GIFT OF LOVE
Reflection by Art de Leon, M.D

.NOBLE IDEALS: During interview days most medical students dreamt of helping their fellowmen as volunteer doctors. It's a tear jerking idea. But through the rigors of studying, financial responsibilities, sleepless nights of training and trying to perfect that dream, the noble idea got lost somewhere down the line. Reality of life overshadowed noble dreams. Priorities changed and shifted to cope with the challenges of raising a family, the commitment to one's profession and the pursuit of personal goals. To a certain degree, I was one of those "dreamers" and also a victim of those lost ideals. Time passes by so quickly yet, to me, it is not totally gone. To realize my Missionary dream, I decided to an early retirement - to give me the opportunity to pursue my "dreams"-to share God's gift with my countrymen from "the poorest of the poor" as long as I can. DREAMS COME TRUE: I thank God and CMM of the Philippine-American Association of NC, Inc. for allowing me to fulfill a lifetime dream to serve my kababayan (fellowmen) I am very thankful to a small group of Pilipinos in the area, American friends and colleagues for their encouragement and monetary support, enabling me to share my God -given provision, knowledge and time to help the least of our brethren.

LIFE-ENHANCEMENT: Over the years, volunteering with CMM has brought many amazing experiences that money can't buy. I saw children coming from cleft operation and going home with beautiful smiles and a better appreciation that they are not damaged creations. I saw people with giant goiters going home with improved look. I have seen impoverished cataract patients resigned to life without sight.- a blind life without the light of day. But they need not be so. CMM provides not only cataract surgery but also intraocular lens implant - It is amazing to see the reaction of a post-cataract patient once the bandage is removed- patient and family members-alike, shed tears of happiness. They clapped their hands in joy and gratitude for the new life.. Such "Miracle of new sight " is still mind-boggling to many. I could go on and on about the special stories. I will forever treasure these wonderful experiences. I pray to God that the Carolina Medical mission will continue to serve those in dire need of medical assistance.

GROWTH: My first mission, sponsored by the California-based Christian Emergency Relief Team was based in Tagbilaran,
Bohol.(Visayas). The 5-member team was headed by a retired Raleigh Policeman, Doug Hinton. Doug, his wife, Ann; our son Jay de Leon; Anita Ng; Rosemary de Leon MD and I made up the "medical mission team". Now nine years later, 50 volunteers will be in Miagao, Iloilo--an overwhelming growth for CMM. In addition, we have a youth invasion this year. More than 50% are young people (between 18 and 35 years of age). US volunteers are not only exclusively from North Carolina but also from Texas, California, Michigan, Virginia, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Florida. The Philippine-based volunteers come from various regions of the Philippines: Luzon: Nueva Ecija, Laguna, Metro-Manila, Oriental Mindoro; Visayas: Iloilo City; Mindanao: Cotabato, Zamboanga and Surigao. These local specialty doctors, dentists , local volunteer nurses and physical therapists leave their practices for two weeks and/or get time off without pay just to volunteer their time and service. I look forward to working with these precious friends.

A CHALLENGE: I loved, played, lived basketball through medical school. Like basketball, life is a game. At this writing, I am playing the last quarter. I do hope that whoever reads this reflection will be challenged to the fullest and take the baton from our hands to help us rather than ridicule in envy and run with it. I personally enjoy sharing this time with you en route to Lupang Hinirang (my nativeland) where this little dream started 40 years ago.
This makes life challenging, memorable and beautiful. Jan. 8, 2002

Dr. Art de Leon was a missionary doctor in Kapangan, a remote area of the Mountain Province (Philippines) for six months before coming to the United States. He did his Internal Medicine residency in Illinois. A family medicine practitioner, Art retired over two year ago from private practice to pursue his missionary dreams. Art wrote this reflection aboard his PAL flight to the Philippines, January 8, 2002. He underwent a quintuple bypass in Raleigh almost 2 months ago and is doing well.