MISSION 2001: MEMORIES WILL LINGER ON

Carolina Medical Mission 2001

Coron, Palawan: The Manila-based 13:22 International Foundation through one of its members, Cynthia, a cousin of CMM volunteer Ruby Chanco, invited the medical mission to team-up with them in providing medical assistance to the hundreds of underprivileged mountain people (from many native tribes) settled on the mountainous ranges surrounding the tiny island of Coron. Some patients traveled six hours (by sea) to reach Coron. Local pastors volunteered their time to help transport the mountain people-and in the process-preached to them. The pleasant working conditions during this mission enhanced the quality as well as the quantity of CMM's outreach. The surgical venue, Coron District Hospital, although small and antiquated, was an ideal setting for both general and cataract surgeries. In order to accommodate all the pre-screened patients, the CMM surgical team started their surgery a day before the scheduled mission. The hospital administrator was happy to oblige. The hospital and health professionals worked with CMM beyond their normal shift. A team effort by CMM and local volunteers made the OR function like a well-synchronized "Swiss watch". Every volunteer proved to be a valuable asset to the mission. The CMM volunteers worked tireless hours; constantly "going the extra mile". A patient who had a splenectomy (excised spleen weighed 16 pounds) lost a lot of blood after surgery. The family was unable to get blood. Fortunately, Philippine-based surgeons Dr. Benjie Yu and Dr. Raymond Belmonte's blood matched the patient's. Each donated a unit of blood (500 cc) by direct transfusion. They were the "heroes of the day". Such a spontaneous and self-less response did not surprise us because they are naturally compassionate persons.

Baao, Camarines Sur: PAANC member Evelyn Harris, a native of Baao, invited CMM to her hometown to provide free medical services to the indigents. The medical and dental services were rendered smoothly, although it was shortened to three days because of some logistical problems*. Since an appropriate hospital venue was not available in Baao, the CMM surgical team worked in Naga City, at the Bicol Medical Center. Unfortunately, some communication problems arose during the process of scheduling the CMM surgical team. In spite of being told "you can not use our instruments nor can we provide you with OR manpower", the general and cataract surgeons carried on their work, completing the cases assigned to them in 2 days. The CMM team players coped with such adversity by swallowing their pride and remaining true to the objectives of CMM. On the third day the surgical team joined the medical group in San Jose, Baao; some did minor cases in a tiny cubicle while others did medical consultation.

* Baao Mayor Melquiades Gaite informed CMM that the DOH permit was for 3 working days. Thus, the 5-day mission was condensed into 3 days.The surgeons and nurses joined the San Jose, Baao Medical segment; did minor surgery in an improvised room. No time was wasted-though the surgeons felt very bad because some "poor patients" got cheated from getting their free surgery.