The morning began with the surgical team gathering for a briefing on emergency protocol let by head nurse, Mia Pena.  Lead nurse at the hospital; Lovely Lucky Quiameo who goes by the nickname “Blue” clarified location of equipment and supplies and further reinforced emergency procedures. Surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses,  medical  and non medical volunteers reviewed rare but potential life threatening scenarios.  Mia also stressed the importance of frequent, clear and consistent communication and several walk talkies were provided to assist with communication between floors.

A child’s journey begins in the ward, often with uncertainty, but quickly becomes a story of hope as an extraordinary team comes together with a shared purpose. The Quartermaster quietly ensures the mission runs seamlessly answering any questions that non-medical team members have and reinforcing all the procedures.  Non-medical volunteers welcome families, provide distraction materials such as toys and books to help ease the child’s anxiety. Rotarian volunteers monitor the ward, transport children between stations and entertain them while they wait to be brought into the operating room.  At the center are the medical professionals—surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and clinical staff—whose expertise and dedication make life-changing surgery possible. Together, this team embodies the Rotary ideal of Service Above Self, turning a child’s path from the ward to the operating room into a journey of healing, dignity, and new beginnings.

          

Outside the operating rooms, the waiting area told its own story. Parents held tightly to small bags of belongings while watching the doors carefully. Volunteers offered reassurance, smiles, and translation when needed. The emotions in the room shifted throughout the day—from anxiety as patients were taken into surgery, to visible relief when families learned their loved ones were recovering well.

When the first patient returned from surgery, the change was immediate. What had once been a cleft lip was now repaired, and a new future had quietly begun. Moments like this are why Rotaplast teams travel across the world—to give patients not only surgery, but confidence, opportunity, and the chance to live without stigma.

   

Tomorrow will bring another full schedule of surgeries, more families, and more transformations. But today marked the start.😊