We are back in Guatemala City today and tomorrow we leave for our homes. Today, we had lunch with the local Rotary Club that has provided such invaluable support, Club Rotario Guatemala de la Asuncion. This Club has provided logistical support, fellowship and generous hospitality that was essential for the success of this 15th Rotaplast Mission to Guatemala.
Rotaplast Volunteers & Club Rotario Guatemala de la Asuncion Members
Elisa Sinibaldi de Ramirez-Portilla has raised over 1,000,000 quetzal (over $150,000 US dollars) which was used for publicity as evidenced by strong turn-outs.
Elisa Sinibaldi de Ramirez-Portilla
This trip we evaluated 198 potential patients in our pre-op walk-in clinics, the final review of the work performed, reveals we operated on 99 healthy candidates and performed 122 procedures to improve the lives and futures of these many children of Guatemala. The value of the pro bono medical services performed over the last 2 weeks equates to $409,000 US dollars.
Why all the effort? To save a smile and change a life . . .
The 25 Rotaplast Volunteers came to Guatemala come from California, Nevada, Colorado, Washington State, Arizona, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, South Carolina, Florida and also from Prague in the Czech Republic. We must also recognize the long-time friend of Rotaplast from Guatemala City, Surgeon, Milton Solis as well.
We must also extend a special thanks to Rotary District 5300 of Southern Nevada and Southern California for sponsoring this trip, along with the generous contribution of Steve Brozosky which was matched by the Pleasanton, California Rotary Club. Thank you for making this trip possible.
On a personal note, it has truly been my privilege to provide you with a blog from the field on the work of Rotaplast. I thank Rotaplast & my fellow volunteers for this incredible, eye-opening and soul expanding adventure.