Huellas de Mision Ilac - Oct. 2011 - English

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October 2011

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October 2011 Page 4 General Direction: Sonríete Relaciones Públicas Textos Isleny García Photos Hanu Graphic y Juan Guzmán Cover Photo Shantal Lantigua Colaboration José Miguel Portes Graphic Designer: Edma’s Grafics Printed by: Editora de Revistas WATER: fuente de vida, pero ¡cuidado! también de enfermedades Llevando salud a comunidades del Norte The desired house Distinguished members of the ILAC Board of Directors Bless the prosthetic that Allows me to Walk!

Transcript of Huellas de Mision Ilac - Oct. 2011 - English

October 2011

EditoriaL

General Direction: Sonríete Relaciones Públicas

Textos Isleny García

PhotosHanu Graphic y Juan Guzmán

Cover PhotoShantal Lantigua

ColaborationJosé Miguel PortesGraphic Designer:

Edma’s Grafics Printed by:

Editora de Revistas

Page 8

Page18

Page 4

Page14

Misión Ilac: Licey al Medio Tel.: 809.736.0095

www.ilac.org.do • [email protected]

The desired house

Llevando salud a comunidades del Norte

Bless the prosthetic that Allows me to Walk!

WATER: fuente de vida, pero ¡cuidado! también de enfermedades

Distinguished members of the ILAC Board of DirectorsMons. Ramón Benito de loa Rosa y Carpio

Ernesto Fernández Travieso, S.J. / Marcel Morel Mario Dávalos / Mercedes Carmen Capellán - Carmen Ureña

Ricardo Brugal - Cristóbal Viera - Alfredo Estrada - Robert HeaneyAndy Alexander, S.J. - Joseph Lynch - Robert Della Rocca - Irma Frank

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“We want to unite the volunteers”“We want to unite the volunteers”“We want to unite the volunteers”

Since the 1970’s, families from the rural areas of Cibao have welcomed groups of students and medical professionals from the United States

from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska.

There, in that center of higher learning, the department of University Ministry runs an office dedicated to ILAC. In August 2011, Andrea Ordonez, with degrees from Creighton in International Relations and Law and a former Peace Corps volunteer who served in Honduras became the new Creighton ILAC Director.

In this post she works with 25 groups of volunteers that travel to the Dominican Republic each year, she would like to continue the process of spiritual formation and improve the current exchange programs.

“We would like to work with people so they unders-tand the social and human contribution that can be achieved through service” she said. Other plans of this

Andrea OrdóñezAndrea OrdóñezDirector of the ILAC

Office at Creighton University

director are to create a network to allow unification of past volunteers with more recent volunteers. A virtual community and social network will allow connections between so many people that have contributed through the years to make more dignified the lives of the Domi-nican rural people.

“We would like to work with people so they understand

the social and human contribution that can be

achieved through service”

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The desired

HOUSEAs the sky clouded, José Muñoz went to help his wife,

Yulissa Gomez, move the bed and other household items that might get wet in the rain.

Things inside Yulissa’s wooden, thatched roof home got wet when it rained until July of this year when she caught site of the truck carrying the materials for her family’s new home.

Thanks to the goodwill of Nidia Rodriguez of Miami, FL, the Muñoz Gomez family and five other families in the community of Sabana Rey Latina, La Vega, have wonderful new houses where love and safety have found homes.

Mrs. Muñoz, laughing confesses: “The children had some new toys and always said that when we get a new home we will discover new games.” Now delighted, the twins and their little brother can play on their new concrete floor. It is the blessed fruit of solidarity disguised from above in the blue of our skies.

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at the ILAC Mission

The ILAC Mission each year attracts a growing number of collaborators in its service to those in need. Even though at present the complex

at the Mission in Licey al Medio has the capacity to lodge 200 people, the new projects and efforts add up and oblige us to always think about expanding our infrastructure.

Due to this situation, six new cabins are being constructed, of which three are completed. Each one consists of four rooms. This project is being undertaken thanks to the support of the Goldman Sachs Group of New York and the Industrial Free Trade Zone Corporation of Santiago, as well as the collaboration of Nidia Rodríguez, Mercedes Car-men Capellán and Miguel Lama..

SixCABINSNEW

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Forty children in our pre-school program finis-hed the academic year on June 16th with an enjoyable graduation ceremony at the ILAC

Center.

Executive Director, Radalme Peña and Director of Programs, José Miguel Portes, joined Fr. Tomás Morel, rector of nearby San Pio X Seminary who blessed the young students and their parents. A delicious lunch was served to end a lovely morning.

Pre-School Graduation

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Returning to people of scarce resources function lost due to various life circumstances. After beginning her day with a fright in her heart after

dreaming she was in an accident, Marina Rodriguez left for work. At midday, she had an errand to run but due to the dream, she preferred to go with her nephew and not alone.

On Highway San Pedro, a bus full of students braked hard, hitting the motorcycle on which Marina and her nephew were riding. Ms. Rodriquez was thrown 200 meters.

Marina arrived conscious to the hospital where a pas-serby had taken her. She had lost several pints of blood and the accident had taken her leg.

One year later, through a cousin, she became aware of the existence of Mission ILAC. In May 2011, she began to attend the Prosthetics program meetings, with the

hope she could again walk in this world on both feet.

The ILAC Prosthetic Lab Crudem Foundation coordinated by Mr. Ranvier Villegas, helps peo-ple of low income, like Marina, who through life circumstances need an implant that substi-

tutes to function as a member of the body (a prosthesis); or an attachment that will help

to reestablish the function of an organ (an orthotic).

Since May of this year, around 30 people have been treated. Villegas,

with the help of his assistant, Luis Miguel Pacheco (who is in trai-

ning ), work with patients two to

Bless the prosthetic Prosthetics Laboratory at Mission ILAC

that Allows me to Walk!

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three times per week with a pre- prosthetic to be able to adjust it according to the needs of the patient.

The Crudem Foundation is the primary funder of the ILAC Prosthetics Lab. It is also supported by the generous help of many medical personnel. The Lab benefits people of low income to obtain implants that would otherwise cost up to $35.

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Much needed and important projects were accomplished this year with the support of foreign and local volunteer groups who lived

with and shared an experience of faith and love with “campesinos” (rural families) while collaborating in the construction projects.

In Pescado Bobo, Puerto Plata, students from Belen Jesuit Preparatory in Miami, FL, helped built a bridge. Students from Canisius High School, in New York, hel-ped built another bridge with the community of Faro, in Jarabacoa.

Through the efforts of the LIFO Group Miami, FL, 250 families in the rural community of Polanco have run-ning water in their thanks to an aqueduct they built with the help of the people living there. Fifty more families now have water in their homes in Rio Piedra, in the pro-vince of Gaspar Hernandez, due to the work of “Blue Mission” from in Miami, Fl.

of Solidarity Working in collabora- tion with local residents, stu-dents from Creighton University built an aqueduct for 85 families in Villa Trina. Students at Georgetown Preparatory, Washington, DC, built another aqueduct for 57 families in Pedro Garcia. Students from Boston College, Boston, MA, extended an existing aqueduct to 64 more families in the community of Villa Trina, Catey.

The repair of schools was a big part of infrastructu-re work this year. The School Polanco, Moca, was repaired by the LIFO group of Miami, FL. Duchesne High School Students from Omaha, NE, refurbish the school of Jagua Clara, Gaspar Hernandez.

In addition to the repairs, schools were painted; one in Loma de Caballero, Cotui by students from Marian High School in Omaha, NE, another in Lajas by stu-dents from Upper Santa Clara High School Pittsburgh, PA.

Also included in infrastructure work this year were the construction of 85 con-crete floors and 125 latri-nes in the communities of Jagua Clara, Pylons, Llanos del Higo, Las Cru-ces, and Lora by students of the semester abroad program, “Encuent ro Dominican” of Creighton University, as well as students from Marquet-te High School in Mi -lwaukee, WI, St. Ignatius High School, Cleveland, OH, and Creighton Prep in Omaha, NE.

THE FRUITFULNESS

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25 years of LOVE in service of Rural Dominicans

Joe Lynch….A tribute, recognition, and thank you for the many years of contribution (service) to ILAC both at Creighton University and ILAC/CESI

in the Dominican Republic.

Joe Lynch, MD, Creighton University, School of Me-dicine, has served as ILAC’s Health Care Director for 25 years. He serves humbly, in this position, while supporting the participants’ health and welfare in all 27 programs that stem from the Creighton University partnership with ILAC/CESI in the Dominican Republic. Joe, along with his wife, Terri Lynch (Creighton Univer-sity ILAC office Director 2001-2006), and David, their son with Down syndrome , have made countless trips to the Dominican Republic. ILAC is truly a big part of their lives!

He recruits and inspires medical students, residents, and physician’s to go to the Dominican Republic to volunteer their medical expertise to the ILAC programs.

He explains carefully that this is not a huma-nitarian effort but rather a spiritual journey that involves an exchange of gifts. The Dominicans provide their homes for us to live in, and care and love us; they teach us simplicity and family values, and more impor-tantly, Christian values.

He goes on to say is this environment of “serving and being served” is when our life’s can be transformed.

It is when t h i s e x -change of gifts takes place is when one can grow more deeply in our faith.

He believes that these experiences provide a place where studies, profession, and faith collide or inter-sect at a deep level, perhaps making this time a life changing event. It is this changing from within – trans-forming hearts and souls, deepening their faith, with a new world view; taking these lessons back home that can make the world a better place.

Dr. Lynch brings a mentoring style that combines patience, passion, compassion, professionalism, and humor to inspire others to be more than they ever ima-gined. This unique style allows people to experience firsthand the challenges of volunteering in a develo-

ping country and stretch themselves outside their comfort zone.

We concur (or agree) that Joe is one of the many faces of ILAC and always wil l be in our

hearts. Joe Lynch lives in both worlds with generosity and humility, representing ILAC wherever he travels.

For this we say thank you, a million thank yours are not enough.

Dr. Joe LynchDr. Joe Lynch

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Her own example, the strength of her voice, and the book, “Don’t Let Anyone Steal Your Dream” by Dexter Yager, have been Consuelo Cruz

Morel´s best allies in her cultivation of community ser-vice since 2007. An accountant and graduate of the Institute of Technology of the Cibao (ITECO), she is the Health Promoter in the community of San Miguel.

“Service makes me happy. When they inform us about medical missions, we bring our patients and we stay here at ILAC Mission,” says Consuelo, her vision clouded by tears. From her years spent supporting dozens of injured people with her hands and soul, she recalls Osvaldo Hernández, a taxi driver who became blind and lost the will to live. “His friends made fun of

him when they saw him helpless, alone and living by the kindness of neighbors,” she remembers.

With Consuelo’s help, Osvaldo had an eye operation at the ILAC clinic. “Now the man sees and goes out to work. Now he is one of our collaborators,” she pro-claims happily.

Consuelo is not afraid of the long and often lonely steps of public hospitals. As long as she can get medicine for someone, she would traverse deserts and persuade anyone. She has enormous faith and her greatest sa-tisfaction is in helping to heal a patient. “When you arri-ve with your ILAC badge, it changes things. “ILAC had great credibility throughout the community,” she says.

The community relieson ILAC

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In recognition of their academic achievements, 60 of the 250 boys and girls, ages 8 to 12, who participa-ted in the study hall program were given the oppor-

tunity to attend Camp Bao, Jánico from the 24th to the 27th of July of this year.

The activities there were both formative and fun, with the goal of educating the participants about the ecosystem and the measures needed to sustain it. Participants socialized with one another and discus-sed a variety of topics such as what love is, God’s love, and everything that surrounds it. They also shared the Eucharist with Father Chepe. They also enjoyed ga-mes, recreational activities, the cool waters of the river, mountain hikes, and other fun stuff.

Summer Camp on values serves as

reward for academic excellence

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This year there have been many different medical and surgical mission done, both in the ILAC Center for Rural Health, as well as in various communities across the Nothern

region, in which ILAC has a presence through its Rural Health promoters.

• Arthroscopic shoulder and knee and hip replacements and knee OrthoGroup Richland, WA; 257 consulta-tions and 55 surgeries.

• Abdominal and inguinal Hernioplasty and minimal ac-cess surgery, Washington University. St. Louis, MO: 229 consultations and 108 surgeries.

• The General medical and dental , Sovereign Order of Malta, Miami, FL.: 1,930 consults.

• Otolaryngology, Loyola University, Chicago, IL: 409 consultations and 106 surgeries.

• Ophthalmology, Volunteer Health New York, NY: 1,392 consultations and 228 surgeries.

• Consultation and glaucoma surgery, Creighton Univer-sity.Omaha, NE: 120 consultations and 13 surgeries.

• Assessments and gynecological surgeries, Creighton University. Omaha, NE:196 consultations and 16 surgeries.

• Consultation of family Medicine, Loyola University, Chi-cago, IL: 220 consultations.

• Consultation of family Medicine, Georgetown University. Washington, DC: 762 consultations.

• The general medical and dental, Summer Program, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, 3058 consultations.

• General Practice Consultations LIFO Miami, FL: 199 consultations.

• General Medicine Consultation Group, Belen Jesuit School, Miami, FL: 980 consultations.

• The General Medical and dental rural clinic in Arroyo del Toro: 1,920 consultations.

• The General Medical and Dental Rural Clinic Comede-ro: 526 consultations.

• General Medical and Dental Clinic in Ceboruco: 418 consultations.

• Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy from Creighton University. Omaha, NE: 719 consultations.

• Rehabilitation and Occupational Therapy at St. Catheri-ne U. Minneapolis, MN:125 consultations.

• Prosthesis Rural Health Mission ILAC: 36 patients.• Hypertension and diabetes from The ILAC Diabetic /

Hypertension program: 350 consultations.• The ILAC Prevention of Cervical, Uterinen and Breast

cancer: 583 consultations.

to Northern CommunitiesHealth Care Bringing

With the objective that the rural people harvest produce for their consumption as well as for market, the alliance between Crecí Planta

and Misión ILAC emerged.

During the project, seedlings will be given as a dona-tion. The project will work specifically with rural women so that they can raise vegetables at the same time that they take care of their home. With the delivery of the already germinated plants with leaves, ninety percent of the production is guaranteed.

Manuel Mayor, the general manager of Crecí Planta, whose headquarters is in Licey al Medio, explains that it is a great contribution to many people, who many times want to plant, but cannot due to the expense that is required.

Thanks to the collaborative agreement, more than 100,000 seedlings of ten varieties of vegetables will be donated including peppers, eggplant, passion fruit, papaya and other fruits and vegetables.

Powerful Allianceto Produce Food

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As part of the celebration of the Twentieth Annual Meeting of the Cooperators of Health (“Coo-peradores”), representatives of the Board of

Directors of ILAC and the Falcondo Foundation were present for the graduation of new health cooperators. Health Cooperators are committed leaders selected by their communities to work in the integral development of their communities through health promotion. Their training consists of 8 modules with 3 supporting princi-ples: primary health care, community health care, and health education. This training program is coordinated and directed by Dr. Leopoldo Carretero. ILAC has been forming Health Cooperatives of the Falcondo Foundation of Bonao for over ten years.

Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, the home of ILAC in the United States, has a new president. Fr. Timothy Lannon, S.J., was inaugurated into office on

September 29th, replacing Fr. John Schlegel, S.J., who was a strong supporter of ILAC during his eleven years as president. The entire ILAC family both in the Dominican Republic and the United States are grateful for Fr. Schlegel’s leadership and wish him every blessing in the future.

Fr. Lannon comes to Creighton after serving for eight years as president of the Jesuit’s St. Joseph University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Fr. Lannon knows Omaha very well. He atten-ded Creighton University as an undergraduate and later, as a Jesuit priest, was president of Creighton Prep, the Jesuit high school in Omaha. He knows and likes ILAC and plans to visit us in the Dominican Republic next year. We look forward to welcoming Fr. Tim and to collaborating with him in the years to come.

Fr. Timothy Lannon, S.J. Inaugurated as President of

Creighton University

A Joyful Graduation of new Health “Cooperadores” for ILAC and the Falcondo Foundation.

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Dedication of Plaza in Memory of

The “Chalice of Life” fountain in memory of Tara Jung, Creighton University student who participated in ILAC in 2001 and died

suddenly in 2006, was dedicated by Tara’s pa-rents. Larry and Dianne, and her brother, Ross (at right) and to their left, Andrés Diáz, designer of the fountain, Marcel Morel, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Radalme Peña, Executive Director, and Fr. Bill Johnson, Pastoral Director.

Tara Jung

The Mount Sina Medical Center

ILAC visisted:by a delegation from New York City’s

Mount Sinai Hospital

With the purpose of familiarizing themselves with the work done by the ILAC in preventative education in rural communities, a delegation from Mount Sinai

Hospital in New York visited the ILAC Mission this year.

The delegation, represented by Dr. Ramon Murphy, head of their pediatric residency program, was received by, Radalme Pena and Fr. Bill Johnson, SJ. The hospital wants to send medical teams to work on diabetes and health programs for women already underway at ILAC.

The water issue is complex, it is an absolute necessity -- but it has to be good.

“The consequences associa-ted with the consumption of unsafe water cause more deaths each year world-wide than any k ind of violence, including war,” revealed the UN during the celebration of World Water Day, March 22, 2010.

It is estimated that, world-wide, there are 884 million people without access to safe drinking water, which facilitates the spread of diseases that kill more than 1.5 million children per year. The reality is harsh and tragic. The above f igure shows that every 15 seconds a child dies as

source of life, but ¡be careful! also disease

Water:a result of disease caused by inges-

ting water not suitable for drinking, inadequate sanitation, and poor

hygiene.

Consuming inadequate water can cause intestinal infections such as salmo-nella, cholera, and other diarrhea, as well as skin diseases such as sca-bies, tinea versicolor, and many others.

The water issue is not just a matter of geogra-phy but also of wealth.

The Spanish group Eco-logists in Action notes that

sub-Saharan Africa is the region where people suffer

the worst consequences. The richest 20 percent of the

sub-Saharan population is twice as likely to have access to drinking

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water than the poorest 20 percent, and five times more likely to have acceptable sanitation.

The Dominican Republic does not escape the reality of the lack of access to drinking water, rural areas being most affected. But there’s always a glimmer of hope.

ILAC opens channels so that more communities have drinking water.

With the support of volunteer groups such as the LIFO GROUP of Miami, ILAC has built more than 15 aque-ducts in rural communities of Central Cibao. Over the years, more than five thousand families have benefited directly with these works.

Of 160 communities in which ILAC Mission implements its programs, there are places like Bejucal de Sabana Iglesia, Los Cerros de Aminilla de Dajabón and others which comprise 40 percent of the areas where ILAC

“The consequences associated with the

consumption of unsafe water cause more deaths each year

worldwide than any kind of violence, including war”

works that are still without water supply.

The ILAC Mission is not limited to providing people safe water for personal hygiene and household chores. It also im-plements a program of water filters.

ILAC has distributed 2,300 water filters to an equal number of families who also were educated on proper water treatment and maintenance of the fil-

ters. Because of these pro-grams, the quality of life of people living in rural areas has improved through water management and education.

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Carretera Duarte Km. 71/2, Licey al MedioTel.: 809.736.0095 Fax: 809.736.0760

Apartado 1072, Santiago, RepWebsite:www.ilac.org.do E-mail:[email protected]