2014 Continuing Care Project Report
Guatemala Continuing Care Project Report – May 2014
The Thiensville Mequon Rotary Clubs established the Guatemala Medical Resources Partnership (GMRP) in 2005 to help the people living in the Department of Santa Rosa, a remote area of the country, who did not have access to adequate health care.
Every year, dedicated health care providers, interpreters, and other volunteers travel at their own expense to the small village of Oliveros in Santa Rosa to provide medical, dental, vision, nutrition, and pharmacy services to the local community in desperate need of such care.
In 2012, it became apparent that many of the patients also required continuing care, mostly surgery, which, because of poverty, lack of transportation, and inability to negotiate the hospital system, they were unable to access. As a result, in 2014, GMRP established the Guatemala Continuing Care Project which provides these individuals and families with the care they require.
With a gift of $200, one patient is able to obtain the surgery he or she needs.
Our Continuing Care Project began in earnest in January, 2014 at the annual Rotary Clinic in Oliveros.
We screened patients for surgery and referred them to our health promoter, Flory Quintanillo. We met with Flory in late May and discussed the challenges and successes during our first four months of operation. During that time, Flory shared a number of stories and photos, a few of which follow. (Please mouse over images above to view caption.)
Hernán, age 52, lives in Oliveros. He lost the lower part of both his arms years ago in a sugar refining machine accident. He’s been coming to the January Rotary clinic for quite some time for medical and dental care. This year, he had a hernia which was operated on as part of the Continuing Care Project. His son accompanied him to Antigua. The nurse had to put his IV into his neck and the hospital bracelet around his ankle, because of his amputations. Of the bracelet around his ankle, Hernán showed his good sense of humor by telling Flory that he looked like a “store-bought chicken.” The surgery was a complete success, and Hernán is very happy!
Brandy Reyes, age 9 months. He was born with 2 thumbs on his left hand. His parents learned of the Continuing Care Project from Flory, and they traveled a great distance with their priest, to the Oliveros Clinic in January. Brandy is scheduled for plastic surgery in August.
Hener, age 9, who lives in El Astillero Guasacapán. He had surgery on his tonsils, adenoids, and a burst eardrum. He was worried that he would cry while being prepped for surgery. As it turned out, Hener didn’t cry, and he was very proud of himself! And now, he can hear very well.
Each of the above surgeries was made possible by the generosity of individuals and organizations. The average cost per patient (including testing, transportation, surgical procedure, lodging, meals, medication, etc.) is approximately $200 US.
We hope you will take pride in knowing how much your gift will help change lives for the better.
Thank you.