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Some thoughts on our #15 Medical Mission. Balaoan, Northern La Union Province,
14-18 January 2008. This was the location and dates for our Medical Mission #
15. Was anything different from the last 14? Yes and No. Patients line up from early morning to late afternoon, it is always hot and sticky, food, drinks, and not
enough sleep were all pars for the course. The hospitality of the local Hospital
staff, and of course the ever-available Rotarians from so many Clubs and areas just waiting to serve us, and help the patients
needs. From just a re-assuring word and touch, to life saving, life changing,
and the relief of pain and suffering was what we were able to pass along without a thought to the cost, individually or as
a group we all gave and were rewarded with more than a thank you. Our lives have been forever touched with the joy of a father receiving into
his arms, his son Amando, and no longer ugly but so handsome the world was for him forever changed. For the ladies that had their ugly tumor’s removed, to those that were blind and can now see, those
that had their “Bukol’ removed {small Cysts}. General Surgery, ENT
Surgery, Dental and all the teams were really put to the test. We worked our 10-12 hour days and all the time feeling the
heartfelt thank you as well as hearing them from the ever-grateful patients. The
hospital staff was involved in the every day operations as well as the huge demands that were placed upon them during our
intense presence. Our Pharmacy was kept so busy; they almost had a melt down, with the load and heat in their little room they passed
out pills of every kind, mostly without a break, from morn to night. All our
teams worked at jobs they didn’t believe existed before they arrived, looking for a piece of string to some high-tech
gadget, perspiration was the norm for each. Recovery room nurses worked at easing
their patients pain and worry after surgery, promoting a happy future for each and all.
A special donation from a participant’s
granddaughter led to the hospital receiving 25 pedestal fans, two pediatric rooms being painted, decorated with toys, and
named after her. Britt’s room will forever extend the effect of our presence
in Balaoan. The 40-foot Container full
of equipment and supplies was stored and the needs arose, sent to the team rooms by our supply team, running around with heavy
boxes, stacking them in the aisles because there was no room inside, surely built up their appetites, {but we really were
looked after so well, no one lost weight}. The 27,000 Lbs of freight we brought
will provide the hospital with items that will last them for many years, yes many years to come. Clinical and Surgical instruments, as well as disposables, Crutches and Walkers, will save the hospital
many Pesos, so the income they do receive can be used to upgrade, and continue what we have started. Patients can now come to their hospital with pride and the knowledge they will be treated weather they can
pay or not. Doctors and Nurses can treat their patients in the manner they were
trained to do. Yes our Medical Mission was difficult, Many lives have had major
changes, ours also. If you are in doubt, just think of Amando. Denys.
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