Jess Socrates has provided the following information and update on Operation Braveheart in the Philippines:
Here is our most recent report
Progress report on Operation Braveheart. Thanks for your continued support. With your help, we are making a difference in the lives of patients who move on from a compromised existence to a normal life.
Operation Braveheart moves on.
Major news to share with everyone is the visit of two inspectors from Rotary International a few days ago on December 2. Rotary does this to insure that the project is going well and funds are properly accounted for. The inspectors were very much impressed with Operation Braveheart. Dr. Jonas and our Rotary team prepared for this announced visit. Some of the previously repaired children and parents were asked to come so the inspectors can talk to them. Dr. Jonas scheduled and repaired eight children that day. Some procedures were witnessed by the inspectors who were welcomed to observe in the cardiac cath lab. Jonas noted that the lady inspector from Taiwan was teary eyed with the total experience of talking to the children and parents, witnessing the procedure and then talking to most appreciative and grateful parents later. I know the feeling, having been in that emotional situation on our last visit.
The goal of the second grant from Rotary was to repair 86 patients. As of today, Jonas has repaired the heart defects of 98 patients. with a few more dollars to hopefully reach the dream of 100 patients repaired. The inspectors were really pleased with how we have stretched the dollars without compromising care. We have extended help to some adults and a good number of patients with ASD and VSD which require double the funding compared to PDA. From the encouraging comments of the inspectors, I have a feeling that Rotary International will welcome once again another grant application, our third. Remember that we were allowed an exception to the rule of "only one grant per project" with the second grant. A third grant will be a long shot but still worth pursuing. We will work hard to convince Rotary.
(If we add the first 41 patients to this batch, our grand total is 139 patients).
I am attaching our 11th collage representing patients # 81 to 88
Here's wishing one and all a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a most joyous holiday season with family and friends.
Sincerely,
Jess Socrates
Coordinator, Operation Braveheart