Faces of Tomorrow

After completing five intense days of surgery, Saturday is the day of discharge.  All of the patients that we have seen during the week return for a final examination, and more importantly, the joyous goodbyes that make it all worth it.  It is our last chance to see all of the patients (at least until the next mission in Ecuador.)  Many of them return with gifts for the doctors and nurses, (artwork, coffee mugs, jewelry, etc.) as a sign of their appreciation for the work we have done.  The doctors also complete their final evaluation of the patients by checking stitches, cleaning wound, and giving post care instructions that we hope the patients will follow.
In total, we performed surgeries on 50 patients, with 60 total surgical procedurs performed.  (Some patitents were able to get two procedures done in a single surgery).
In addition, our dental team saw well over 50 patients, peformed 15 filings, 8 extractions, several orthodontal procedures, and they also created and distributed 21 obturators. Obturators are similar to retainers, but plug thrie purpose to plug small holes in the palate that may be inoperable, allowing the patient better speech, as well keeping food or liquids from coming out through the nose.
It was a great close to a very successful trip.

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We had our second day of surgery today, and it was again successful. We completed nine cases, in spite of having a virus spread through the group that knocked several of us out.
Brian was able to perform a palate operation on a little girl names Carla, whose cleft lip we repaired last year.  She is the girl featured on the front page of the FOT homepage. We also had a 16 year old boy show up today with an unrepaired cleft palate.  He had received a cleft lip surgery at six months, but never was able to get back to complete the palate.  He and his mother lived in a remote region of Ecuador, and walked an hour to catch the bus, and then had a three hour bus ride to Quito. They missed the first triage day becuase they hadn't heard about us, but another patient had called them and informed them about FOT, so they left and came to see us. When they arrived, there was one surgery spot remaining for the entire week, and we elected to give it to them.  When we told them they would be selected for surgery, the tears flowed, as their long journey had a successful ending. We will repair his palate at 7:30 AM tomorrow.

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Wow
written by Jean Larkins, January 27, 2010

Hi Jim...thanks for sharing your stories...amazing work you are all doing! Hope you and the rest of the team are feeling better. We are thinking about you all and praying for lots of success during your visit. Hang in there! Love you, Jean

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I would like to add to my colleague's comments below.  It was a very good and very hectic day. I want to share two special moments.  First, when we entered the hospital, we received a very heartwarming and emotional round of applause from the 200 or so people that were waiting to be seen by us. I think it is a tribute to the medical staff, and the impression that we made last year in Ecuador. 
Secondly, I was able to see a patient that we operated on last year named Sofia. She is about 5 years old.  Last year, when we were operating on her, the electricity went out in the hospital, which was pretty disturbing for the parents of the children.  I remember speaking to Sofia's mother last year in the dark, and assuring her that her child was in the best of care with Brian, Nima and Charles, power or not.  Everything turned out fine, and they came to be examined again and were very appreciative of our organization. 
surgeries start tomorrow.. 

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...
written by Kathleen, January 25, 2010

Just want to wish everyone an amazing week ahead! I'm so bummed not to be there this year with you, but know I am thinking about you all and I am there with you in spirit! Have a great week and be very proud of what you are accomplishing! ~Kathleen

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Hi team!
written by Dana Welch, January 25, 2010

Just wanted to send you all solid love and support from Davis to Quito! We are thinking about all of you and wishing you a successful mission. Being able to follow your daily experiences is making it very real for us at home. Thanks for sharing! Keep up the great work. You are all doing wonderful things there....

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We arrived late last night into the Quito Airport, and 32 of us connected successfully in Quito from several different starting points in the US.  Customs was smooth, which is not always the case. 

It was nice for several of the new team members to meet each other and for everyone to re-acquaint themselves. Today, Saturday, we went to the hospital, and unloaded all of our supplies.

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Great to read the new blog
written by Susan Leider, January 24, 2010

So glad you arrived safely. I look forward to reading more about your trip and I hope the intake day goes well. . Love, Susan

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written by SHIRLEY KOUT, January 26, 2010

Thanks for keeping us updated on your activities. Glad you arrive safely and customs clearance went well. Have a safe time working with all of those grateful patients.Hugs, Shirley

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