Two Thumbs Up

Today was a very full day.  We were greeted by Abel this morning with two thumbs up, it was going to be a good day!

We were also greeted by Ken and Emma Wurah with a check for $2000.00  for the Hearts and Minds of Ghana mission.  Here is how it all began.  We evaluated Ken and Emma's child Kelli, on one of our first mission trips to Ghana.  He was not a surgical candidate in Ghana, but we were able to fly him to Boston for his surgery.  Since his surgery, Ken and Emma have been very supportive of our mission, greeting us every time we came to Ghana.  They were sent an invitation to our Sept. 2011,fundraiser at Fenway park.  Knowing they could not attend, they began a fundraising effort through Facebook called, "A Family and Friends 5 cedis fundraiser". They asked their friends and family to donate a minimum of 5 cedis towards the mission this year.  Their request stated, "Let us give; knowing we get back much more that we can every give."  Their friends met the challenge and raised a total of $2000.00.

A check for 1000.00 Cedis from the staff of Telemedia Communications Ltd. was presented at the Accra Airport upon our arrival.  We were met with a full television and media crew,  making us feel like true stars. The Hearts and Minds Team is truly humbled by their generosity!

Mid morning two of our previous patients arrived for evaluation at the clinic.  Porche and Jessica.  They were both greeted with hugs and kisses along with camera shots from everyone.  It was a true paparozzi moment, they felt like stars!  It was not long until the nurses were fitting Porche with a new pair of shoes.

Porche

Jessica

 

The doctors had a conference from 8-12. while our nurses gave free classes for the Ghanian nurses from 10 - 4.  We instructed 22 nurses in Basic Life Support and gave classes on basic cardiac anatomy, respiratory, cardiac defects and bypass surgery to the Ghanian nurses.  While the Ghanian nurses attended classes, the Children's nurses attended their patients.  The classes were will attended and well received.

At 1:30pm we started the first of 2 surgeries for the day.  We had some team members starting to pack supplies, nurses taking care of children post operatively and volunteers playing with the children and visiting a local daycare (Gallery) for hospital employees.

 

But the one story I know people are wondering about is Toni and Esther.  I will let you be the judge!

The week is winding down.  Tomorrow we will have the patient party to celebrate the children we operated on this week.  Then we will pack up our supplies and store them until our next mission. We have all had our own challenges and experiences over the last few weeks.  Here are a few thoughts from Mary:

"Where do I begin?  Who would have thought that my fifth mission to Ghana could be at all difficult.  I began this mission with a very heavy heart.  Leaving my family behind was a very difficult decision.  Thinking that I would have unlimited internet access made my decision to come easier.  Was I ever dissappointed to realize that our internet access (something we take for granted at home), was almost non existent.  I have nevery felt so disconnected from my family!    On the flip side, I realize how lucky we are that we are always able to contact our loved ones at home.  Internet service and our phones have become part of our lives.  Life without email, phone, and facebook is actually very lonely.  All that being said, I am again proud to be a part of another successful mission.  The difference we have made in the lives of these children is amazing.  We see this year to year when the children come back to visit us. This mission is one of the most rewarding and defining experiences of my life and nursing career."

Comments

[Craig]

These kids have such beautiful faces and wonderful smiles! It must be so rewarding for you to see them every day. I am in awe of your talents and generous spirits. Thank you for sharing your experiences with all of us.

[Jerry Eisenhaur]

Mary,
You and the team deserve the highest praise for you devotion to this project. we are so proud of you here at home, and are happy that we in some small way are able to support you.
God Bless you all.

[Lily]

Looks like you all had a very busy and productive day!! Nice job!! ...I wonder what kind of scenerios Karen gave to the nurses when she taught BLS :)
I'm so glad the week is ending on such a high note. The party tomorrow is definitely one of my favorite parts of the trip. Please take lots of pictures (and video if you can!).

[Joan Bowen]

Mary-

Can't wait to see you- definitely missed our phone chats on your way to work!!!! Hope you have a safe trip back and have a Happy Birthday!! We will celebrate when you get home!!