The November Flying Samaritans clinic trip to Lopez Mateos took place on November 14. Clear weather and cold winds greeted us upon arrival. Larry Karpurk and crew flew the direct to Lopez plane on Friday and had the clinic open with patients waiting Saturday morning.
Pilots Nolan Larsen, co-pilot Pat McClure, Chuck Schroll, Greg Frodel, Jim Gaskin,and copilot Terry Harris, provided transportation for the volunteers who overnighted in Mulegé.
Triage was ably handled by Marion Sachs and Judy Chang. Medical services were provided by Dr. Mark Brown and Dr. Claudia Hart. We were fortunate to have two dentists, Greg Frodel and Paul Perez, and two dental hygienists, Erika Sales and Shelly Collins, and DA, Melissa Harrison for their much needed services. Larry Karpurk dispensed reading glasses and sunglasses. Chuck Schroll handled pharmacy duties.
Cory Lovett, Bill Collett, Bonnie Lassen, Iris Labra and Marilyn Malone served as interpreters and Trish Dill and Malone Hodges were our helpers.
Guillermo and Olivia provided our delicious lunch, which was indoors (chiropractic area) due to the windy conditions. Also Rosa, at the Feliz Camarón provided breakfast for Larry’s group.
The Hotel Serenidad continues to be our home away from home. Their long time staff and owners always provide great service and meals. We had a very special moment remembering our recently passed Samaritans at the hotel’s capilla/chapel which was originally built by Don Johnson (original owner of the hotel) in memory of his wife, Nancy.
Our trip list for December is looking a bit slim. We need volunteers for general medicine, dentists, dental hygienists and interpreters. Please consider donating your time to the patients in need in the Baja Sur communities.
Bonnie Lassen