Posts from 2013
Video slide show of the Pereira
Pereira, Colombia
You can view the amazing work of the Rotaplast team in Pereira, and get a sense of the emotional experience for the families. English version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQDBtLQOhaY Spanish version sh... Read More »
Some final thoughts…
Pereira, Colombia
Before I end the posts from this mission, I want to give an update on Hector. You may recall that he was profiled when Rotaplast was last in Pereira in July 2011. Hector has had eight surgeries to correct ... Read More »
Rotaplast in the news
Pereira, Colombia
Dr. Carlos Hoyos, a plastic surgeon from Pereira working with the team is interviewed at the opening clinic. It's a big event when Rotaplast comes into a town, especially when a team returns for the si... Read More »
A touch of love…
Pereira, Colombia
Once again, Wrap-A-Smile has generously donated a colorful, handmade quilt for each Rotaplast patient. Since 2001, international quilters have been crafting and donating quilts to provide a loving touch fo... Read More »
Meet Gustavo
Pereira, Colombia
Gustavo is a confident young man of 21 who was born with a cleft lip and palate. His mother, Maria, talked of her past working with her husband on a citrus plantation. They lived on the farm next to the Read More »
Meet Team Rotaplast
Pereira, Colombia
We just passed the halfway point of the mission and the pre-op area, operating rooms, recovery room and patient ward are abuzz with activity. Our local hosts have set up a break room where they provide us ... Read More »
The rest of Santiago’s day
Pereira, Colombia
Waiting for surgery.Reunited with mom in the recovery room. After two hours in surgery, Santiago has a new smile and a brighter future. Jerry Meshulam, Photojournalist Read More »
Santiago ponders his future after Rotaplast
Pereira, Colombia
Jerry Meshulam, Photojournalist Read More »
Juan Diego’s Life Changed Today
Pereira, Colombia
Juan Diego is turning two tomorrow and our Rotaplast team gave him a birthday present that will change his life forever. Betty is Juan Diego's foster mom. Pereira-based Fundación Sonríe invited her t... Read More »
Our first patients
Pereira, Colombia
Happy Birthday, "Peluza!" Anderson is celebrating his second birthday today at Hospital San Jorge. Some kids are just too cute for words but with his bowl-shaped haircut his parents have an affec... Read More »
Pre-op clinic day
Pereira, Colombia
The first order of business on a Rotaplast mission is the all-important pre-operation clinic. While it's our first contact with the patients, it takes months of planning by the host Rotary organization... Read More »
Organization day
Pereira, Colombia
Today was devoted to getting ourselves from Cali to Pereira, a 3.5 hour bus ride comfortably managed by our local Rotarian hosts, becoming familiar with the hospital setting and preparing for tomorrow'... Read More »
We’re off to Pereira, Colombia!
Pereira, Colombia
You would never believe we were gathering at 3:30 am at San Francisco International Airport by the lively energy. Must be the excitement of knowing we will soon be using our skills to change the lives of c... Read More »
Final thoughts
Barquisimeto, Venezuela
I am sitting on the balcony in the predawn coolness hours before our 7:30 a.m. departure. Concrete block housing beyond the parking lot is silhouetted in front of pink-tinged haze on the horizon. The seren... Read More »
From the Mission Director
Barquisimeto, Venezuela
I have been honored to be the mission director here in Barquisimeto for this 2010 Rotaplast mission. I would like to acknowledge Mario Vegas and Aquilis Perez who have been instrumental in arranging all ne... Read More »
“Take care of my son first”
Barquisimeto, Venezuela
Pedro and his wife, Dann Mari were waiting for us at the hospital with their son, Dubert, first thing Monday morning. Although it was the sixth day of our mission and the 11th time Rotaplast has come to Ba... Read More »
Beverly Hills 90210
Barquisimeto, Venezuela
Beverly Hills Rotarians (photo left to right) Dr. Anthony Sokol, Jerrie Heslov, Tamara Leider and Adam Heller and are now on Day Ten of a life changing Rotaplast Mission in Barquisimeto, thanks to o... Read More »
Top 11 Things I Learned During My Venezuelan Vacation
Barquisimeto, Venezuela
Yes, there’s an extra bonus thing! Text and photos by John Street, Assistant Quartermaster Number 11: When one of our favorite veteran patient/volunteers yells, “Wash up!” he’s not ordering ... Read More »
Rotary supporting the mission
Barquisimeto, Venezuela
From our first day in Barquisimeto, Rotary president Enedina Suárez has been there in the clinic welcoming everyone in her warm and friendly way – our sunshine lady. Her ever-present lists are being che... Read More »
Whatever it takes
Barquisimeto, Venezuela
Estrella and Ismael were waiting for us when we arrived at the hospital this morning at 6:30, cradling 16 month old Carlos. They read in the newspaper that Rotaplast might be able to repair Carlos’ cleft... Read More »
Latest From Around The World
Caltech Women’s Clu...
Pasadena, California
Pictured Above: Marilyn Diaz (middle), seated just like Einstein, in the library with fellow CHATs at the Mt. Wilson Observatory Special thanks author/interviewer Gloria Mullendore and the Caltech Women&#... Read More »
Cebu City Day 10 – ...
Cebu City, Philippines
The final day of our Rotaplast Mission is the culmination of the incredible dedication and work by our team over the last nine days, with 69 children receiving new smiles and changed lives! On this day o... Read More »