healthy enough for surgery so they are referred to other health care so the child will be ready for surgery next year.  Some are underweight for their age – they are referred to an NGO who will work with their nutrition.  Some are simply too young – yesterday we saw a 4 day old child.  We will not do surgery on a baby less than 6 months old, but we refer all of these families to farther free medical care so they will be ready for surgery next year in Huehue.  We keep a data base on all the children we screen.

Now today!  Another beautiful Guatemala morning!  It is chilly in the morning and at night, but during the day it is beautiful. 

First day of surgery!  Our utmost priority is safety!  The surgical staff is ready!  Surgery patients have been in the hospital overnight, and after checking their vitals, they are ready to go.   

The Dentists are not able to get into the dental section of the hospital, so they are taking ‘a hike’ today.          

We are going to have several of the volunteers add segments to the blog – interviews they have had, as well as their experiences on this Mission.  Over the course of the week we hope to cover all of the staff on the blog.

The whole team is so grateful to the women of the Inner Wheel Club (Rotarian wives) for the food they are providing for our lunch. 

This afternoon we had another disappointing situation for the team, however due to safety, they could not progress with surgery.  The child’s mouth and air passages were still too small.  Even though the surgery was aborted this year, the parents were accepting of the invite to Huehue next year for surgery.  Safety first!!  Every morning Dr Canady say “safety first”! 

Screening Day

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Screening Day is controlled chaos! 

By the time the team arrived at the hospital at 7:00, families were already waiting. 

It was 9:00 until the screening process was ready to begin. The first station is beginning a data folder on each patient – name, birth date, contact info, etc; the second station is taking the temp and pulse, etc; third station is height and weight; fourth station is signing a release to have a photo taken and then taking the photo. After all the basic date had been gathered, the patients wait to see the surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentist, and pediatricians.  After the screening process, the waiting begins - it was 3:30pm before the surgery schedule was announced.  It is amazing the way families and children are so patient.  The first ones are waiting from 10:00 -3:30.

            Today was particularly tough as several children were extremely underweight. Five were admitted directly to the hospital – one due to pneumonia.  The heartbreaking case of the day was a 7 month old child who had congenital deformities that were to serious to treat.   

            However, our 16 year old Mario, from a year ago, (read the blog from last year regarding Mario) showed up at the hospital this afternoon.  He was thrilled to see the whole team, hugging everyone, even those who were not on the team a year ago.  His life and appearance had been changed and he could not thank us enough. I don’t think any of us had a dry eye when we saw him.  All of us were thrilled to hear he was attending a trade school.  He has returned in hopes of a palate repair – the dentist will be fitting him with a prosthetic palate.

            The afternoon concluded with the announcing of the surgery schedule.  Those who will be having surgery tomorrow will be admitted yet today. 

            Everyone is exhausted from a long day. 

2012 Mission Poster

Surgeons, John Canady and Kristen Boyle sitting, Brian Andrews and Ben Cable Standing - Examining Patients



Dentist Steve Aguilino Examining Patient 




Families Waiting For Screening




Mother and Child



Reinhard Juraschek Playing With Children Waiting for Screening