The Flying Samaritans June clinic took place on June 17 at Lopez Mateos. We provided a total of 106 services and 48 prescriptions to patients which included general medical, pediatrics, dentist, dental hygienists, chiropractors and reading glasses.
Providing medical services were Melinda Rawcliffe, Michael Dunn and Derek Sebade. Gene and Neta Kimmel saw chiropractic patients. Seeing dental patients were Saba Sadeghi, Debi Sparks, Erika Sales, Theresa Temarantz and Hunter Duncan. Staffing Triage were Karen Leon and Judy Chang. Our interpreters were Angelica Mendez, Rose Deibel and Corey Lovett. Nick Tex, pharmacist, was aided by another pharmacist, Lori Patten, and Larry distributed reading glasses. The pilots who provided transportation were Charlie Brown, Larry Karpurk, Vince Lacsama and Michael Dunn. Sincere appreciation goes out to all.
As always, we are grateful for the support and help from our local Samaritans, Judith Logan, Andrea Gomez, Guillermo Gómez Fregoso, and Oliver Collins.
The water supply to the clinic was not working Saturday morning so Charlie and several workers provided by the cannery worked to rectify the problem, including laying a new water line and they managed to get the supply going by around noon. A water problem at the Camarón Feliz was also taken care of through Charlie and Larry’s efforts which involved buying and installing a water pump system (thank you, Larry) to provide proper water pressure and hot water for the building which houses our volunteers who arrive on the direct to Lopez planes.
This clinic trip saw the participation of five brand new volunteers: Lori Patten – pharmacist, Saba Sadeghi – dentist, Rosa Deibel – interpreter, Angelica Mendez – interpreter, and Hunter Duncan – dental assistant/interpreter. Welcome aboard!!
I try to include a newcomer’s perspective in this report when it is possible, so in the words of Angelica: “The trip was everything my sister Rosa and I expected, and more. We expected to see good people giving of themselves to help others. But the reality of it was even more beautiful. Interacting with the other volunteers and getting to know them was truly inspirational. It was good for our souls to see kindness and generosity. The goodwill and gratitude were palpable We will never forget the smiles and camaraderie. We thoroughly enjoyed watching the operation and being a part of it. And we made some great new friends! We can’t wait to go again!”
As we come to the end of our season with the July clinic, I also would like to include some words from a long time Samaritan, Maureen Pisano. She wrote in response to Jodi’s impressions a few months ago saying in part, “…So many memories of my trips with the Flying Sams, miss them dearly. The patients, the volunteers, the sights, the Margaritas, the feeling that you are just a small part in this wonderful giving family. Such trips are good for your heart. Jodi, your memories mimic my memories and bring tears to my eyes. Such wonderful people, I wish the rest of the world could be like that.”
Before closing I would like to add a noteworthy news item for our chapter. We received a check in the amount of $1600 from Melinda Rawcliffe’s students at Franklin Pierce University MPAS Hybrid Program. They sponsored a walkathon fundraiser on our behalf. A big thank you to Mel and her students for this effort.
A reminder that we have our summer break after the July clinic and look forward to resuming our activities in October.
Bonnie Lassen
