For those of you who haven’t followed our blog on previous trips I would like to take a little time to explain what we are doing in León, Nicaragua and our purpose here. I am Wendy Barnhardt and for the past three years I have been traveling to León to perform echocardiograms on patients in the hospital here along with Chris Bauman from St. Louis and Ruben Centeno from Chapel Hill. We are the echocardiographers for Project Health León . We are here with Drs. John Paar, Jack Rose, Dave Hannon, also Manny and Nancy Suarez, Donna Lou and Asma (can't remeber all the last names but will have them tomorrow). Please visit http://www.projecthealthforleon.org/ for more information on this incredible organization and stories of the patients who have received help.
Today has been a great beginning for this awesome trip. There is a true connection between all the members of the team and everyone’s talents have served some purpose during our day today. The day did not go without incidence but we truly saw the good in people through the actions that were taken. We had a slight problem with the compact ultrasound unit that belongs to the clinic here and couldn’t get it to work first thing this morning. We were able to use our resources and connections to problem solve and fix the ultrasound machine over the phone. Thank you Bob Kaylor and Dennis McGargle from GE for promptly responding to a desperate cry for help in the middle of the day and talking us through the complicated surgical procedure we had to perform on the machine. Through the generous donations of Bob and Dennis’ time and the equipment loan from Mark McPeak from Philips Ultrasound we were able to perform about 24 echoes today.
For those of you who helped to fund the trip for Forsyth Tech students I would like to send a special thank you. Natalie and Tosha were a little overwhelmed by everything to start with today but they have learned more than you can imagine in just one day. Both students were able to scan most of the patients and worked one on one with the doctors examining the patients. They saw multiple pathologies for the first time in real life and of course, a lot of rheumatic heart disease. I think that now the initial shock has passed they will be even more impressive tomorrow.
My daughter, Adrienne accompanied us on this trip as well and is getting a big dose of the health care world. Although she had no previous experience in healthcare she has fit right in and jumped in with both feet to help care for these patients. She’s been getting the inside scoop from medical students and residents about the life in medicine as well. What a way to find out if this is the field you want to study!
Natalie and Tosha have some things to say now. Please be sure to keep checking for new posts over the next 8 days.
Natalie Inge:
Our first day in Nicaragua has been a true adventure. We have tested our minds, bodies, and hearts to go beyond our boundaries and leave our comfort zones. After two long delays from Miami, long lines through customs, and one very long bus ride, we finally arrived safely to our hotel here in Leon. Through the famine and brokenness , I have found the people of Nicaragua to be very endearing and gracious. We spent most of our day today at the Hospital seeing patients. Many of these patients traveled many hours by foot , bus, or both, just to be seen. We scanned patients from one year of age up to around 40 years old. Many of the patients do not have access to quality healthcare or the medications they need to control or prevent their diseases from progressing. Many of the patients also waited patiently for hours to be seen. Our team gave out toys and candy to the children. The children were so happy to get even the smallest gifts or toy. We also visited the local market to buy some of the wonderful fresh fruits.
It is hard to put into words what we have experienced just on our first day here. Some of the patients that we have scanned will have surgery next week while others will return later so that they can follow up on their progress. Although there is a sense on poverty and disease here, I have found the people to have a strong sense of family and humbleness. They are so thankful and gracious for our help. Today it really hit me that we are really making a difference while here in Nicaragua. These people are in desperate need of quality healthcare. When you look into the eyes of the people here you know that you are called to make a difference here in the lives of these endearing people. We are so thankful for the people that have helped to make this trip possible. All the times, monies and talents of so many people are helping to change lives here in Nicaragua. Thanks again..God bless….
LaTosha:
Thanks everyone who supported me being here, I am very grateful. I have learned a lot by being here for just a short amount of time. My experience has been more than I can explain but it has been life changing. I am simple minded. This has taken me out of my box. This experience has taught me more about myself than I could possibly imagine. It has been very overwhelming. I cry all the time, not so much because I am sad but in spite of the living condition the people here are so appreciative for everything you do for them. That alone is worth the time and effort. I look forward to getting up every day and having a purpose for my life. I hope in return that I can give enough of myself like the citizens here have given me.
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