Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
SPRING
2015
ANNUAL WINTER
NEWSLETTER
2015
A health partnership linking Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, to Rosita, Nicaragua
In this issue
Recap of the history of UHH from 2002 to the present by Dr. John Lent
Transition of UHH from active treatment to emphasis on prevention by Dr. Lent
Details of the most recent Nicaragua trip by Barbara Lent
Update on the Filtron Clay Pot Program by Barbara Lent
Discussion of the current agricultural situation in Rosita by Dr. Steve Malin
The next five days we stayed in the homes of families where we experienced up close
the onus of poverty and the personal consequences of contaminated water. Yet we also began
to discover human warmth and deep faith beneath the soiled veneer and that, just perhaps, we
and others could supply meaningful assistance. We returned to Fond du Lac with resolve to
establish some type of medical mission and commitment to Rosita for five years, possibly via a
sister-parish arrangement. We began recruiting medical missionaries, collecting medical
supplies and pharmaceuticals, arranging and funding a sea container, formulating the details for
the next Rosita visit in 2003, and establishing vital contacts in Managua. United Hearts for Health
was born.
Sr. Marise Meis, CSA; Dr. Tom Freeman; and Dr. Steve Malin in front of
the new Rosita hospital
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Unreliable and intermittent electrical power sources. Large generator at local plywood factory as main power source for
the entire community. Virtual absence of any electrical power in the rural communities.
Minimal ability to communicate with the outside world. The ham radio of Sr. Marise was the primary mechanism. Telephone lines and some cable lines were present but unreliable, damaged, and often stolen. Regular mail was very slow and unsafe for any financial exchange.
No paved roads connected Rosita to the Pacific or Atlantic coasts. Railroads did not exist.
These were severe impediments to growth and market access.
Need to maintain funds administered by Sr. Marise for medical emergencies and unexpected medical needs.
2003: Meeting in Managua with Bishop Paul Schmitz, Bishop of the Bluefields Vicariate
(includes Rosita), and Minister of Health, Dr. Alvorado, relating to them the desperate conditions of health care and facilities in Rosita. Met Bishop David Zywiec in Rosita.
Sr. Anne Jude Van Lanen, CSA, RN, accompanied us on her emotional return visit to
Rosita. It was she who advocated in behalf of Rosita as the UHH partner in Nicaragua.
2004: Returned to Rosita to find a new hospital and health care center. Continued assessment of most immediate needs.
2005: Setting up a satellite internet connection in Rosita funded by donations from Fond du Lac.
Agricultural project initiated by Dr. Steve Malin, veterinarian. Multiple subsequent visits to Rosita consisting of bringing antibacterial and antiparasite agents, expertise, and equipment for teaching artificial insemination techniques to local
farmers and veterinarians. Steve also effectuated visits of several of these personnel to his home and business in Wisconsin in
order to observe and learn techniques employed in agriculture and animal health in Wisconsin.
Meyling, a 43-year-old woman brought to Fond du Lac Agnesian HealthCare: urgent aortic valvular surgery for progressive heart failure.
Marie Elina: 8-year-old child with blindness: eyelid surgery at Childrens Hospital
in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
First of several meetings with American Ambassador, Paul Trivelli, and with Connie Johnson, Director of USAID/Nicaragua.
First of many meetings and communications with Mario Torres, Director General
of
Projects
in ENEL (Nicaraguan Department/Company of Electrical Power). Exploration of
Dr. Barbara Zink with a special
feasibility
of
mini hydroelectro projects in the three mining cities (Siuna, Bonanza, and
patient Wendy Ortiz
Rosita). Multiple meetings and exchanges with Idaho engineers and this writer through
2010. A major precursor to arrival of the electrical grid in late December 2010 (see below).
2006: Finalizing plans for first hospital medical and dental clinic in 2007 guided by the leadership of Gail Tomkowiak, RN;
Marcie Janz, RN, APNP; and Barbara Lent, RN.
Rigoberto: 50-year-old man: urgent surgery because of aortic valve disease and intractable congestive heart failure
via Agnesian HealthCare.
Keydi: 16-year-old girl: congenital cyanotic heart disease and high output heart failure: surgery and specialized catheterization techniques at NYU Medical Center (arrangements made by Maria Corbo, Director of Foreign Medical Assistance).
Renovation of Casa Schlaefer, lodging and meeting center for UHH, visitors, and church/community functions under
direction and leadership of Dr. Jack Shanahan and funded by generous donations from
the people of Fond du Lac.
PERIOD 2007-2009
2007: First annual medical/dental clinic held in Rosita Hospital: arrival of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, contingent of physicians, Robert Helminiak, an internist, and Tom
Ries in OB/GYN. In future visits they would be joined by RNs, physicians, and
other health care providers in Sheboygan. James Keenan, DDS, worked with a
Dr. Tom Ries with a patient
local dentist. Over 1000 patients served.
In early September Hurricane Felix smashes the northern Atlantic/Caribbean Coast and northern parts of
Rosita resulting in loss of many lives, devastation of property, and severe health emergency situations in large
Winter 2015
part due to lack of safe water access and nutrition sources. Role of USA and, later, Nicaraguan government, USAID, Red Cross, and CARE International.
In late September arrival of hydroelectric and water engineers from Idaho (Bruce
Bradley and David Schiess): collaboration with Church of LDS and UHH addressing clean
water and energy/power issues in Rosita.
In the wake of Felix, first deep well established in area of RAAN (large district in
NE Nicaragua). Funding sources: Morning Rotary of Fond du Lac, CARE International (deep
well drilling rig), USAID, and a private donation from Frank Matus of RTI in Managua. Much
valuable technical guidance from Bradley and Schiess. This well continues to provide clean
Dr. James Keenan working on a
water to the Hospital/Health Care Center free of contamination from parasites, microbes,
dental patient with Flavio
and heavy metals. It also is a source of clean water to the citizens during the dry season. It
Araa, interpreter, assisting
is tested twice per month and remains potable.
First purchase and deployment of Filtron Clay pots in barrios of Rosita. Beginning of clean water project utilizing Filtrons under the direction of Arely Garcia and Barbara Lent.
2008-2009: Donation of eight large portable generators and two power washers from
Briggs and Stratton. Two are back-ups in the Hospital Complex and one is at Casa
Schlaefer. Five are in use in surrounding rural villages.
First expansion of annual medical and dental clinics into rural areas. Dr. James
Keenan, DDS, and Dr. Tim McBride, DDS, served in this time frame.
Dedication of deep well to Hospital/Health Care Complex by American Ambassador Paul Trivelli on March 31, 2008 (first American ambassador to visit Rosita).
Arrival of the electrical grid to Rosita (primary power source: hydroelectric) in December 2010 (earlier than expected). A HUGE EVENT.
Emphasis on expanding access to annual medical/dental care clinics to rural communities. Visit to Rosita by new
American Ambassador Robert Callahan.
Expansion of Filtron Clay Pot program to more barrios in the city. About 200 Filtrons operating and now undergoing
repair or replacement. Another 100 units ordered for December 2015 with a small
initial cost and monthly fees. Increasing demand present.
Construction of Casa Materna for mothers in late pregnancy in order to reduce maternal/infant morbidity and mortality a collaborative effort of USAID and
the Nicaraguan government.
CONCLUSION
In the end, during these past 13 years, UHH, its medical missionaries, and the people of Rosita are about persons
from different geographic locations and different cultures coming together, sharing our gifts, and learning to understand our
unique blessings and also our global solidarity as brothers and sisters and children of God. What I have mentioned in this
historical overview are only some of the tangible events. Far more important are the intangibleshow our lives and those of
Winter 2015
Rosita have been affected by our common bond and love of each other as brothers and sisters. Words are insufficient for such
a powerfully emotional and life-changing experience.
Perhaps we of UHH have contributed a small improvement in the lives of our friends in Rosita. I know that my life has
been changed forever. I suspect the same can be said for most of the medical missionaries who have shared their lives with
the people of Rosita. To paraphrase the Prayer of Oscar Romero: We planted seeds and watered the plants others had sown.
Despite our limitations and imperfections we did our best and indeed some things we did very well. And we gave always with
compassion and love. Did we make a difference? Probably we will never know. We are the workers. We are not the Master
Builder. And the future is not ours.
~John E. Lent, MD
Since our plane into Rosita was surprisingly early9:15 a.m., we had almost a full day on Friday to work on the Filtron Clay Pot Program. We were dropped off at Casa Schlaefer where we would be
staying. What a blessing it is to be able to stay at Casa Schlaefer, which was remodeled by donations from the Fond du Lac
Winter 2015
area and a construction management team from Fond du Lac. The building is utilized by Santa Rosa Parish and programs of
the Vicariate. Friday afternoon, we held a meeting there with Arely Garcia, Carol Sinclair (interpreter), and Sr. Marise Meis.
The financial books and spread sheets from the Filtron Program were reviewed, and future plans for the program were discussed. A strategy was planned to make home visits on Saturday morning to families who utilize the Filtron clay pots.
John and I had both forgotten what Nicaragua is like in the rainy season, but we were
soon reminded that it is extremely hot and humid. Everyday about noon, black clouds roll in,
and it pours buckets. That makes it difficult to drive on unpaved roads as there is mud everywhere. We knew that we needed to make our home visits in the morning before the rain began.
That morning we visited both the hospital to meet with Dr. Saravia, hospital director, and Casa
Materna. We had a good hour meeting with Dr. Saravia who told us about his staff at the hospital and what the needs of the hospital were, after which he took us on a tour. One of the improvements was the addition of a bathroom outside the hospital for patients coming there to be
seen in the outpatient clinics.
Next, we were able to see the hospital deep well, which is still functioning, supplying
potable water for the hospital and, in the dry season, to the people of Rosita. We were so
proud of the well as this was a project directed by UHH.
Our next stop was a walk across the street to tour Casa Materna. Just last month 68
babies were delivered there. They have added a new dormitory for mothers, but their water
filtration system is not working. At present they have one Filtron clay pot and would like another
one. Many layettes for the newborn babies have been made and sent to Casa Materna by the
Christian Women at Holy Family Catholic Community and Gail Tomkowiak.
We always find it very heartwarming to visit the families who utilize the
Filtron clay pots. They usually welcome us into their homes with open arms and
are so proud to show us their pots. Their humble homes are a sober reminder
that in 2015, families still live with dirt floors, no potable water, and outdoor
baos that are frequently a few feet from the family well.
We walked the barrios in the heat until we were near exhaustion then returned to
Chico and Meylings restaurant just before the downpour started. It was too hot
to eat lunch, but we were delighted to get out of the rain and drink some cold
water, as well as reunite with our dear friend Chico Martinez, owner of the restaurant. It has been two years since the death of his beloved wife and our friend
Meyling. We also reconnected with Chico and Meylings daughters, Judith and
Giovanio and their children. We made plans to visit Chicos saw mill on Sunday
afternoon after church.
One of the highlights of the trip is going to Mass at Santa Rosa Church. On our usual walk to church through the
downtown streets, we were surprised and flattered to hear greetings and our names being called as we walked along. Attending Mass is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the Eucharist with the people of Rosita and to greet a lot of old
friends. At the end of Mass, we were presented to the congregation, and we all gave a short speech in Spanish.
After changing our clothes, we meet Chico Martinez and went to his saw mill. It had stacks of beautiful wood
which was being shipped all over the world to make furniture. Chico then took us to the Rosita Cemetery to see Meylings
crypt. Monday was the Dia de los Muertos or the day of the dead; as a result, many people were in the cemetery tending to
the grave stones of their loved ones. We walked back to Casa Schlaefer and on the way stopped to see Rosa who would be
coming to Fond du Lac with the Fair Trade Program the next week.
It was Sunday evening after dinner, and we were lamenting that we were missing the Packer-Bronco football game.
Sr. Marise told us that there was a new sports bar in downtown Rosita. When walked in, soccer was the sport on the television. We asked if we could please watch American football, and the bar graciously accommodated our wishes. It was certainly an experience for us to be watching the Green Bay Packer game in downtown Rosita.
Monday morning marked the end of our trip to Rosita. We felt very satisfied that we had a good perspective on
how effective the Filtron Clay Program is for prevention of waterborne diseases, and we had a plan for the future of the program. Our emotions were those of returning home after a long absence. We had reconnected with people that we have
known and loved for 13 years who have welcomed us with open arms. The people of Rosita have stolen our hearts, and
their needs will always be a focus for us.
~Barbara Lent, RN
Winter 2015
Begin the study on how effective the Filtrons are for the families in Rosita
Improve the money collection ratio for families using the Filtrons so eventually the program will be self-sustaining
Place 1,000 Filtrons in Rosita which would serve about 5,000 people
~Barbara Lent, RN
Winter 2015
We have also spent a lot of effort working on getting a veterinary practice established in Rosita and a couple of
other areas of the country including Puerto Cabezas. Like the insemination project, progress here is slower than I would like,
but it is still very much a work in progress.
Winter 2015
With all of our projects, our ultimate goal remains the same. If even
in small ways we can help make their lives better, help them with a way to provide for their families, increase the health and production of their livestock,
and ultimately improve the health and nutrition of the people, we will be
pleased and feel blessed for having had this opportunity.
Every time we go to Rosita, I am pleasantly surprised how things "just
seem to happen." On this trip Barbara and John Lent and I were taking a break
having a soda at the restaurant when a gentleman who was born and raised in
Texas and who originally came to Nicaragua as a member of the Peace Corp
and who now lives in Nicaragua stopped by our table and introduced himself.
After a very interesting
discussion, he agreed to
In 2006 Edguardo and Reina brought their
baby daughter to the airport to greet the
work with us for the
UHH mission group. Holding her is Dr.
remainder of the trip.
Malin. The family was the host for Malin in
He acted as not only our
2005 and 2006. On this recent trip, Dr.
interpreter but as a valMalin was able to visit the family again.
ued contributor, having
(See the baby now-- in the picture to the
knowledge and informaright.)
tion concerning many
areas. Having his services allowed us to get so much more done than
we would have without him. He may be a valuable contact for us as
he acts in some role as we move forward.
We are just preparing to land in Houston, and it is great to
get back to the USA. However, I still have a part of me back in Nicaragua, and I hope to return again for another visit.
~Steve Malin, DVM
Please consider a Christmas donation as we at UHH continue to fund preventive measures and Sr. Marises
Emergency Fund to help the needy in Rosita. Thank you
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