Dear PRO-PAPA MISSION AMERICA Officers and Board Members, Directors and Orthopedic Pediatric Assistants: Melissa Giarraputo and Sr. Margaret Smyth, Marilyn Price, PPMA Coordinator in St. Louis, MO and Fr. Paul Niemann, Coordinator in his Parish for Scholarship and Parish in Urraco,
What a mix of emotions at this moment.
There is a very important Soccer Game going on in San Pedro Sula now--HONDURAS VS MEXICO. Honduras just got the first goal. The Country is screaming and fire crackers and horns are going off outside the PPH office and it is pouring down rain. Nothing like a Soccer Game to distract one from what every problem that is happening in the Country--and there are a lot of problems at this time.
I told the Orthopedic Pediatric Brigade they brought the sun on November 8th and it stayed out all week. This was a tremendous blessing because the water slowly went down everywhere, especially in Urraco and the patients could get to San Pedro Sula. The week was wonderful weatherwise for the Brigade. However, the afternoon they left on November 15 the rains started up again and have not stopped.
I was in Urraco yesterday. Most people are back in their homes. The main problems now are the contamination, mosquitos, malaria, dengue, lack of food and work. Yesterday again PPH was able to buy more provisions for at least 100 families. This is the fourth time we have prepared sacks of food for the poorest besides giving much food to Fr. Chavelo who had his staff cook food for the 800 people in the shelters.
We waited to see how much food the HONDURAN EMERGENCY COMMITTEE could give to our people in this sector. They came twice and tried to get to every village at least one time.
Our Orthopedic Pediatric Brigade again did tremendous, complicated, some long surgeries on 15 children. We were blessed with three Orthopedic Pediatric Surgeons and four Residents, six Professional Nurses and a Therapist who was Bi-lingual. A number of our patients came long distances from the mountains of Victoria, YORO and Yoro, YORO and the Department of COLON--5 to 8 hours. The Doctors, Aenesthesists and Nurses did incredible work. It was an intense, long week.
However, the Surgical Team for the first time since this Brigade started coming to Honduras six years ago, got to enjoy a short trip to Copan before they left Honduras on November 15.
Again, hats off to Dr. Joe Farrell and Christine Dempsey who spent hours of planning to make sure each patient has the exact anesthesia, pre and post medicines, lists of meds we needed to buy here in Honduras, bring all the instruments needed during surgery, casts, crutches, plus all the surgical gowns for the doctors, etc.
Each child was examined once or numerous times by the previous Examining Brigades, who took all the Xrays, photos, etc. to the USA to study before each child was chosen for the operation. Sr. Margaret and Melissa Giarraputo, PA were with several Examining Orthopedic Teams.
A Honduran Orthopedic Surgeon, DR. RICARDO CHINCHILLA, who works in the EL PROGRESO HOSPITAL, will now see all the patients for their follow up appointments that is attached. (SEE ATTACHMENTS)
Martha Sorto, our PPH substitute Accountant, who is bi-lingual, was with us last week and took all the necessary notes and designed the format for the Follow-up Schedule. She did an excellent job.
On October 30, a Volunteer and Friend, CHIP THOMPSON, arrived in Honduras to help in any way in Urraco and with the Ortho Brigade. Chip knows Spanish which helped a lot. He has been really God-sent.
Chip is a Director for another Foundation that purifies water in poor villages. Dave, another member of his Foundation arrived on Sunday, November 16 to meet with the leaders of some villages and take samples of the water to take back to the USA to decide which village will be chosen. Our Clinic will probably be one of the sites for their water-purifying Program. Both men will leave Friday, November 21, 2008.
I cannot thank each of you enough for all your support, prayers, contacting others for donations and your personal financial generosity for the many flood victims in Urraco. We are very grateful beyond words. We will prepare a Special Financial Report soon. Please continue to keep our people, not only in Urraco, but many who are still suffering the affects of the floods in many areas of Honduras.
So each day and Especially this
THANKSGIVING DAY--
WE THANK MY GOD FOR YOU AND ALL YOU HAVE DONE TO BRING FOOD TO THE HUNGRY, WATER TO THE THIRSTY, AND HELPING WITH SO MANY OTHER NEEDS DURING THIS TERRIBLE DISASTER AGAIN.
THE COUNTRY IS NOW IN AN UPROAR. THIS VERY MINUTE--HONDURAS JUST WON THE GAME. The country is going crazy. I just peaked out my door here in Oro Verde. Fire crackers are going off and screaming and cheering everywhere. YEAH HONDURAS!!!
God bless each of you.
Prayers, Love, and Greetings from all your friends here in Honduras,
ESPECIALLY FROM
Delmy and Benigno Ramirez, Stephen and Kayla
Roger Banegas
Clinic Staff - especially Nancy Paz, Administrator and Doctors
Scholarship Coordinators especially those who suffered during the flood,
(Our Scholarship Coordinator, FRANCESCA GUTIERREZ, San Jose Cayo
suffered a facial paralysis as her home was surrounded by water.
People brought her in a boat until she could get a car to take her to
the Hospital. She is doing better now)
Construction Workers,
Sr. Laurinda Mayer
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Jorlene Update from Lila Benitez
(Excerpted from a letter to Sor Laurinda)
The other day Yorlene was watching the school bus drop off kids and she told me she had the desire to be on the bus. She asked if she could go to school. She seems to really want to go. So, I called Dr. Farrell and asked him what he thought and could I be her legal guardian which is the requirement for school. He told me to ask you as you are the one who knows the "intrigues" of life there. Let me know what you think as Dr. Farrell has a son who is a lawyer who could help us if need be. I feel school would be very beneficial to her, both academically and in the social interaction with other kids. Even after the surgery the kids would give her support and encouragement, and I'm sure the school would continue to tutor her probably at home.
Yorlene continues to be adjusting well. I am so happy to see that inner strength that she has and her resolve to see this through. We pray throughout the day as situations come up and I'm so thankful for her love and trust in the Lord. Every night before bed we make a procession into her room (Tanya, Esme, and me) we all kneel by the bed and pray. It's become a nightly tradition.
I spoke with with Dr. Labiak's surgical secretary (Carolyn) yesterday and they're finalizing where she will have her thoracic and lumbar MRI's. They feel in view of the x-ray series she had done here in Sept. that the surgery will be more extensive involving both the anterior and posterior regions. They seem to still be holding on to Nov.13 as her surgery date. So, everything is on track. I also asked about a pediatrician for a check up especially to follow up on the parasites.They will get back to me on that but they said it will probably be a pediatrician from St. Charles to have more centralized care and sharing of information between the medical staff.
Yorlene went to Connecticut with Tanya last week-end to visit with Tanya's Venezuelan cousin (Isa). They took her to a huge aquarium and she loved all the fish. Tanya took her by ferry from Port Jefferson to Bridgeport, a brand new experience for her. She has also been receiving mail from many different people.
All for now, praying that God will give you the peace of God that passes all understanding, and that every person affected by the floods will be cared for and find the provision that is needed. God bless and strengthen you, Sor, for your sacrificial labor of love to the people of Honduras.
Abrazos y carino,
Lila
The other day Yorlene was watching the school bus drop off kids and she told me she had the desire to be on the bus. She asked if she could go to school. She seems to really want to go. So, I called Dr. Farrell and asked him what he thought and could I be her legal guardian which is the requirement for school. He told me to ask you as you are the one who knows the "intrigues" of life there. Let me know what you think as Dr. Farrell has a son who is a lawyer who could help us if need be. I feel school would be very beneficial to her, both academically and in the social interaction with other kids. Even after the surgery the kids would give her support and encouragement, and I'm sure the school would continue to tutor her probably at home.
Yorlene continues to be adjusting well. I am so happy to see that inner strength that she has and her resolve to see this through. We pray throughout the day as situations come up and I'm so thankful for her love and trust in the Lord. Every night before bed we make a procession into her room (Tanya, Esme, and me) we all kneel by the bed and pray. It's become a nightly tradition.
I spoke with with Dr. Labiak's surgical secretary (Carolyn) yesterday and they're finalizing where she will have her thoracic and lumbar MRI's. They feel in view of the x-ray series she had done here in Sept. that the surgery will be more extensive involving both the anterior and posterior regions. They seem to still be holding on to Nov.13 as her surgery date. So, everything is on track. I also asked about a pediatrician for a check up especially to follow up on the parasites.They will get back to me on that but they said it will probably be a pediatrician from St. Charles to have more centralized care and sharing of information between the medical staff.
Yorlene went to Connecticut with Tanya last week-end to visit with Tanya's Venezuelan cousin (Isa). They took her to a huge aquarium and she loved all the fish. Tanya took her by ferry from Port Jefferson to Bridgeport, a brand new experience for her. She has also been receiving mail from many different people.
All for now, praying that God will give you the peace of God that passes all understanding, and that every person affected by the floods will be cared for and find the provision that is needed. God bless and strengthen you, Sor, for your sacrificial labor of love to the people of Honduras.
Abrazos y carino,
Lila
Friday, October 24, 2008
Flooding Update from Sister Laurinda
Dear Friends,
This has to be short, because I just got word that the lights will be turned off in 15 minutes. Not sure if this is a National or Local shut down. So I will give you a few datails I just got from the news on TV, from Urraco and other sources.
CAHON is the name of the large Dam near Lake Yajoa, about one hour South of El Progreso--our source of Electricity. Since the Dam cannot hold any more water now, one gate was opened today that automatically affects Ulua River that borders Urraco and this entire area. At Midnight tonight, three more gates will have to be opened. Tomorrow much more flooding will be seen in all areas near the Ulua River and it's tributaries.
The Large, one way Bridge before entering Urraco is covered with water now. The village right before the Bridge is called ESTERO INDIO. The Leaders and people in ESTERO INDIO want to break the levee of the river on the URRACO side that will flood URRACO greatly, and aleviate the continual flooding in ESTERO INDIO.
At this moment, Benigno is having a meeting with all the leaders to try to change the minds of the people in ESTERO INDIO to not break the levee on the Urraco side. The four new gates, recently repaired in this area, that Marilyn and Bud Price, Scott Pieper and Ron Chitwood donated the money for this emergency project in 2007-2008. These Gates have held the water back from flooding Urraco completely these days. What a great donation and help.
SAN JOSE CAYO, MEALER and CAYMITOS have all been evacuated. Shirley and Dave Nedley know these villages so well since we are the areas of some of our Scholarship Students. Most people from MEALER AND SAN JOSE CAYO moved to CIUDAD OF GUAYMAS to live in the school and the Community Center there. This is another village Shirley and Dave know so well, since this village too has a number of students in the Scholarship Program.
POSITIVE HAPPENINGS ALL OVER HONDURAS-- THE INCREDIBLE MOVEMENT OF THE SPIRIT OF GOODNESS, SOLIDARITY, AND GOD has moved the hearts of many people all over the country--churches, individuals, some Grocery Stores, Organizations to help all the flood victims everywhere. Everyone has joined forces to make sure all the people living in plastic tents in the streets, in the hundreds of shelters--schools, churches, community centers or in emply trucks, train cars, or wherever the flood victims are-- have enough food and water, clothes and medicine.
This afternoon I could not help but shed a tear to see all the people living in plastic tents in the center of the main highway from El Progreso to San Pedro Sula. I took a few photos, but it is hard to do.
With your help the flood victims in the Urraco areas are receiving food, water, medicines and matresses if need be. WE ARE SO GRATEFUL. THANKS SO MUCH--and the people in the Urraco sector will need more help as the floods are getting worse.
THANKS FOR GETTING THE WORD OUT to your friends, family, churches, Companies, etc. that we need more help now. I will do the same.
Blessings. Signing off before the lights go off. They said 9:00pm and it is 9:15pm. You are in our thoughts, prayers, ALWAYS.
- PRO-PAPA HONDURAS, entire staff
This has to be short, because I just got word that the lights will be turned off in 15 minutes. Not sure if this is a National or Local shut down. So I will give you a few datails I just got from the news on TV, from Urraco and other sources.
CAHON is the name of the large Dam near Lake Yajoa, about one hour South of El Progreso--our source of Electricity. Since the Dam cannot hold any more water now, one gate was opened today that automatically affects Ulua River that borders Urraco and this entire area. At Midnight tonight, three more gates will have to be opened. Tomorrow much more flooding will be seen in all areas near the Ulua River and it's tributaries.
The Large, one way Bridge before entering Urraco is covered with water now. The village right before the Bridge is called ESTERO INDIO. The Leaders and people in ESTERO INDIO want to break the levee of the river on the URRACO side that will flood URRACO greatly, and aleviate the continual flooding in ESTERO INDIO.
At this moment, Benigno is having a meeting with all the leaders to try to change the minds of the people in ESTERO INDIO to not break the levee on the Urraco side. The four new gates, recently repaired in this area, that Marilyn and Bud Price, Scott Pieper and Ron Chitwood donated the money for this emergency project in 2007-2008. These Gates have held the water back from flooding Urraco completely these days. What a great donation and help.
SAN JOSE CAYO, MEALER and CAYMITOS have all been evacuated. Shirley and Dave Nedley know these villages so well since we are the areas of some of our Scholarship Students. Most people from MEALER AND SAN JOSE CAYO moved to CIUDAD OF GUAYMAS to live in the school and the Community Center there. This is another village Shirley and Dave know so well, since this village too has a number of students in the Scholarship Program.
POSITIVE HAPPENINGS ALL OVER HONDURAS-- THE INCREDIBLE MOVEMENT OF THE SPIRIT OF GOODNESS, SOLIDARITY, AND GOD has moved the hearts of many people all over the country--churches, individuals, some Grocery Stores, Organizations to help all the flood victims everywhere. Everyone has joined forces to make sure all the people living in plastic tents in the streets, in the hundreds of shelters--schools, churches, community centers or in emply trucks, train cars, or wherever the flood victims are-- have enough food and water, clothes and medicine.
This afternoon I could not help but shed a tear to see all the people living in plastic tents in the center of the main highway from El Progreso to San Pedro Sula. I took a few photos, but it is hard to do.
With your help the flood victims in the Urraco areas are receiving food, water, medicines and matresses if need be. WE ARE SO GRATEFUL. THANKS SO MUCH--and the people in the Urraco sector will need more help as the floods are getting worse.
THANKS FOR GETTING THE WORD OUT to your friends, family, churches, Companies, etc. that we need more help now. I will do the same.
Blessings. Signing off before the lights go off. They said 9:00pm and it is 9:15pm. You are in our thoughts, prayers, ALWAYS.
- PRO-PAPA HONDURAS, entire staff
Monday, October 20, 2008
October Update from Honduras
Due to the heavy rains that have not stopped in over a week, many families in all parts of Honduras and in our Urraco Sector are forced to seek shelters in schools, churches, community centers or in other aldeas or cities. Over the last years there has been much re-enforcement work in building dikes, raising roads, adding levees, building new canals, cleaning canals, building new rivers in the dangerous areas in every part of Honduras.
According to the report today, the water has risen to extremes in many areas, again--worse than MITCH (10 years ago) and FELIX (last year).
Yesterday and today, again with our PPH Boat, the PPH CREW is moving women and children to our PRO-PAPA warehouse in Urraco. This is always a terrible decision for our people who have to leave their animals and their little possessions behind.
Relief Donations are needed if possible for sacks, food, drinking water, matresses for the flood victims in our Warehouse and other shelters in Urraco. The Government will be helping, too, as much as they can with so many people in need.
Please send RELIEF DONATIONS, made out to PROPAPA, TO:
PHYLLIS CASEY
PPMA OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
603 JOHN S. MOSBY DRIVE
WILMINGTON, NC 28412
According to the report today, the water has risen to extremes in many areas, again--worse than MITCH (10 years ago) and FELIX (last year).
Yesterday and today, again with our PPH Boat, the PPH CREW is moving women and children to our PRO-PAPA warehouse in Urraco. This is always a terrible decision for our people who have to leave their animals and their little possessions behind.
Relief Donations are needed if possible for sacks, food, drinking water, matresses for the flood victims in our Warehouse and other shelters in Urraco. The Government will be helping, too, as much as they can with so many people in need.
Please send RELIEF DONATIONS, made out to PROPAPA, TO:
PHYLLIS CASEY
PPMA OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
603 JOHN S. MOSBY DRIVE
WILMINGTON, NC 28412
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Updates from Honduras - October 8, 2008
Please see the St. Louis Archiocese Mission Web Site (www.stlmissions.org and click on Mission News) highlighting two Parishes in St. Louis who have partnered with PRO-PAPA MISSIONS AMERICA. The introduction is written by Monsignor Blood, St. Louis Mission Director and Marilyn Price, PPMA Medical Team Captain for the last five years.
JORLENE
Also want to take this opportinity to tell you that Jorlene, PPMA Scolicis Patient, is doing very well in her new home on Long Island while she waits for her Scoliosis Operation tentatively scheduled for November 13, 2008. As you may or may not know, Jorlene arrived at her Host family with me, and Carlos and Melissa Handal, without any Honduran family member with her on September 25.
The Host Family is absolutely more than anyone could ask--bi-lingual, lived in Venezuela for 10 years, very conscious of the Latin culture, prepares Latin food and the Mother is a nurse, and take Jorlene to their Church where she has won the hearts of all. I talked to Jorlene two nights ago and she sounds so good. She is eating very well, studying every day, watching cartoons and some movies in Spanish, experiencing the colder weather for the first time in her life.
We are encouraging anyone who would like to write a letter or send a card to Jorlene, please do--(either in English or Spanish). Send to:
JORLENE REYES
% LILA BENITEZ
20 BIRCH
HUNTINGTON, NY 11743
Again, thanks for all.
Now we are preparing for the Orthopedic Pediatric Surgical Teams' arrival on November 8-15, 2008, thanks to Dr. Joe Farrell, Phyllis Casey and the Surgeons--Team of 25 including Translators.
Thanks for keeping all in your prayers.
Peace, Happiness, Love and Greetings from all here in Honduras,
Sr. Laurinda
JORLENE
Also want to take this opportinity to tell you that Jorlene, PPMA Scolicis Patient, is doing very well in her new home on Long Island while she waits for her Scoliosis Operation tentatively scheduled for November 13, 2008. As you may or may not know, Jorlene arrived at her Host family with me, and Carlos and Melissa Handal, without any Honduran family member with her on September 25.
The Host Family is absolutely more than anyone could ask--bi-lingual, lived in Venezuela for 10 years, very conscious of the Latin culture, prepares Latin food and the Mother is a nurse, and take Jorlene to their Church where she has won the hearts of all. I talked to Jorlene two nights ago and she sounds so good. She is eating very well, studying every day, watching cartoons and some movies in Spanish, experiencing the colder weather for the first time in her life.
We are encouraging anyone who would like to write a letter or send a card to Jorlene, please do--(either in English or Spanish). Send to:
JORLENE REYES
% LILA BENITEZ
20 BIRCH
HUNTINGTON, NY 11743
Again, thanks for all.
Now we are preparing for the Orthopedic Pediatric Surgical Teams' arrival on November 8-15, 2008, thanks to Dr. Joe Farrell, Phyllis Casey and the Surgeons--Team of 25 including Translators.
Thanks for keeping all in your prayers.
Peace, Happiness, Love and Greetings from all here in Honduras,
Sr. Laurinda
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Jorlene set to travel to US for surgery
ANOTHER GREAT JOY--
The preparations were long for Jorlene and for PPMA and PPH. Jorlene suffers from severe Scoliosis and has suffered many other illnesses due to her Scoliosis over the years. She turns 13 in September, 2008, looks 5 yrs. old, due to her Lenca Roots. Jorlene came to one of Dr. Joe's Examining Sites in 2004. From that time on PPMA has been instrumental to look and to find the Hospital and Surgical Team that would accept Jorlene.
Marilyn Price, RN and Medical Brigade Team Captain three times, tried to get Jorlene accepted at CARDINAL GLENNON HOSPITAL St. Louis, MO but was not accepted there in 2007. Thanks to Dr. Joe, St. Charles Hospital and Doctor Egnor, Jorlene was accepted. When we got this great news, all the legal work began to lawyers, Immigration Offices, USA Embassy for the vital Visa.
The trip to Tegucigalpa takes 6 hours for Jorlene and her acting parents from Urraco. We travelled to Tegucigalpa Sunday, July 27 and got up very early the morning of July 28 to get to the USA Embassy by 7:00am.
Because of Jorlene's Case, we were admitted into the USA Embassy ahead of other Hondurans there for their Visa Interviews. The first Interview was quick and smooth. The Consulate only looked at Dr. Joe's Letter. Then within 5 mintues we were called for the final and most important Interview. Again, incredibly, no questions, the Consulate held Dr. Joe's letter and said you have the Visa. These words are always like the word of God. What a joy. One wants to yell for joy, but of course everything is very silent in this large room full of people.
HOST FAMILY: LILA BENITEZ, RN
20 BIRCH AVE.
HUNTINGTON, NY 11743
According to Dr. Joe, who was also instrumental in finding the Host Family for Jorlene, some of the Family members speak Spanish.
If you would like to help with the fundraising we need $500 MORE for Jorlene's expenses. Marilyn Price raised $1,000 for all the expenses we had up to now. Usually we do marathons in the streets of El Progreso for the sick children going to the USA, but there is no time is available for this now. Please earmark checks to PRO-PAPA MISSIONS AMERICA snd send to Phyllis Casey.
Also, our Clinic is doing incredibly well. We are able to take care of poor pregnant women--pre and post natal care, plus birthing. And then there are the traumas that come regularly along with all the sick children. I am so proud, happy and thankful for the Clinic. Benigno Ramirez does an outstanding job of Supervision and many other things at the clinic.
BUT the Clinic still needs help to receive the monthly Subsidy of $3,000. If anyone would like to help out at your work places, churches, families, those who have been on Brigades, please send any amount to Phyllis Casey, and earmark: CLINIC.
PHYLLIS CASEY
PPMA OFFICE AD.
603 JOHN S. MOSBY DRIVE
WILMINGTON, NC 28412
THANKS SO MUCH FOR THIS TOO.
Last note: Dilcia Alvaro, our PPH Accountant and Assistant in the office had her two hour operation yesterday at Dr. Salvador Gutierrez's Clinic--gratis with Dr. Ricardo Chinchilla, Orthopedic Surgeon, Gratis. The only expense for Dilcia's family are the clamps and some pay to the Surgical Team. TOTAL OF $800.00. Thanks to Shirley Sholtis and Dave Nedley, Dilcia received $300 toward the cost of her operation.
In Dilcia's absence here at the office, we are blessed to have a wonderful, bilingual professional in the office: MARTHA SORTO, 22 yrs. old, Martha has her Passport and Visa and is planning to go to the USA to be with her Family in January, 2009. You will see her email address in the CC line above.
All for now. Thanks for your prayers, concern, friendship and constant help over the years.
Our Thanks, prayers and love are with each of you,
Sr. Laurinda Mayer, SFCC
The preparations were long for Jorlene and for PPMA and PPH. Jorlene suffers from severe Scoliosis and has suffered many other illnesses due to her Scoliosis over the years. She turns 13 in September, 2008, looks 5 yrs. old, due to her Lenca Roots. Jorlene came to one of Dr. Joe's Examining Sites in 2004. From that time on PPMA has been instrumental to look and to find the Hospital and Surgical Team that would accept Jorlene.
Marilyn Price, RN and Medical Brigade Team Captain three times, tried to get Jorlene accepted at CARDINAL GLENNON HOSPITAL St. Louis, MO but was not accepted there in 2007. Thanks to Dr. Joe, St. Charles Hospital and Doctor Egnor, Jorlene was accepted. When we got this great news, all the legal work began to lawyers, Immigration Offices, USA Embassy for the vital Visa.
The trip to Tegucigalpa takes 6 hours for Jorlene and her acting parents from Urraco. We travelled to Tegucigalpa Sunday, July 27 and got up very early the morning of July 28 to get to the USA Embassy by 7:00am.
Because of Jorlene's Case, we were admitted into the USA Embassy ahead of other Hondurans there for their Visa Interviews. The first Interview was quick and smooth. The Consulate only looked at Dr. Joe's Letter. Then within 5 mintues we were called for the final and most important Interview. Again, incredibly, no questions, the Consulate held Dr. Joe's letter and said you have the Visa. These words are always like the word of God. What a joy. One wants to yell for joy, but of course everything is very silent in this large room full of people.
HOST FAMILY: LILA BENITEZ, RN
20 BIRCH AVE.
HUNTINGTON, NY 11743
According to Dr. Joe, who was also instrumental in finding the Host Family for Jorlene, some of the Family members speak Spanish.
If you would like to help with the fundraising we need $500 MORE for Jorlene's expenses. Marilyn Price raised $1,000 for all the expenses we had up to now. Usually we do marathons in the streets of El Progreso for the sick children going to the USA, but there is no time is available for this now. Please earmark checks to PRO-PAPA MISSIONS AMERICA snd send to Phyllis Casey.
Also, our Clinic is doing incredibly well. We are able to take care of poor pregnant women--pre and post natal care, plus birthing. And then there are the traumas that come regularly along with all the sick children. I am so proud, happy and thankful for the Clinic. Benigno Ramirez does an outstanding job of Supervision and many other things at the clinic.
BUT the Clinic still needs help to receive the monthly Subsidy of $3,000. If anyone would like to help out at your work places, churches, families, those who have been on Brigades, please send any amount to Phyllis Casey, and earmark: CLINIC.
PHYLLIS CASEY
PPMA OFFICE AD.
603 JOHN S. MOSBY DRIVE
WILMINGTON, NC 28412
THANKS SO MUCH FOR THIS TOO.
Last note: Dilcia Alvaro, our PPH Accountant and Assistant in the office had her two hour operation yesterday at Dr. Salvador Gutierrez's Clinic--gratis with Dr. Ricardo Chinchilla, Orthopedic Surgeon, Gratis. The only expense for Dilcia's family are the clamps and some pay to the Surgical Team. TOTAL OF $800.00. Thanks to Shirley Sholtis and Dave Nedley, Dilcia received $300 toward the cost of her operation.
In Dilcia's absence here at the office, we are blessed to have a wonderful, bilingual professional in the office: MARTHA SORTO, 22 yrs. old, Martha has her Passport and Visa and is planning to go to the USA to be with her Family in January, 2009. You will see her email address in the CC line above.
All for now. Thanks for your prayers, concern, friendship and constant help over the years.
Our Thanks, prayers and love are with each of you,
Sr. Laurinda Mayer, SFCC
Monday, August 11, 2008
Tribune Review covers Scouts' Pro Papa trip
article by A.J. Panian, published Monday, June 16, 2008
Tepid rivers and streams teeming with raw sewage, barely passable dirt roads and innumerable cases of liver cancer, malnourishment and abject poverty are just some of the memories embedded in Jeff Hutchinson's mind since his 2005 voyage to the Central American country of Honduras.
"That experience completely overwhelmed me, just seeing how much human need there was there," said Hutchinson, 50, of Rector, who joined members of PRO-PAPA Honduras, a nonprofit foundation, on a medical brigade to the cities of El Progreso, Yoro and San Pedro Sula.
"Traveling there again is something I want to share firsthand with my Scouts."
On Sunday, Hutchinson - leader of Ligonier Boy Scout Troop 372 - will embark with several Scouts, including his two sons, 20-year-old Zakary, an assistant Scoutmaster, and 16-year-old Dakota, on an eight-day trip known as "Scouts to Honduras."
Unlike Hutchinson's prior mission, when he worked in a nutrition center with malnourished children, the group will work with a construction brigade in the town of Urraco Pueblo, Yoro, with a goal of building a concrete-block, tin-roof house for a family in need.
"It was tough, being a father and all, and being around all those kids in bad shape. I didn't want to take my sons on that type of mission. This is a little more laid back," Hutchinson said. That's not to say the job will be easy.
To take the trip, Hutchinson and his group are responsible for raising about $3,500 to pay for construction materials for the house. The group has received help from Kelly McCoy, owner of The Paper House & Basketry in Ligonier, who has collected donations for the cause.
"We have about $700 to go," said Hutchinson, adding that the group is responsible for all travel costs. The group members have applied for and acquired passports from the U.S. Embassy in Honduras. They have received vaccinations for hepatitis A and B and typhoid and must ingest pills to prevent malaria.
While in Urraco Pueblo, the group will sleep on floor mats in a dormitory with no air conditioning or hot water. Cell phone use is prohibited so as not to offend the needy the group is there to help.
All food, security and other logistical needs for the group will be directed by Sister Laurinda Mayer, the international representative for both PRO-PAPA Honduras and PRO-PAPA Missions America, also a nonprofit foundation.
Benigno Ramirez, PRO-PAPA Honduras construction field director, will oversee the group as they build a house that will be a dramatic improvement over where the family is living now.
"There are people living down there in cardboard boxes. I know we've got that going on right here in the U.S., but you've got a far greater majority living that way down there," said William Swope, construction brigade director for PRO-PAPA Missions America. "The purpose of our missions is to help what we call the poorest of the poor."
Once the house is built, the group will gather with the receiving family for a blessing ceremony. "It is very touching and very emotional for a family who considers this to be a miracle from God that someone has cared enough for them to build a home for them," said Mayer, adding that the family will help pay what it can to help replenish PRO-PAPA funds for future projects.
Hutchinson's brigade is the ninth to visit Honduras this year for missions related to construction, health and education. Over the last 20 years, about 200 houses have been constructed for poor families there. "I've been pretty fortunate living in the United States, and I want to be able to share that with the less fortunate in a different country," Zakary Hutchinson said.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
A Volunteer's Experience
While working in Honduras in 2005, I found my heart touched by a little girl named Maria. I was working for Friends of Los Ninios, at their nutrition center, and their children's home, Hogar Suyappa, Maria was one of the malnourished children at the center. She was pouting in the corner of the room, so I coaxed her over to sit on my lap. I wanted to cheer her up. From that moment on, she would not let go of me. The staff noticed this. This prompted a great deal of concern. They knew my journey to them began from a desire for my wife and I to adopt a child. This was going to make my departure difficult. Adoption from Honduras is impossible. When I left, I asked if Sheryl and I could sponsor her if she was moved to the Hogar. I was informed that she was going to a foster home. I would never see her again, and there was no way to keep contact with her.
I returned to Honduras in June of 2008 on our Scouts to Honduras Mission. We were building a home for Pro-Papa. on our day off, we took a tour of Hogar Suyappa. The children were settling down to eat lunch. I saw a cute little girl, and thought I recognized her. I was told her name was Lupe, and that she had only been there for a year. I heard a child behind me call her Maria. I yelled stop at the top of my lungs. the room fell quiet. I asked if someone could tell me the little girl's full name. It all suddenly sank in. One of the staff members told me her name was Maria; Lupe was just a nickname. I immediately picked her up and held her. She pointed to me and said to the other children, "mi hermanno, mi hermanno" (my brother, my brother). We want to help her, but there is not much we can do. She is happy, and well cared for by my dear friend Lucy, who runs the Hogar. What I can do is continue to try to help Honduras' poor, through Pro Papa.
Thank you to Jeff Hutchinson for sharing his experience.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Lou Cherry steps down as Administrative Director
Dear Friends of ProPapa Missions America:
In the history of our Foundation we have been blessed with many mission driven volunteers, such as yourself, donating their time to answer the call to help the poor of Honduras. One investing more time and effort than many has been Lou Cherry of Long Island. Mr. Cherry began his commitment to ProPapa back in early 2004. Since then Lou involved himself in Orthopedic Brigades, the Patients to America Program supervising patients receiving care on Long Island, and ended up serving as the Administrative Director for years, bearing the load of scores of tasks.
But Lou now finds himself facing sever personal and family issues that do not allow him to continue his Administrative Director role with ProPapa. The Board is very thankful for his years of intensive and dedicated service and is very saddened to learn of his departure from office.
Our collective prayers are with him in his efforts to cope with his personal challenges. Please join us in wishing him well and thanking him for his leadership helping ProPapa serve those in need!
The Board will direct their attention to installing some new systems to backfill for all of the functions Lou alone was able to manage as the Administrative Director. We'll try to announce the new support services via the PPMA Website. If you have any immediate questions, please contact William Casey via email at: info [at] propapa [dot] org or post a comment to this blog entry.
Thank YOU for the work you do, and we ask for your patience as we take some time to re-establish our administrative support systems.
Friday, April 11, 2008
March Brigade
The Johnstown brigade returned safely from their 11 day trip that ran March 7-17, 2008. The medical/dental/eye team saw 2841 patients and the habitat team built one new home. If you have photos or stories from the trip, please share them so those unable to attend can share in supporting the work and energy that was put into the trip.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
February: Lisa Pieringer, Latrobe, PA has wasted no time getting further involved in ProPapa with her recent ascension to the Board. She spent a week in Honduras with her teenage children and Bill, her husband. She returned and as a licensed practicing pharmacist, has agreed to serve as PPMA's Director of Pharmacy Services. Thanks for suiting up and helping us help others Lisa!!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
JANUARY---New Trustees Join the Propapa Board;
Ø Ken McCallion, NYC, NY;
Kenneth F. McCallion leads an accomplished team of personal injury attorneys at McCallion & Associates, NYC. He has more than 30 years' experience in a wide range of legal practice areas, including class actions, toxic torts, wrongful death, employment law, insurance law, international law, environmental law, and consumer protection. Mr. McCallion is a graduate of Yale University and Fordham Law School and is an assistant professor at Cardozo Law School.Mr. McCallion has an outstanding record of victories and has handled some of the country's largest, multi-million dollar cases, including the Exxon Valdez oil spill case in Alaska, the Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant litigation, the Gulf War case, and the Bhopal Gas disaster litigation. As lead counsel in the federal class action litigation against various French banks, Mr. McCallion successfully represented Holocaust survivors and the families of victims, resulting in the establishment of a substantial settlement fund and claims procedure.
One of Mr. McCallion’s recent initiatives was to represent the Aleutian indigenous Indians in protecting their oil rights. He currently is working with the Ecuadorian indigenous Indians to help them protect their rights.
Additionally, he represented thousands of World War II victims of forced and slave labor in their successful settlement claims against the German government and German industries. This year Mr. McCallion won a major jury verdict against a pesticide company on behalf of a family exposed to Dursban TC, a pesticide manufactured by Dow Chemical Corp. Currently, Mr. McCallion represents families of the victims of the American Airlines crash Flight 587 and veterans of the first Gulf War (in 1991) who were injured after exposure to chemicals sold to the Saddam Hussein regime in Iraq by various European chemical companies. Mr. McCallion also represents the families of victims of the 9/11 World Trade Center terrorist attack.
The McCallion & Associates attorneys have handled many high-profile cases, including the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill case, the Gulf War Veterans litigation, the Bhopal Gas Disaster case, the French Bank Holocaust Settlement, the Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant Case, and the Bank of India securities litigation…again representing the ‘small guy’.
Firm Profile: Headquartered in New York City with offices in the Hudson Valley of New York State, McCallion & Associates, L.L.P. is an established law firm with a team of personal injury and medical malpractice attorneys that boasts a wide range of legal expertise and an extensive consumer protection track record. They have achieved an extraordinary record of success, always representing the injured party, in cases dealing with personal injury, medical malpractice, product liability, wrongful death, injuries from toxic torts and environmental harms (including chemical, pesticide and mold contamination), aviation liability, consumer protection, and wrongful termination and employment cases. McCallion & Associates, L.L.P is also well established in the class action, mass tort and complex litigation areas, as well as in the fields of international business, human rights and environmental law.
Ø William Behrens, NYC, NY;
Mr. Behrens is an investment banker of some renown. He built up Investec Ernst, an investment banking firm into a very successful entity with broad strengths in various forms of investment banking, brokerage services, and fund management. The firm was recently sold to the international Investec Group of Johannesburg, South Africa.
Bill then focused his talents upon building a multi-line financial services firm serving institutional and individual clients. Northeast Securities Incorporated provides expert service in institutional and retail brokerage, investment banking, asset management, municipal finance, cash management, alternative investments and transition management. The firm also provides execution and clearing solutions for other broker/dealers. Bill is the Vice Chairman of Northeast Securities, Inc.
Once again his financial abilities have built this firm into a well thought of financial securities firm.
In addition, Bill has served on the boards of several not-for-profit’s. Currently his extra-curricular focus has been on birthing a new “green alternative energy” company known as Xethanol Corporation, listed on the American Stock Exchange, where he is Chairman of the Board. In addition, Bill serves on the board of Volumetric Fund, a publicly owned open-end-mutual-fund.
Ø Lisa Pieringer, Latrobe, PA;
Ms. Pieringer has been a loyal friend to ProPapa for years. Lisa and her husband, a Methodist Minister, have been on no less than three Brigades in the past and will join Sister & Benigno later this year, along with their teenage children, for a service endeavor. They have supported PPMA in many other ways. Ms. Pieringer is the co-founder of PRS Pharmacy Services of Latrobe, PA. The firm manages pharmacies, provides operating systems, plus other consultative services.
Lisa keeps her pharmacist license up-to-date, but focuses on being responsible for operations within PRS. She is especially strong in quality tracking and management systems and computer support services.
She drives numerous company operating committees, plus serves on PRS Board committees.
Ms. Pieringer also fulfills a wide ranging role in the organizational life of her husband’s congregation. Yet with all of the above, Lisa has served on several community boards & organizational committees.
Ø Ken McCallion, NYC, NY;
Kenneth F. McCallion leads an accomplished team of personal injury attorneys at McCallion & Associates, NYC. He has more than 30 years' experience in a wide range of legal practice areas, including class actions, toxic torts, wrongful death, employment law, insurance law, international law, environmental law, and consumer protection. Mr. McCallion is a graduate of Yale University and Fordham Law School and is an assistant professor at Cardozo Law School.Mr. McCallion has an outstanding record of victories and has handled some of the country's largest, multi-million dollar cases, including the Exxon Valdez oil spill case in Alaska, the Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant litigation, the Gulf War case, and the Bhopal Gas disaster litigation. As lead counsel in the federal class action litigation against various French banks, Mr. McCallion successfully represented Holocaust survivors and the families of victims, resulting in the establishment of a substantial settlement fund and claims procedure.
One of Mr. McCallion’s recent initiatives was to represent the Aleutian indigenous Indians in protecting their oil rights. He currently is working with the Ecuadorian indigenous Indians to help them protect their rights.
Additionally, he represented thousands of World War II victims of forced and slave labor in their successful settlement claims against the German government and German industries. This year Mr. McCallion won a major jury verdict against a pesticide company on behalf of a family exposed to Dursban TC, a pesticide manufactured by Dow Chemical Corp. Currently, Mr. McCallion represents families of the victims of the American Airlines crash Flight 587 and veterans of the first Gulf War (in 1991) who were injured after exposure to chemicals sold to the Saddam Hussein regime in Iraq by various European chemical companies. Mr. McCallion also represents the families of victims of the 9/11 World Trade Center terrorist attack.
The McCallion & Associates attorneys have handled many high-profile cases, including the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill case, the Gulf War Veterans litigation, the Bhopal Gas Disaster case, the French Bank Holocaust Settlement, the Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant Case, and the Bank of India securities litigation…again representing the ‘small guy’.
Firm Profile: Headquartered in New York City with offices in the Hudson Valley of New York State, McCallion & Associates, L.L.P. is an established law firm with a team of personal injury and medical malpractice attorneys that boasts a wide range of legal expertise and an extensive consumer protection track record. They have achieved an extraordinary record of success, always representing the injured party, in cases dealing with personal injury, medical malpractice, product liability, wrongful death, injuries from toxic torts and environmental harms (including chemical, pesticide and mold contamination), aviation liability, consumer protection, and wrongful termination and employment cases. McCallion & Associates, L.L.P is also well established in the class action, mass tort and complex litigation areas, as well as in the fields of international business, human rights and environmental law.
Ø William Behrens, NYC, NY;
Mr. Behrens is an investment banker of some renown. He built up Investec Ernst, an investment banking firm into a very successful entity with broad strengths in various forms of investment banking, brokerage services, and fund management. The firm was recently sold to the international Investec Group of Johannesburg, South Africa.
Bill then focused his talents upon building a multi-line financial services firm serving institutional and individual clients. Northeast Securities Incorporated provides expert service in institutional and retail brokerage, investment banking, asset management, municipal finance, cash management, alternative investments and transition management. The firm also provides execution and clearing solutions for other broker/dealers. Bill is the Vice Chairman of Northeast Securities, Inc.
Once again his financial abilities have built this firm into a well thought of financial securities firm.
In addition, Bill has served on the boards of several not-for-profit’s. Currently his extra-curricular focus has been on birthing a new “green alternative energy” company known as Xethanol Corporation, listed on the American Stock Exchange, where he is Chairman of the Board. In addition, Bill serves on the board of Volumetric Fund, a publicly owned open-end-mutual-fund.
Ø Lisa Pieringer, Latrobe, PA;
Ms. Pieringer has been a loyal friend to ProPapa for years. Lisa and her husband, a Methodist Minister, have been on no less than three Brigades in the past and will join Sister & Benigno later this year, along with their teenage children, for a service endeavor. They have supported PPMA in many other ways. Ms. Pieringer is the co-founder of PRS Pharmacy Services of Latrobe, PA. The firm manages pharmacies, provides operating systems, plus other consultative services.
Lisa keeps her pharmacist license up-to-date, but focuses on being responsible for operations within PRS. She is especially strong in quality tracking and management systems and computer support services.
She drives numerous company operating committees, plus serves on PRS Board committees.
Ms. Pieringer also fulfills a wide ranging role in the organizational life of her husband’s congregation. Yet with all of the above, Lisa has served on several community boards & organizational committees.
JANUARY---Development Pro Comes Aboard; Kevin Heyen, Columbia, MO accepts chair slot for PPMA Development activities. Heyen is populating his Committee of dedicated folks that wish to design communication tools to engage friends of ProPapa. Learn what it means to be a ‘virtual volunteer’…helping the poor of the third world from the comfort of your living room. [ heyenk@missouri.edu ].
JANUARY---New House Design Proposed; The construction team in Honduras has designed and put forward for review an exciting new house design to serve as the PPMA standard home built for those in need. Tough break bugs, termites, n’ vermin, these new homes will sport steel beams, sheet metal roofs, metal window frames, and steel door jams.
Gather your community or church group together raise the $6000 and sweat together with the future home owners on a construction brigade to rescue a poor family from their stick & thatched roof hut, and place them in a ProPapa Home.
Gather your community or church group together raise the $6000 and sweat together with the future home owners on a construction brigade to rescue a poor family from their stick & thatched roof hut, and place them in a ProPapa Home.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
