3 Lives Changed

Today we began the day with breakfast at 6:30am, then it was off to the hospital at 7:00am to begin our first day of surgery.  We arrived at the hospital to the smiling faces of the families scheduled for the day.  The clinic hallway was lined with anxious families waiting to have their echocardiograms to see if they were candidates for surgery later in the week. 

The team quickly began preparing the rooms for the day and making the families as comfortable as possible.  Coloring books and beanie babies were given to the children to ease their anxiety.  We also entertained the children by taking their picture and watching them burst into laughter when they saw themselves.

 

The 3 cases today were Samid, Mohammed and Josephine. 

 
Samid is a 4 year old stoic young man.  We repaired his VSD and Aortic Valve.   His father is a security guard here at the hospital.

 
Mohammed is 1.5 years old and we closed his VSD and PDA. 

 
Josephine was our last case of the day which we finished around 7pm and is a beautiful 4 year old and we closed her PDA.  All are recovering nicely in the ICU. Three lives changed in one day, what a great feeling.

We completed 3 Cardiac Surgeries and evaluated 18 children in the clinic today.  Not bad for a days work!

Tomorrow we will begin the day at 7:30am.  We have 3 surgeries scheduled and 2 procedures in the clinic.

The answer to yesterday's Question of the Day is Termite Mound

-Katy, you were the only one that got the correct answer!

Question of the Day

What do Quame and Ama have in common?

Comments

[Olivia, Marissa, and Nick Horn]

Hi everyone!
Hi mom! We are so proud of everyone and of all the hard work you have put into this. Three lives changed already is a big deal! Love you mom!

[Norma Alekna]

Godspeed to you all. I know it is exhausting, but so wonderful to have the opportunity to help these children.
Norma
p.s. the thought of the 8 hour bus ride made me shiver!

[Leah]

Hi Everyone!

I am so excited to get a chance to read the blog! Best wishes to everyone! Thank you for all that you do, and much much thanks on behalf of Sefwi Humjibre/GHEI!

Did someone already answer the question on what Kwame and Ama have in common? They are both born on Saturday (in Akan tribes). (Ama for a girl and Kwame/Quame for a boy)!

I hope everyone is enjoying the mission and Ghana!

Take care,
Leah

[karen horn]

Susan.........

**** Thank You!!!! **** I can not even begin to tell you how much all of us on this mission appreciate the hard work you put into writing this incredible blog.... Being this far away from our friends and family can be hard but because of you, they can be with us each and every day.

[Linda Placidi]

Hi,
So glad to hear that the three surgeries were successful. The pictures of everyone are great. What a wonderful thing to be able to share your knowledge with others. Kudos to all of you,keep up the good work. Christine I saw your boys today and all is well.....
Love
Mom

[Maryann Dowling-Abcunas]

Hi Catherine (Cat),
Reading all that has been accomplished in such a short period of time is just amazing .......
thinking of you and your team as all of you use all of your knowledge and compassion to give the special little ones a chance at life !!!! It's just soooooo great !!
Love reading the posts every day !!

Sending hugs to Catherine and all of her
dedicated team !!

Aunt Maryann & All of Catherine's family

[Karyn Reinhardt]

Stephanie + the entire team:
Wow! Wow! Wow is all I have to say. I am enjoying reading this blog and am amazed by all that you are all doing. What an opportunity and experience to touch so many lives! Keep up the great work!
Karyn Reinhardt

[Carrie Tracy]

Hey there Stephanie!!! Cute picture! Can't wait to see the rest of them! Great work to all and such encouraging stories from last years' patients! Keep you motivated to do more, I'm sure! Good luck with the rest of the week!! Miss you!
Carrie

[Wanda]

Hey Stephanie,

Great to talk to you last night! You are indeed a ROCK STAR in Ghana ha!

Love,

Mama