Helping people hear

Have you ever turned on the radio and heard a song you LOVED???  Instantly you reach out to TURN IT UP so you can soak in the sounds and vibrations.  Now imagine what life is like for those who strain to hear the music of everyday life and never have a way to turn up the volume.

Hearing loss affects so many people in the states and around the globe.  I was fortunate to get tuned in to a not for profit called Starkey Hearing foundation www.starkeyhearingfoundation.org  They have come up with tons of ways to help domestically and globally.  Thru local providers, they accept donated hearing aides, both molded in ear and over the ear types, along with other hearing items you may have.

Recently a  friend came to me when her mom passed. She had two nearly new hearing aides and knowing how expensive they were, and not wanting to throw them out, my friend asked  if I knew of an organization that could use them.  I found out that the Lyons Club and other hearing based providers accept over the ear type but not the molded ones. Starkey hearing foundation travels to many countries in the world and has done great work.

**Starkey Foundation would make a great mission opportunity for those involved with audiology or have a personal experience with hearing loss**

Pack for a purpose- Costa Rica

Costa Rica was the perfect place for me to introduce some of my family and friends to the concept of  international travel and mission work! This was not a medical mission but one of humanitarian nature. Costa Rica exceeded our expectations for beauty, natural wonders and the warmth of everyone we met. Our group was welcomed with smiles and hugs at this wonderful orphanage in La Fortuna. We were so fortunate to link up with Wendy Holt who is a participant with pack for a purpose. She is an American who now lives in Costa Rica and has her own Inn. http://www.thevillahermosa.com/donate.html  Please visit the link to see more about volunteer opportunities in Costa Rica . Or check out pack for a purpose directly to see what other areas have coordinators across the world. http://www.packforapurpose.org/

On our special day we were able to bring over 50 pairs of shoes, soccer balls, games, art supplies,purses handmade bracelets, hats, toys and baby items. The teens spent time playing with the kids, holding the babies and putting on nail polish. In total our group brought over 200 pounds of items for the orphanage and a remote school. Unfortunately we didn't get to go with our supplies to Escuela Monterrey but our contact person took all the items: backpacks (over 15),paper, Spanish books,pencils,erasers,sharpeners, folders, paper, room decorations, soccer balls/pump the next day!

This mission was a huge success! Thanks to all the friends and family that assisted and donated supplies and/or money which was used to purchase items or defer the cost of additional shipping fees. There are some frequently asked questions (FAQ) that I get so I thought I would explain WHY we pack all these things vs. shipping them or just buying once there. First off as with any donation you want to know that the item you give gets to the people in need. Bringing them assures this!  Also it is difficult to shop in a country you do not know or speak the language and import taxes can cause basic school items to be very expensive in Costa Rica or other third world countries.

Suggestions for future volunteers:
1. Give your donations to remote locations.
2. Line up your drop off at the beginning of you trip, so you aren't lugging around extra suitcases the entire time.
3. Have a contact person in the country you are going to to.
4. **Bring items they request. Don't assume you know what they need! Ask questions.
5. Avoid giving cash donations. If they need specific items go to the hardware store etc with the contact person.  This will assure your money goes to the project in need!

Our World may be a  BIG place but LOVING, CARING and GIVING transcend all cultures and languages!

Costa Rica - Here we come!

Soon I will be flying off to Central America.  Costa Rica will be the newest and greenest spot on the planet for me to give back and this time I won't be using my physical therapy skills.   The BEST part of this mission trip is that I will be sharing it with my daughter and a small group of dear friends!  My cycle of giving and educating/inspiring friends is growing!! As I share my experiences with  friends, family and strangers many of them ask "Could I do that" "How do I get started" and "I want to go with you on your next mission".   Upon investigating WHO and HOW to help in Costa Rica  the great world wide web directed to me to www.packforapurpose.org    

 It provided tons of  information on how to help in various countries and provided wish lists for different organizations. It is a not for profit organization that encourages the everyday tourist to allocate 5 pounds of their luggage space for donations.  In turn they make it easier to leave donations at a participating hotel or to directly contact the organizations.

 Currently I have a full 50 pound suitcase of backpacks, school supplies, soccer balls and Spanish books. I just found out the age/gender of the kids at the orphanage who are in dire need for shoes... so I guess to will be going shoe shopping!! The best part of giving is bringing something that you know will be used.  

I will post after we return.  Thanks to all who support me and to all who push the limits to help others! 

Back from Ecuador

My most recent mission trip marked my second year in South America, but more importantly it marked the 20th year that medical professionals have been traveling from the States to help the children with MME(Medical Mission Ecuador).

We were lucky to have a large group of Rehab professionals all willing and able to work the long hours. There were 5 physical therapists, 2 occupational therapists, 1 orthotist and 7 support persons who helped out in any way possible(translation, fixing wheelchairs, keeping our supplies organized and easy to find).  This year we saw 222 children and adults.  Since last year I was saddened to see many adults ailing because of the generally hard life, lack of medications and minimal health intervention. I was able to bring tubes of biofreeze, ibuprofen, back and knee braces and home exercises in Spanish. I also noticed that kids did not have many seating options so I brought (4) umbrella strollers and (3) hard plastic seats for young toddlers.

This year I raised money for items with a shopping party that earned $150, and had $350 in cash donations which allowed me to purchase medicine, braces for back/knee/ankle and wrists,shoes, developmental roller balls,a therapy ball, and Spanish books and toys for the orphanage.  It also paid for the additional shipping costs and money given directly to families for shoes when we didn't have a pair to issue out.

Here's just one picture from the orphanage/school I had lined up to visit. Hogar Santa Maria in Ambato. It was a much nicer orphanage than I had visited last year and we saw many babies, toddlers and young children. The older children were a class. The best news of the day was when we heard that even though 4-6 children come to the orphanage/ month at least that many children are adopted from Ecuador families. Thanks to all who helped out with this mission! It was a great success.

Wish list for Ecuador

Star light.. Star bring...1st star I've seen tonight... OK enough of that but here is my WISH. Please check out my wish list for Ecuador MME mission trip 1/29/12 -2/5/12. If there is anything you can help with or maybe you "just know a guy who knows a guy" that's fine too.  Part of what I'm doing is making connections and helping people find ways to help or be involved.
        WISH LIST

2-4 wheelchairs. tilt in space ideal, smaller /pediatric/ basic w/c's are ok too!
pediatric shoe inserts
AFO's, wrist splints
elbow/knee immobilizers
boppy pillows sewn forms ( I will have the families stuff on their own)
blow up bolster with balls inside or blow up beach balls
umbrella strollers (4)
Child sneakers (all sizes good condition, light up kind are amazing to those kids)
Light up toys (Balls, yo-yo's etc)
FOR ADULTS:
back braces (5) med (5) large
Biofreeze(10)
Ibuprofen 10 bottles

PS I'd love to have any medical folks, translators or motivated helpers join me on a great adventure. Ecuador is amazing and the people are so warm and nice.

Mission Milestone - 1 yr anniversary

This week marks the one year anniversary of my return from Haiti.   I just can't believe I have been on 2 medical missions in the past 12 months.  Haiti was the first (Aug 7-14, 2010) and  Ecuador was the second (Feb 6-15th, 2011).  With each one I am exponentially more prepared, efficient and ready to  involve the hearts and help of many.  Luckily I am in the planning phase for my next mission which will take me back to  Ambato, Ecuador.  My original goal was to do "missions around the world" and I didn't visualize going to any location more than once but Ecuador has inspired me to return again. I look forward to having others join me this year as well as maximizing donations and medical supplies that I will take.

Thanks for checking out my blog, I did hit over 1000 views a few months ago and plan to have an interactive web site by next year.  Stay tuned for my Mission Wish List -MME and contact me if you are interested in any facet of medical mission work.

Crush Proof Maps!

Have you heard of fabric maps.  I had seen it mentioned in the April 2011 Budget Travel edition under "crush-proof cargo".  I saw it today and decided to check it out.  So glad I did. I would recommend going to Rand McNally directly http://store.randmcnally.com/us-maps.html?SCInternal=rmheader_usmaps and look under sale section.  They  have about 20 different cities and all the maps are 50% off.  I bought (5) cities that I go to often or plan to see in the near future.  They were only $2.98 each!   I then found a coupon code "SAVE10" which took 10% off the entire price.

I will give a review once I get them in but the concept is awesome...tear-proof,  waterproof and tough. LOVE it. A sample of cities were: Miami (south beach), Seattle, Chicago and Key west.