Fall: September - November, 2010

It has been a good fall for Partner for Surgery - medical missions in impoverished rural areas, surgical teams at Clinica Barbara and continuation of our nutrition, cervical cancer screening and youth radio programs. We are moving forward. As Partner for Surgery's ninth year draws to a close, we are thankful for our accomplishments in serving Guatemala's neediest.

Last 12 Months - Lives Changed

7 Medical Teams Visited 28 Rural Communities
4,895 Patients Received Medical Attention
1,381 Referred for Surgery
675 Received Surgery in 6 Locations
23 Surgical Teams Supported with Patients
22 Area Managers Provided Patient Logistics
5 Rural Youth Teams Hosted Radio Programs

Cervical Cancer Prevention
17 Nurses Trained in Cervical Cancer Prevention
20,000 Women Screened for Cervical Cancer

Infant Nutrition
40 Infants Received Life Saving Nutritional Supplements
16 Received Clift Lip Surgery

October's Clinica Barbara Surgical Team Provides
70 Operations

Headed by Minnesota returning volunteer doctor, Rand Stolee, patients included thirteen pediatric cases, one being the repair of seven year old Walter Fernandez's umbilical hernia. The photos show Walter during his initial examination, being comforted by anesthetist, Pat Glynn prior to surgery, during recovery, and at his final exam - before beginning the 17 hour journey home to his village of Playa Grande! The team had a great time and many members plan to return next year.

Canada's Project Hands sent volunteers in October on a Medical Mission in the Department of the Quiche. Roads were bad or nonexistent and bridges washed out after the worst rainy season in fifty years, but the PfS group and hundreds of impoverished rural Guatemalans needing medical attention and surgical care persevered. Memorable patients included two brothers, Balthazar and Jose Ramirez Rivera, 11 and 8 years old. Brought in by their father, Jacinto, they were born with cleft lips and palates and have never had the opportunity for surgery. Their mother cares for the boys and five siblings while Jacinto cuts sugar cane on the coast six months out of the year. PfS has signed Balthazar and Jose up for surgery next July when Jacinto will be home and able to escort them to the Faces of Hope team. Both boys are healthy and eagerly looking forward to the chance to be rid of their deformities, go to school, and lead a normal life.

In November, Joe Giordano, former GW Chief of Surgery and PfS Board Member, organized back to back surgical teams returning to Clinica Barbara. The photo shows Dr. Donna Pitman, lead surgeon of the second team, assisted by Dr. Peter Shay, anesthesiologist. All went well with 109 patients, aged 3 - 83 receiving surgery over the two week period. The teams and Partner for Surgery's sister organization, Compañero en Salud, initiated several days of educational speakers and activities for children and adults. Various health topics were discussed, as well as time out for crafts and other just-for-fun activities. These opportunities helped time pass and will enable the adults to share newly learned expertise with their communities.

Partner for Surgery is seeing more patients and offering more surgery than ever before. Our Guatemalan nutrition program, cervical cancer screening, and youth radio programs are thriving; there has been tremendous growth in the nine years of our existence. In order for President Frank Peterson to pursue these opportunities for expansion, Partner for Surgery's Board of Directors is pleased to announce the hiring of Brian Carome as Director of U.S. Operations. Brian comes to us with more than 25 years of non-profit executive and senior management experience in the Washington, D.C. area. As the leader of PfS efforts in the U.S., Brian will focus on partnership building, organizational development and fundraising. Welcome, Brian.

Partner for Surgery would like to express sincere thanks to those who have financially supported us and ask others to consider a donation or an additional gift this calendar year. Donations can be made by check or online at www.partnerforsurgery.org and those in honor of someone will be acknowledged by a gift card.