Blog, Sunday 22 June
We started with a morning reflection at 0600. It was short and sweet, emphasizing that the people, the community, should be what pushes us, and he thanked the volunteer team for being pushed to a mission such as ours.
The day was split between three unofficial spaces: operating room (OR) setup, screenings in the clinic, and the mobility clinic.
The operating rooms were partly filled with supplies. Surgical technologist KP took the time to inform me about the purpose of some materials, why they were placed where they were placed, and how the supply sent via trunks influence the surgical work that would be done. Each member of the team, including OR nurses, surgical technologists, and physician’s assistants contributed to pulling from each trunk items deemed necessary by the aforementioned staff as well as surgeons. One pharmacist shared that this was his third time returning to the mission trip. He admitted that during his first trip, he could’ve taken more notes on issues that he’d run into while working with the pre- and post-op staff and patients. He took more notes the second time around regarding workflow, organization, etc. Spoilers from surgery day one, happening tomorrow: the notes worked, and day one at the pharmacy was, by all accounts, copacetic.
The clinic was opened to patients so that they could be screened for surgery. Surgeons Dan and Tracey were interviewing patients, determining need and capability. Translator Oscar assisted as needed around the clinic, which was filled at this point with more than 40 potential patients and family members. Team members who had time to spare split up to distribute toothbrushes and travel toothpaste tubes to patients and families waiting at the clinic. We gave out adult and child toothbrushes. There were plenty of animal toothbrushes for the kids, and I suppose for the adults as well, and they enjoyed getting to choose between an elephant and a giraffe. Via translator, “Shouldn’t the giraffe toothbrush be longer?” I asked. A laugh or two. We talked to some families about their journey, physical and emotional. Some were here for their parents, some for their children. Some lived less than fifteen minutes away, others hours. The common denominator was gratitude for the opportunity to get help. Said one family member, “There was no way we could miss this chance to get help.” They told the kids to smile for the camera, but some were already smiling. This was when I learned that the equivalent phrase here for “say cheese!” is “say whiskey!” Diga whiskey!
The mobility clinic was dedicated to a means to access independence in the form of ambulation. Several US FIP volunteers, like Clayton, John, and Ryan, as well local FIP volunteers like Fernando, assembled multiple generations of wheelchairs as well as set up walkers. Occupational therapist Jany and physical therapist Julie began assigning hardware to patients. Translator Sidney assisted both therapists as patients were given new wheelchairs and walkers and canes. She was bright and easygoing as these patients began to adjust to their new tools.
Sidney shared a story about a parent whose daughter has cerebral palsy. Because of this condition and because of the lack of access to appropriate care, her mother has carried her, likely every day, since birth. She’s 11 years old. She was elated to finally have access to a wheelchair for her daughter. It’s a solution for a long-time coming and never too late. And it even came with some pool noodles modified by OT Jany and our mobility clinic volunteers so that her head would remain more upright. It was a strong start to the week, sweeter smiles than I think some of our hearts could handle.
Nicolas Petelo, Blogger
