The Propapa Newsroom

Marcos Manzanaras - 6 years later

2009-11-15T12:15:00.001-05:00

Marcos is now finishing 2nd grade. Now has his own bed, thanks to Lisa and Bill Pieringer, who are also his Sponsors for school.
Marcos was operated on at St. Charles Hospital for Spina Bifida in September or October, 2003. Marcos lives with his Mother, Jennay, Sisters and Step-Father in a cinder block home, donated to him by the Latin Community who took care of Marcos and built by PPH. His real father, Marcos Tulio Manzanar was killed right after Hurricane Mitch destroyed Honduras, when someone took his bicycle. Marcos Mother was pregnant with Marcos at the time his father died. One year later, November 4, 1999, Marcos was born.

In 2002, Dr. Raul told us about Marcos, who visited his Medical Clinic with his Spina Bifida problem. Dr. Joe Farrell and I visited Marcos and his Grandmother in Dr. Raul's office for an examination that year. At that time, Dr. Joe said that he would make arrangements for Marcos to go to St. Charles Hospital. With the permissions by Bill Casey, then President of St. Charles Hospital, Marcos was accepted for surgery.

This great miracle of Love, caught the eyes of the reporters when Marcos returned to Honduras with Bill Casey and Dr. Joe Farrell. They put Marcos' Homecoming Picture on the front page of the Honduras Newspaper with Bill Casey holding Marcos in the airport and Dr. Joe Farrell and myself looking on. The inside story took the reporters to Marcos Homecoming at his home outside of Sta. Rita.

GREAT MEMORIES.
THANKS TO LUISA AND NENE -- who send food and gifts through me each year.
THANKS BILL AND LISA for continuing helping Marcos by being his Sponsors.

Photos of Marcos in 2002:

(update from Sr. Laurinda)

Update on new offices in Honduras

2009-10-25T12:10:00.000-04:00

The heat has not let up for a long time here in Honduras, with a 99% humidity and 115+ in the sun, we have been living a very "steamy" time.

One week after I returned from Honduras the owner of the PPH Office and my home in La Lima, Colonia Oro Verde, came to visit me. He told me that he and his wife need to sell their house to build a house near his work.

Since we were near the end of the month, August, we decided to try to move quickly and thought it would be good to have the house-office in the area of El Progreso since we do most of our PPH business and buying in El Progreso.

We found a house with two bed rooms and bathroom attached by a bath, living-dining room and kitchen. Attached to the house-- but with separate entrance, is an office, with bath and storeroom. It has a fenced-in garage that we have always wanted for my truck. Rent is $60 more each month than what I was paying.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009, with a crew of 6, one large and one small truck, and our two PPH trucks everthing was moved from the La Lima house and into the hew house in El Progreso--three and half hours in a blistering heat.

It is a very good change and we all like the house and area for many reasons.

God bless each of you always.
Peace, Prayers, Love,

Sr. Laurinda

More than 72,000 Poor Patients in 15 Years

2009-08-22T12:05:00.000-04:00

Over the past 15 years, our Urraco Clinic has offered professional and caring Health Services, plus health education for the 65,000 plus people who live in the Urraco area for more than 51 villages.

Our Urraco Clinic is PRO-PAPA’s Greatest Mission

I remember a Saturday in 1990 like yesterday. A cattle truck pulled up at our home in Urraco. We lived right across from the Government Health Center. The driver knocked on our door and then he opened the back doors of his cattle truck. There was Dona Maria, with blood all over the truck. She was hemorrhaging profusely.
The Government Health Center was closed. It was Saturday. All Government Health Centers are open Monday through Friday from 7am to 12pm. Often the Centers are closed during the week if there are strikes, or meetings or the staff is visiting villages.
Dona Maria lived in a village, 45 minutes north of Urraco in a stick house 8’ X 8’. No one could come with her. I asked the driver to take us to the emergency ward at the El Progreso Government Hospital and I would pay him. He agreed. The ride was very rough in that cattle truck. Made me wonder how a sick person could take all the bouncing. After a long hour, we arrived at the Emergency Ward. The Doctor on call was busy and there were no extra beds in the Emergency area.

The Doctor told me to put “her” on the floor. He continued to tell me that “she” did not deserve a bed anyway because she probably was bleeding because she was a prostitute. The Doctor did not know Doña Maria or me.

As happened many times in the Government Hospitals, I began to cry. I begged the Doctor to take care of her. The Doctor told me that I would have to buy a list of medical materials that the Hospital did not have before he could examine her. I found everything on the list. When the nurse received the materials, the Doctor began to examine Doña Maria. She had to be admitted and stayed at the Hospital a few days. When I visited her, Doña Maria told me she could not go home until she paid the Hospital fee of Lps. 300 ($15).
Over the years, many similar medical emergencies took place while I lived in Urraco (1988-1995).

In 1992, PRO-PAPA got word that a wealthy man in New York, Jack McCrane wanted to help build a Clinic under the direction of PRO-PAPA’s Foundation in Urraco. He heard about our people’s need for a Medical Clinic that could be open 7 days a week, for 24 hours. Was I dreaming or did I hear correctly? It was true! December 4, 1994, the Urraco Clinic was finished and blessed.
For the last 15 years, since March 15, 1995, patient after patient was taken care of --all hours of the day and night, 365 days each year. Many Babies, Children and Adults near death were saved. Children with terrible Asthma attacks were relieved by our Nebulizor machine or oxygen tank. All kinds of emergencies were taken care of immediately—cuts, gun shot wounds, dehydration, respiratory and urinary infections, high fevers, children with coughs and colds, minor surgeries, terrible allergies, snake, animal bites, stomach or intestinal problems, high blood pressure and diabetes, etc. etc. Our Urraco Clinic has all the necessary medicines and materials thanks to PPMA’s monthly subsidy of $3,000.
The patients who need major surgery, or a Specialist and Mothers with serious birthing problems were stabilized and sent to one of the Government Hospitals—1 to 2 hours from Urraco. Now there are more specialists and surgeons in all Government Hospitals.

The Urraco Clinic is not a free clinic. The Clinic has a Pay Scale for each patient.

Pay entire fee. $2.00 Doctor visit plus Medicines and Hospitalization if needed.
Pay 50% of fee for those who can pay part of the Medical Fee.
Pay nothing -- extremely poor.

Urraco Clinic Expenses each month: 11 Employees: $3,525.00

Medicines: $3,000.00 (PPMA)

Surgical Team Trip Update

2009-04-13T10:00:00.001-04:00

In February a surgical brigade team traveled to Honduras. Here's an update on their experiences:

We travelled many miles, laughed a lot, told all kinds of stories, shared our philosophies, our callings, our ideals, etc plus, A mixture of numerous examinations, some serious decisions, some candidates for orthopedic operations, future planning for Surgical Teams at the PROGRESO HOSPITAL and LA ESPERANZA HOSPITAL, traveling to LA ESPERANZA to examine a number of Indians who may be Candidates for future Orthopedic Surgeries there, being with Sr. Margaret's friend, Jim and wife who help run an Orphanage in the State of Sta. Barbara, meetings and meals with the Director, Administration folks and Dr. Ricardo Chinchilla, Honduran Orthopedic Surgeon, tours of the Hospitals and meeting some of the Staff Members, having a "Christmas Day" on top of the Mountain as children appeared from nowhere, visits with the students Sr. Margaret and Anna Marie Sponsor. Actually, being with this Team was a touch of Heaven. I was deeply touched by each one of them--their kindness, solidarity, goodness, generosity, professionalism, love for the people and for each other were outstanding. Many times I felt God's Great Spirit with us.

Suyapa Clinic to celebrate 15th Anniversary

2009-04-06T09:00:00.005-04:00

An update from Sister Laurinda:

Greetings from warm to boiling Honduras--at least on the North Coast.

Wanted you to know a little about the Orthopedic Pediatric Examining Team and General Surgeries Team Plans for this year and/or next. There is a lot more to share about that. But the six days Dr. Joe's Team was here were wonderful, successful and hopeful for some future operations for sure.

Also we wanted to share the date we have set for the
CELEBRATION OF THE SUYAPA CLINIC'S 15TH ANNIVERSARY

MARCH 13, 2010 SATURDAY

MIXED WITH A MEDICAL, EYE, DENTAL TEAM GOING TO LA ESPERANZA
after the celebration and a BLITZ BUILD IN URRACO to continue celebrating
March 14-19--HEALTH, HOUSING, AND EDUCATION. (SEE BELOW)

Please let us know any ideas, suggestions, or whatever you may have regarding these ideas. We feel some folks would like to come for the celebration, especially Board Members who have not been in Honduras or Urraco, past volunteers. We would like to offer some vacation days at ROATAN AND/OR COPAN RUINS after the celebration--then go home for those who would like to do this.

Others may want to join the Medical Team or Construction Team. Certainly we would need Team Captains for the Medical, Dental and Eye Team and the Construction Teams.

All for now.
Hoping this finds you well, happy, peaceful, knowing the joy of loving, serving, and being one with our God.

Travel the world and make a difference

2009-03-31T20:29:00.004-04:00

Fulfilling dreams through volunteering with Propapa:

- Taylor LaRosa, Long Island, NY

Why are you involved?

2009-03-30T19:15:00.006-04:00

As part of a focus on our dedicated volunteers, we've been asking them each, "Why are you involved with Propapa?"

Every year or two I take a group of high school seniors to Urraco to build a home for a family. My greatest joy is watching these privileged Americans defy all teen stereotypes and immerse themselves fully in selfless acts of giving. They spend every available moment with the local children, work hard in the sun and heat, and adapt to every change of food, environment, culture, housing, and circumstance with acceptance and generosity. They always tell me how the trip changes their life. Mine too. Every time.

- Tom Farrell

To view photos, click below:
Photos from Tom's February 2009 Brigade trip

Medical Clinic Walk Through

2009-02-25T17:00:00.001-05:00

If you've ever been on a brigade, then this will bring back lots of memories. If you're interested in learning more about the work of Propapa, this walk through of a medical clinic will provide some great visuals of the in-country clinics that are set up on brigade trips to Honduras. Typical brigades include a variety of clinic setups, unique to the available sites, spaces, and village needs.

Thanks to a brigade participant for sharing this video.

Field Clinic Walk Through

2009-02-15T16:00:00.002-05:00

If you've ever been on a brigade, then this will bring back lots of memories. If you're interested in learning more about the work of ProPapa, this walk through of the dental clinic will provide some great visuals of the in-country clinics that are set up on brigade trips to Honduras.

Thanks to a brigade participant for sharing this video.

Urraco 2008 Brigade Trip Video

2009-02-01T15:00:00.001-05:00

This is photo slide show from a brigade to Urraco, Honduras in April 2008. The photos and story capture the energy and experience of attending a Propapa Brigade trip.

Thanks to a brigade participant for sharing this video.

If you've attended a brigade and have photos or videos to share, please provide a link in the comments section.

Brigade Experience

2009-01-21T23:55:00.007-05:00

I write this on Thanksgiving 2008 waiting for family to arrive. My two healthy, beautiful children are home from college. I sit here thinking of my trip several weeks ago to Honduras for Propapa Missions America.

I have a son who has broken two legs and one wrist at different times in his life. American football has not been kind to him. In Honduras, children walk on their ankles with their feet turned in at ninety degrees due to club feet that should have been fixed when they were babies. Is my son any better than the children of third world countries, such as Honduras? Absolutely not, he is just luckier. He was born in a country were first rate medical care was available to him. Many children in this world are not that fortunate. That is just not right.

Our Ortho brigade arrived in Honduras Saturday night. I only knew several of the team prior to going, but by the end of the week I admired and loved every one of them. I have never met such a group of caring, hard working professionals. We all had the same thought, let’s just make a little difference. On this trip I also met the most amazing person ever in my life, Sister Laurinda. Every minute of her life is devoted to these children.

Sunday was clinic day. That is the day where we see the children that are scheduled for surgery during our brigade. X-rays are reviewed, patients are examined and they are told when to report. Fifteen surgeries are scheduled for the week. Surgeries will include several club feet repairs, knee injuries (two teens that have had knee tendon tears from soccer injuries a long time ago) and children that have contracted legs due to Cerebral Palsy.

Word gets around that we are here and people arrive, hoping that we can do something for their children too. Two of these walk-ins stand out.

A mom brought in her young son. He was born with his fingers attached to each other, like a ducks webbed feet. The doctors examined him and then gave the mother the good news, the fingers on the left hand could be detached during this brigade. The surgery on the right hand may be able to be done on a later brigade. The smile on the mom’s face when told we could help was priceless. Tuesday he had his surgery and he did well.

A dad brought in his teenage daughter. She was very skinny and sad. She walked with a terrible limp. Our translator informed me that she does not go to school as she is too embarrassed with the way she walks. Dad had an x-ray and he gave it to the doctors to review. After looking at the film the patient was examined. It was determined that the patient was born with such a deformity in the hip socket area that surgery could not be done. I will never forget the feeling in my gut as I watched dad and his limping daughter walk out the front door, knowing that this young lady is sentenced to a life like that. Had she been born somewhere else, her story may have had a different ending.

Last week I watched my son play football with his college friends, running like the wind, with all that hardware in his leg. I can only think of that teenage girl in Honduras.

- Brigade Member Larry Loewy

PPH was there again because of YOU!

2009-01-10T19:00:00.000-05:00

In an update from Honduras:

THE ANGRY RIVERS, CANALS AND FLOOD GATES could take no more. In early October, 2008, the destruction began again. The rain pounded on our tin roofs so hard that the sound became sickening. Now the entire country was beginning to feel the affects. The rainy days turned to weeks then months. Even the area of the PPH Office was threatened as the water reached the edge of the banks of the five- year- old River built by the Japanese. I asked my neighbors, “Where do we go when the water comes.” The answer was--since we can’t get out, we have to go up where we can in anyone’s home or our roofs. This lasted only three days and nights. And we did not have to leave our homes although many did.

The highway from San Pedro to El Progreso was crowded with plastic shelters. Any school, center or church that was dry was used as a refuge in the entire country where it was flooding..

The Modern Day Blessings immediately became the beacon of hope. Cellular phones, emails, TV stations, reporters were getting word out to everyone where people were suffering the most. Phyllis Casey was with me constantly during the entire ordeal, telling me about the donations coming to PPMA that could be transferred.

Word came from Urraco asking me to try to contact the El Progreso TV station. With fear in my heart, I started out for El Progreso.. It was dark and some lanes were not flooded on the highway. When I told Juan Bendeck, the owner of Canal 48, he asked me to talk on the TV. I told the viewers there was no food for the newcomers who just arrived in Urraco. Simultaneously a huge truck drove up from a Progreso Bread Co. with sandwiches. Juan sent them to Urraco in the dark, in the water. What a joy to get the phone call an hour later saying that the truck actually arrived at our Clinic Warehouse in Urraco where 300 women and children were not being housed. There was enough food to feed them all from Pavon II and I and other flooded areas.

Most people had to evacute their homes for a month or more in Urraco—70% of the families, Pavon II and Pavon I—all the families, Esterio Indio, 80%, Batan, 80%, Aldea 28 and 29, 30%, Mealer and Cayo 70%, La Fragua, 50% and Vera Cruz, 90%. Just to mention a few that some of you know well. Naturally there were many more in our area.

Besides the $11,215 that we received from PRO-PAPA MISSION AMERICA donors, help also came from Honduras businesses, churches, TV stations, individuals, Police, Military, the Honduran Emergency Committee called COPECO.. Several times, Honduran people stopped me to give me clothes for the people in Urraco. I saw individual cars stopping on the highway to share plates of food with the people who were in the plastic shelters there.

As ULUA RIVER came more and more angry, all of Urraco was threathened. We made the decision to buy 3,000 large sacks and sand to fill them. Men, women, children, young and old worked around the clock to prevent ULUA from flooding the center of Urraco.

Our Clinic was able to see 950 patients GRATIS during this time, with the help of the donations received. We were also able to help buy food that was cooked by a group at the Catholic Church, St. Anthony. Fr. Chavelo, the Pastor and the Team worked around the clock on a four burner stove. 2,700 plates of food were prepared daily with a total of 64,800 plates for 24 days. Another group of Volunteers from a Church in el Progreso also cooked around the clock and delivered food daily to our area.

COPECO, the Emergency Committee in SPS called Benigno Ramirez, our PPH President, telling him that had 15,000 little boxes of milk for the poorest children in our area. With PPMA donations we were able to hire trucks to get the milk in SPS and deliver it to the poorest in and around Urraco. COPECO also delivered sacks of food for 250 families in the Military trucks, 250 cylinders of gas for the poor and 110, 6” pipes to help finish the Water Project for Urraco and the 6 communities connected to the Water system. Now we only lack 36 pipes to reach the source of the water in the mountains.

The stories are too many to share here. Driving into Urraco is still a challenge with the main entrance closed due to deep holes and 2-3 feet of very wet mud. One has to take a route north to get into Urraco from the North side.

How can we thank you again?

The generous donations came quickly from our PPMA/PPH friends. . .

Recently a Church in Indiana, PA helped pay some pending emergency bills with their large donation. .

We got constant emails telling us of prayers, solidarity, that they were trying to find donations, wanting to do more for our Honduran friends many of you know so well.

To all who donated for the flood Victims—THANKS A MILLION.

For any of you who would like to help keep our incredible 24 hour PRO-PAPA Health Center to continue our health services the poorest, please continue to donate for our Clinic this 2009. Any amount will help--$10, $20, $50, $100, $500. If you want to spread the word to others please do. We are celebrating the 14th Anniversary of our Clinic in March 2009. We need your help to buy the needed medicines. Please help. The aftermath of the flood, rains continually brings all kinds of sicknesses, especially to the young and elderly.

Yesterday, I was at our Clinic when a Mother was receiving help for her two little girls. Both suffered an asthma attack at the same time--a very common illness in Urraco especially after rains, floods, dampness, and all the dust, etc. The happy look on the Mother’s face told me so much. She was so relieved as she took her girls home. She thanked the Doctor over and over for all she did.
Immediately after this, a Father brought in his little boy who fell off his bike and had a bad cut on his forehead. The Doctor and nurse rushed the little boy to the Clinic’s Emergency Roomto clean and stitch the wound. The Father said to me—Sor Laurinda, I thank God and your organization for this Clinic. Where would I have gone on December 31 for help?

Where would people go in the middle of the night when sickness strikes their child?

Where do they take an elderly woman whose blood pressure is dangerously high?

Where does a poor husband take his pregnant wife who is in labor late at night or any other time? Our Suyapa Clinic has helped save hundreds of lives over the years.

THANKS FOR HELPING US HELP THE POOREST IN OUR SUYAPA CLINIC! GOD BLESS YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE -- WILL DO!

November Update from Honduras

2008-11-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

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

Jorlene Update from Lila Benitez

2008-11-01T00:42:00.000-04:00

(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

Flooding Update from Sister Laurinda

2008-10-24T05:30:00.000-04:00

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

October Update from Honduras

2008-10-20T00:24:00.000-04:00

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

Updates from Honduras - October 8, 2008

2008-10-08T06:00:00.000-04:00

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 set to travel to US for surgery

2008-09-21T00:51:00.000-04:00

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

Tribune Review covers Scouts' Pro Papa trip

2008-08-11T16:15:00.000-04:00

Ligonier Scouts to help build home for Honduran family

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.

A Volunteer's Experience

2008-08-03T22:50:00.007-04:00

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.

Lou Cherry steps down as Administrative Director

2008-05-28T00:23:00.000-04:00

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.

March Brigade

2008-04-11T21:12:00.000-04:00

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.

2008-02-06T16:42:00.000-05:00

February - Dr. Farrell's Ortho Specialty Team, minus the main surgeon who is still on the injured reserve list, finished thier patient screening and assessment trip to Honduras. Nearly 30 patients are now scheduled for surgical procedures this coming fall.

2008-02-06T16:40:00.000-05:00

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!!

2008-01-20T16:01:00.002-05:00

JUNE—PPMA Board Retreat, Johnstown, PA; Board decides to add three to four new members. Board adopts a “hub n’ spoke” strategy to focus efforts to better serve the poor.

2008-01-20T16:01:00.001-05:00

OCTOBER---Doc Farrell Steps Down; Doctor Joseph Farrell, Laurel, NY, retires from both the Board Chair seat and the Board to concentrate on his beloved Orthopedic Brigade(s). Do you want to join Dr. Farrell on a specialty brigade? [brigades@propapa.org]

2008-01-20T16:00:00.002-05:00

NOVEMBER---New Top Doc Selected; Howard Ruscetti, MD, Wilmington Health Associates, Carolina Beach, NC was selected as the ProPapa Medical Director.

2008-01-20T16:00:00.001-05:00

DECEMBER—Hastings, PA; Following several years of service, Chris Rodriguez retires from Board service to focus on participating in future Brigades.

2008-01-20T15:59:00.002-05:00

JANUARY---Telephonic Meeting; Brianne Casey, Raleigh, NC & Shirley Sholtis, St. Benedict, PA close their months of service as acting Chair & Vice Chair, and deliberate over the officer candidate process and elections.

2008-01-20T15:59:00.001-05:00

JANUARY---New Board Officers Elected; Chair-Bill Casey, Wilmington, NC, Vice Chair-Tom Farrell, Dubai, UAE, Treasurer-George Rehn, East Setauket, NY, Secretary-Brianne Casey, Raleigh, NC.

2008-01-20T15:57:00.002-05:00

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.

2008-01-20T15:57:00.001-05:00

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 ].

2008-01-20T15:54:00.000-05:00

JANUARY---Data Base Installed; Douglas Casey, Homestead, FL joins ProPapa to manage the information data base. Heyen & Casey have selected and are installing the data base software system.

2008-01-20T15:53:00.000-05:00

JANUARY---“Cause Marketing” Begins at PPMA; Valerie Paavonpera, Falmouth, ME takes the helm of the on-line gift shop to gather a group to creatively design and implement the site. Task force volunteers wanted; bring your creative ideas and contact Valerie to help out [ valerie@vprandmedia.com ].

2008-01-20T15:50:00.000-05:00

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.

The very first Propapa blog entry

2008-01-16T12:45:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Propapa.org blog!