Mission "08 Preparations Continue

Preparations continue for Mission '08. Rich O'Day and Jonathan Savelle headed up efforts to complete packing on Saturday, Feb 2nd. Medical equipment and supplies were packed in large boxes covered with custom made blue canvas covers with our name and logo on the outside. Everything from anesthesia machines to medicines to gauze squares to gloves was inventoried and weighed so each box contained no more than 50 lbs. Every volunteer coming from Colorado will check a UI box as their 2nd luggage. This allows us to transport our supplies to the Philippines without costly shipping charges. Meanwhile preparations for our visit are underway in the Philippines. Upon our arrival in Iloilo City on Saturday, Feb 23, we, along with all the boxes of equipment and supplies, will be transported to San Jose, where we will be housed in up to three hotels. Sunday is unpacking/orientation day at the provincial hospital and a day to rest and prepare for the week ahead. Our hosts in San Jose will provide transportation to and from the hospital as well as lunches every day while we are working. They partner with us in recruiting patient candidates, helping to break the language barrier by translating for us, and providing welcome hospitality and fellowship. Monday we hope to screen up to 60 patients and begin the first surgeries. There will be a flurry of activity with the patients and their families eagerly waiting for their turn. Each patient will go through all of six stations: Demographics/History, Vital Signs, Pediatrics, Dentistry, Anesthesia, and Surgery. The last stop of the day is Scheduling, where they will be advised when to return for their operation. The Outreach Team, including our two youth corps members, John and Jordan, plan on having activities that will engage the patients and help them through the long hours of waiting. Check the blog daily for photos and updates about the mission.