Medical Missions Foundation

The Pearl of Africa

Sunday morning was our last in Uganda and we are at the beautiful Chore Safari Lodge on the banks of the Nile River. The tranquility is in stark contrast to the last 5 days that this team has experienced. The beauty of the Nile is breathtaking and mesmerizing. While only a few hours, it seems worlds away from Gulu. The lives of so many have been touched. The thousands that came through the clinics, many seeing a doctor for the first time. The smiles of the kids who made pinwheels and learned how to play “red light, green light” with the art team. Those who learned to “Stop, Drop and Roll”, from a group of 1000 village school children to the 60-year-old headmaster of the school. All appreciate learning something so simple yet so important.

There were our surgical cases- Harriett, Lucky, Michael Jordan, Elvis, George Bush and both John the Baptist’s, just to name few. Interesting names, maybe a sign of the hope and dreams that all of these people have. They are all survivors. They are survivors of war and poverty. Still they are all grateful of what they have. They are SO thankful for the acts of kindness and generosity of our team. Us coming into their lives is a “true miracle” as many said. But in truth, it is we that feel that we have gained so much.

The people of Uganda welcomed us into their lives and into their homes. Reflecting on those memories- the sights, the sounds, the smells- is almost impossible after experiencing the beauty and the real miracle of nature's beauty such as yesterday’s safari and today as we sit overlooking the hippos in the Nile. I am sure that none or very few of the people that we met this week will ever experience the gift that we all have experienced in the last 24 hours, much less the last 5 days. We feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to reach out to these people. While they are all thankful, they will never know the gratitude and appreciation that we all feel after this week in Uganda.

I personally would like to say thank you to this stellar team. And that it has been, a team. And thank you to our host, the lovely people of Uganda. Thank you to Scott for the beautiful photos that capture all that we have experienced as we try to share this with you. The memories that will be with all of us, in our hearts for a lifetime…

Apwoyo – Thank you,

Abigail
Mission Coordinator

For more pictures, please visit our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/MedicalMissionsFoundation.

Final Day in Uganda- Thousands of Children and Their Families Impacted This Week by MMF

Friday was the final day at Lacor and it could not have ended better. Overall the MMF team was able to perform 37 surgeries, 38 consults and assisted in 18 other surgeries. Harriet, the woman whose lip was cut off by rebels, underwent a successful operation and is “very, very happy!” with the results. Dr. Jeff completed her surgery in 30 minutes and completely transformed her face. Throughout the week the general clinic team cared for over 700 individuals with Malaria, skin conditions and other diseases. Ryan, Kansas City Kansas firefighter, presented fire prevention techniques to over 2,000 students this week. All remarkable numbers for such a short amount of time. Our presence was definitely felt, and we made a lasting impacting on many, many lives. Father Tony invited us to his Ocer School Friday evening for a program performed by his students including traditional songs and dances. We finished the night in high spirits and satisfied with a job well done.

 

For more pictures, please visit our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/MedicalMissionsFoundation.

    

Surgeries, Father Tony's School and More Fire Safety in Uganda

Today was a great day…perhaps the best thus far. Lacor was busy with more surgeries, and the cases from earlier in the week are on the road to recovery. Drs. Jeff and DJ with their team of nurses and anesthesiologists visited their post-op patients this morning and they are all doing well and in good spirits. The families of the children are so amazingly grateful for the life-changing operations.

The group that worked in Awach the past three days headed to Father Tony’s Ocer School this morning to begin clinic and administer physicals for the students. Additionally, Kansas City Kansas Firefighter, Ryan, educated all of the children on the importance of fire safety. The school is currently under construction for anticipation of several new students in the coming months, and additions include a library, chemistry lab and dormitories.

Later in the day, we visited a rural school in remote Uganda. Although we arrived with little notice, the principal was able to gather over 700 students to hear Ryan teach the “Stop, Drop and Roll” method as well as answer questions about first aid. It was a special moment to be able to connect with so many people in an environment that is desperate for this type of information.

Father Tony and Abby; Ryan teaching "Stop, Drop and Roll."

For more pictures, please visit our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/MedicalMissionsFoundation.

    

Day Four in Gulu- Helping a Little Boy and His Mom

It was an extremely busy day at St. Mary's Lacor (La-cho) hospital today. The surgeons and nurses were booked solid throughout the day and into the evening with a variety of cases. The Lacor staff and MMF medical group have truly bonded and are working together as a single unit. It has been a great experience watching them integrate and learn from one another.

A young, timid woman visited the clinic this afternoon to seek care for a severe lip wound she suffered from a rebel attack several years earlier. She was working in the garden when a group of soldiers approached and proceeded to beat her and cut off her upper lip. A heartbreaking story.....she explained that several people in her village make jokes about her appearance and treat her with disrespect. She is scheduled for surgery on Friday and could not be more grateful for the MMF presence this week. Our talented team of doctors and nurses will give her a new sense of confidence and an improved way of life. Also, her 3 year old boy was able to be treated for a hernia by Dr. Juang earlier this week.

We'll keep following this story and others as we wrap up the week!

For more pictures, please visit our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/MedicalMissionsFoundation.

    

Treatment in Full Swing in Uganda

Surgeries and clinic continued at Lacor today. Throughout the week we’ve been following several cases and tracking progress to determine next steps. One patient named Lawrence, a 4 year old boy who fell off the back of a motorcycle, is currently in the ICU recovery and improving daily. It is amazing to witness the care the MMF team provides and the immediate effect it has on individuals.

Although the devoted team of doctors and nurses does everything in their power to treat as many people as they can, some cases must be turned away due to specific circumstances. Late yesterday, a woman visited the clinic with her 2 week old infant that was born with a severe cleft lip and palate. Unfortunately the doctors were unable to operate due to the baby’s youth and poor nutrition. That being said, Jane Kilat, wife of Ugandan Congressman Reagan, and Mary Jane Alex were able to secure baby formula and special feeding syringes to give the mother to improve the newborn's diet.

Treatment was in full swing at the Awach clinic this morning and late into the afternoon. Word spread of the team’s efforts yesterday and many more villagers arrived at the clinic today in need of care. Eric , RMP saw a multitude of patients and Lisa, PharmD, with the help of Ashley, managed the pharmacy to deliver medications and supplemental vitamins. Meanwhile, Lana ARNP and her team of nursing students consulted with children and their mothers throughout the day. Dr. Greta, with previous experience operating a clinic in the military and now a practicing dermatologist, treated a variety of conditions as well.

The Art Team, Stephanie and McKenna, kept spirits high with the children at Awach, playing “ring around the rosie”, blowing bubbles and singing songs.

The rest of the week will continue to be busy as we aim to make as much of an impact in Gulu as possible.

For more pictures, please visit our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/MedicalMissionsFoundation.

 

Day Two in Uganda- Clinics and Burn Prevention Education

Day 2 began early as everyone met in the hotel lobby and split into two groups, one heading back to St. Mary’s Lacor hospital and the other traveling to Awach Clinic.

At Lacor, surgeons, Dr. Jeff and Dr. DJ, worked feverishly throughout the day performing much needed operations and visiting with new patients in between procedures. Both doctors, with the help of an extremely committed team of nurses, helped several children with burn wounds, deformities and other ailments.

After a long journey down a one lane dirt road the Awach Clinic team arrived to hundreds of eager men, women and children. Despite a lack of translators, the skilled group of nurses and doctors overcame and were able to treat patients mostly suffering from Malaria. Other cases included skin conditions, ear infections and abscesses There will surely be an anxious crowd tomorrow.

Ryan, a Kansas City, Kansas fire fighter, visited a local primary school and educated over 300 children on the importance of fire safety and introduced procedures such as the “Stop, Drop and Roll.” Also, he met with the Gulu fire department and is partnering with them to share techniques and teach modern fire fighting procedures. Ryan is initiating this program to a very receptive Gulu department, and they are eager to implement to avoid future fires and fatal injuries.

For more pictures, please visit our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/MedicalMissionsFoundation.

Ryan and the Gulu Fire Department below:

  

Our volunteers doing what they do:

Gulu, Uganda Arrival

After two long days of travel, the entire MMF team made it safely to Uganda late Saturday night. Among the group of 33 passionate and dedicated volunteers, are 4 nursing students from the Research College of Nursing in Kansas City, skilled physicians and nurses and one fearless MMF coordinator. All extremely compassionate individuals.

We departed our hotel in Kampala early Sunday morning and embarked on a 5 hour drive to Gulu. Despite the “rough” roads we made great time, and, upon arrival, immediately set out for St. Mary’s Lacor Hospital to organize the clinic and begin treatments. We have an exciting and challenging week ahead but couldn’t be more excited to help so many people in need. Stay tuned for heartwarming stories and details about the trip!

The blog this week is written by Uganda mission participant Scott, who will also be photographing the mission.

To see more photos, please visit our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/MedicalMissionsFoundation

Advance Team Has Arrived in Gulu

We just received a text from one of our doctors that is on the advance team. They arrived in Gulu after a 5 hour ride dodging big trucks, potholes, pedestrians, bicycles and an occasional cow and goat. They crossed the Nile, saw some baboons, pulled over twice for an overheated van and visited with some exuberant locals who had just caught some fish. The work begins tomorrow.

Clinic Day in the Philippines

After two days at the clinic over 825 patients were seen. Jan and Helen distributed balloons and toys after the children visited the doctors. Pictured here are some satisfied customers.

 

 

 

 

 

Pre-Op and Post-Op Nurses

The pre-op and post-op nurses help make our missions run smoothly from start to finish. Not only are they crucial during the mission, they are also involved in packing and planning for each mission. Here is an MMF shout out to Kay, Cindy, Leila, Denise and Jo. Patient care is their priority and they are a winning combination of caring, professional and fun.

 

Be the Change You Wish to See in the World

“ Be the change you wish to see in the world”.  This popular quote from Gandhi describes our mission sponsor, Nora.  When her husband Bob asked her what she wanted for her 60^th birthday, she told him that she would like to sponsor a mission to the Philippines…and that she did! She even continued her role as "Nora the Clown" to entertain the children at the hospital and a local orphanage.

The MMF medical team was treated to quite a thank you dinner and party, compliments of the Honorable Mayor Dan Neri Lim and the people of Tagbilaran City.  The Philippines premier soprano, Rachelle Gerodias and first tenor Lemmel dela Cruz performed songs from Phantom of the Opera.   The evening included a special presentation to Nora and all of the MMF volunteers.  Additionally Dr. Tammy presented donations of doppler equipment for the Barrio clinic, blood pressure machines, stethoscopes, nebulizers and accucheck machines to the health clinic as well as a Laparoscopic tower to the hospital.