We were greeted with cold winds and low temperatures at Lopez Mateos for the January clinic. But, fortunately, no fog on Saturday morning so we were able to get off to an early start.
This was really an amazing clinic with seven airplanes (one from CA), 27 volunteers and an abundance of patients. We provided 210 services in all including general medicine, Ob/Gyn, pediatrics, dentists, dental hygiene, dental hygienist, chiropractors and prescriptions.
Pilots who flew us all to Baja included Pat McClure, Paul Rowley, Brice Dill, Chuck Schroll, Rob Bish, Steve Logan and Jim Gaskin. We were especially fortunate to have three dentists in attendance, which does not happen frequently. Patients were delighted. Thank you to Stuart and Ronni McPherson, Norma Cuadras (new Samaritan) and Jack Lipton. Dental hygienist Erika Sales worked steadily all day. Rounding out medical were Mark Brown, Allan Markus and Gail Brown and Claudia Hart. Gene and Nita Kimel provided chiropractic services. Triage was ably handled by Susan Canale. Our trusty interpreters included Iris Labra, Bonnie Lassen and first timers William Cook and José Teran. Helpers in various positions were Marilyn Malone, Spencer Brady, Trish Dill and Dave Bowman. Judith and pilots, Paul Rowley and Brice Dill, handed out reading glasses and sunglasses.
The direct to Lopez plane was Paul Rowley with Susan, Bonnie and Spencer on board. Clean up and set up jobs were completed late Friday afternoon and ready for the Saturday arrivals.
At the end of the day, it is always impressive to see everyone kicking in to clean the stations where the providers worked, to sweep, to take down shade cloths, to gather up and empty trash and stow patient chairs. There is a sense of camaraderie that pervades this group that is very special.
I would like to thank Roberto Logan for providing us with a delicious lunch and Judith Logan for her ever present local support.
The after clinic dinner at the Hotel Serenidad was followed by the always enjoyable star show by Chuck Schroll on the landing strip.
A reminder: The funds to make our clinics a success come from donations and dues payments. Our expenses include purchasing medications, dental and medical items and equipment, cleaning supplies and upkeep on the clinic building.
Hope to see you on an upcoming clinic. The dates are posted on our website www.flyingsamaritans.com