Faces of Tomorrow

Mission Accomplished!
We finished our last day of surgery Friday and did 12 cases.  The OR crew led by Barb and Mick (couldn't do the mission without them) started packing up the OR.   It's an amazing accomplishment to take an empty set of rooms, turn them into working operating rooms and then pack it all up within a day.  All of the patients did well during the week without any complications.  Except for the one baby at the beginning of the week who scared us all (and did very well and went home a couple of days later), all of the patients did great.  It was a huge sense of accomplishment when we finished our last surgery.   The next day was the discharge clinic and this was great to se all of the children and families that we treated.  There were lots of hugs and kisses of gratitude.  We really helped change a lot of lives.   We all really felt energized and even more dedicated to mission work. Brian Director Faces of Tomorrow

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written by Chris, February 01, 2010

That's awesome!!! I'm looking forward to seeing the pics and videos when you guys get back. Also, I've sent you a list of supplies that have been donated by Dr. Alan Rabe DDS and his Rotary Club to FOT. Have a safe trip home...

Chris

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written by Joelle Adajian, February 01, 2010

Brian,
So glad to hear that all went well and you are on your way back! I can't wait to hear all the details. Also, an advance Happy Birthday to you!
-Joel

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sent via text from Dr. Rubistein, 1-27-2010 9:40 am

Just finished Oscar's surgery. The surgery was a huge success and he is doing well in recovery. His mom is by his side, crying and so thankful.

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Today was an amazing day. The mission is going very well. I totally lost it today! A patient showed up today and reinforced why we are coming here! His name is Oscar.  He and his mother walked over an hour to a bus and then took a 3 hour bus ride after a friend called and told them we (Faces of Tomorrow) are in Quito.  The mother told us that she has 6 children and her husband has passed away.  Oscar is 16 y.o and has an unrepaired cleft palate.  They walked in to the hospital and happened upon one of our peace corp volunteers.  They were brought into the operating room area and I examined him.  His palate is really wide and has never been repaired.  His speech is terrible and you can hardly understand him.  He is very shy. 

After examining him and talking to the mom, Jim and I looked at the surgery schedule, moved some patients around and tried to find a spot for him on the schedule.  We basically made him a spot on the schedule.  I went back to Oscar and his mom and told them that we will be able to do his surgery and repair his palate.  Oscar and his mom were very happy, but then all of a sudden, she burst into tears, put her hands in the air and wept.  She said over and over that she has nothing, that they walked so far and came so far to find us.  She told us that her husband died and that again, she has nothing and has dreamed of this day.  Then, Oscar starting crying and hugged his mom.  The were so grateful, to say the least. 

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written by Chopper Steve, January 27, 2010

Hey Brian, me and my old lady are sitting here in chicago's sub-zero weather, this account of what you are doing makes things warmer here. Your time away from your family and practice will truly be rewarded maybe by only these words. By the way say hello to my sisters, Mary Beth Tackas and Karyn Gordon. Stand strong.

Chopper Steve

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written by Karl Benjamin, January 27, 2010

Brian, The direct impact you are having on people's lives is pretty inspiring. You are not only affecting the lives of your patients, but you're giving your friends and family a huge lesson in how to give more than take. Hang in there brother!

Karlos

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written by Karen Ashby, January 27, 2010

I have been following the blog and am so impressed with everything that you all are doing - this really has a way of making all of the little things seem so trivial doesn't it - you all are making such an impact in their lives - how honored can you be - looking forward to your arrival back home!

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written by Catherine Brooks, January 28, 2010

Wow, what a great story! I am losing it just reading it. You all are such an inspiration! Keep up the amazing work you all are doing over there. I have been reading the blog everyday and thinking of you all. Take care, return home safely and keep up the great work!

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Medical Assistant Extraordinaire
written by Kit, January 28, 2010

That is amazing! What a huge blessing that must have been to Oscar and his family! I can't even imagine the joy she must feel at the prospect that her son's life will be changed by your team! Good luck!

-Kit

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written by Meryle Bloom, January 28, 2010

.To everyone involved with this amazing mission. From the very beginning of Faces of Tomorrow I have been so impressed by all the energy and love given. There are many people in this world that are willing to give of themselves to help better the lives of others; I am so very proud to be the mother and mother-in-law of two. I am so glad that you have put this blog together (look at me, Kids, I am blogging); I never would have imagined that I could have ever been more impressed or touched, but reading all the impressions and hearing about the surgeries practically out of the O.R.is wonderful. What really touched me and brought tears to my eyes was reading what 7 year old Lucio wrote. How wonderful to have this experience with such a huge return on your investment; my heart is almost as full as yours.

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written by Debby Poyser, January 29, 2010

Hey Brian, It's just unimagineable what you all are doing for the people in need down there. I'm so proud of all of you. You give such a glowing representation of America.....I wish our whole country could know of your sacrifice. love and kindness. Thanks for sharing these experiences with us through your blogs......it really helps us feel connected to what you're doing. I pray daily for all of you.

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