October 2011
EditoriaL Page 4
The desired house
Page 8
Bless the prosthetic that Allows me to Walk!
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Llevando salud a comunidades del Norte
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WATER: fuente de vida, pero ¡cuidado! también de enfermedades
Distinguished members of the ILAC Board of Directors Mons. Ramón Benito de loa Rosa y Carpio Ernesto Fernández Travieso, S.J. / Marcel Morel Mario Dávalos / Mercedes Carmen Capellán - Carmen Ureña Ricardo Brugal - Cristóbal Viera - Alfredo Estrada - Robert Heaney Andy Alexander, S.J. - Joseph Lynch - Robert Della Rocca - Irma Frank
General Direction: Sonríete Relaciones Públicas Textos Isleny García Photos Hanu Graphic y Juan Guzmán Cover Photo Shantal Lantigua Colaboration José Miguel Portes Graphic Designer: Edma’s Grafics Printed by: Editora de Revistas Misión Ilac: Licey al Medio Tel.: 809.736.0095 www.ilac.org.do • info@ilac.org.do
“We want to unite the volunteers” Andrea Ordóñez Director of the ILAC Office at Creighton University
S
ince the 1970’s, families from the rural areas of Cibao have welcomed groups of students and medical professionals from the United States from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. There, in that center of higher learning, the department of University Ministry runs an office dedicated to ILAC. In August 2011, Andrea Ordonez, with degrees from Creighton in International Relations and Law and a former Peace Corps volunteer who served in Honduras became the new Creighton ILAC Director. In this post she works with 25 groups of volunteers that travel to the Dominican Republic each year, she would like to continue the process of spiritual formation and improve the current exchange programs.
director are to create a network to allow unification of past volunteers with more recent volunteers. A virtual community and social network will allow connections between so many people that have contributed through the years to make more dignified the lives of the Dominican rural people.
“We would like to work with people so they understand the social and human contribution that can be achieved through service”
“We would like to work with people so they understand the social and human contribution that can be achieved through service” she said. Other plans of this 3
The desired
HOUSE A
s the sky clouded, José Muñoz went to help his wife, Yulissa Gomez, move the bed and other household items that might get wet in the rain.
Things inside Yulissa’s wooden, thatched roof home got wet when it rained until July of this year when she caught site of the truck carrying the materials for her family’s new home. Thanks to the goodwill of Nidia Rodriguez of Miami, FL, the Muñoz Gomez family and five other families in the community of Sabana Rey Latina, La Vega, have wonderful new houses where love and safety have found homes. Mrs. Muñoz, laughing confesses: “The children had some new toys and always said that when we get a new home we will discover new games.” Now delighted, the twins and their little brother can play on their new concrete floor. It is the blessed fruit of solidarity disguised from above in the blue of our skies.
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Six NEW CABINS at the ILAC Mission
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he ILAC Mission each year attracts a growing number of collaborators in its service to those in need. Even though at present the complex at the Mission in Licey al Medio has the capacity to lodge 200 people, the new projects and efforts add up and oblige us to always think about expanding our infrastructure.
Due to this situation, six new cabins are being constructed, of which three are completed. Each one consists of four rooms. This project is being undertaken thanks to the support of the Goldman Sachs Group of New York and the Industrial Free Trade Zone Corporation of Santiago, as well as the collaboration of Nidia RodrĂguez, Mercedes Carmen CapellĂĄn and Miguel Lama. .
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Pre-School Graduation
F
orty children in our pre-school program finished the academic year on June 16th with an enjoyable graduation ceremony at the ILAC Center. Executive Director, Radalme Peña and Director of Programs, José Miguel Portes, joined Fr. Tomás Morel, rector of nearby San Pio X Seminary who blessed the young students and their parents. A delicious lunch was served to end a lovely morning.
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Bless the prosthetic
that Allows me to Walk!
Prosthetics Laboratory at Mission ILAC
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eturning to people of scarce resources function lost due to various life circumstanc es. After beginning her day with a fright in her heart after dreaming she was in an accident, Marina Rodriguez left for work. At midday, she had an errand to run but due to the dream, she preferred to go with her nephew and not alone. On Highway San Pedro, a bus full of students braked hard, hitting the motorcycle on which Marina and her nephew were riding. Ms. Rodriquez was thrown 200 meters. Marina arrived conscious to the hospital where a passerby had taken her. She had lost several pints of blood and the accident had taken her leg. One year later, through a cousin, she became aware of the existence of Mission ILAC. In May 2011, she began to attend the Prosthetics program meetings, with the hope she could again walk in this world on both feet. The ILAC Prosthetic Lab Crudem Foundation coordinated by Mr. Ranvier Villegas, helps people of low income, like Marina, who through life circumstances need an implant that substitutes to function as a member of the body (a prosthesis); or an attachment that will help to reestablish the function of an organ (an orthotic). Since May of this year, around 30 people have been treated. Villegas, with the help of his assistant, Luis Miguel Pacheco (who is in training ), work with patients two to
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three times per week with a pre- prosthetic to be able to adjust it according to the needs of the patient. The Crudem Foundation is the primary funder of the ILAC Prosthetics Lab. It is also supported by the generous help of many medical personnel. The Lab benefits people of low income to obtain implants that would otherwise cost up to $35.
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THE FRUITFULNESS M
of Solidarity
uch needed and important projects were accomplished this year with the support of foreign and local volunteer groups who lived with and shared an experience of faith and love with “campesinos” (rural families) while collaborating in the construction projects.
Working in collabora- tion with local residents, students from Creighton University built an aqueduct for 85 families in Villa Trina. Students at Georgetown Preparatory, Washington, DC, built another aqueduct for 57 families in Pedro Garcia. Students from Boston College, Boston, MA, extended an existing aqueduct to 64 more families in the community of Villa Trina, Catey. The repair of schools was a big part of infrastructure work this year. The School Polanco, Moca, was repaired by the LIFO group of Miami, FL. Duchesne High School Students from Omaha, NE, refurbish the school of Jagua Clara, Gaspar Hernandez. In addition to the repairs, schools were painted; one in Loma de Caballero, Cotui by students from Marian High School in Omaha, NE, another in Lajas by students from Upper Santa Clara High School Pittsburgh, PA.
In Pescado Bobo, Puerto Plata, students from Belen Jesuit Preparatory in Miami, FL, helped built a bridge. Students from Canisius High School, in New York, helped built another bridge with the community of Faro, in Jarabacoa. Through the efforts of the LIFO Group Miami, FL, 250 families in the rural community of Polanco have running water in their thanks to an aqueduct they built with the help of the people living there. Fifty more families now have water in their homes in Rio Piedra, in the province of Gaspar Hernandez, due to the work of “Blue Mission” from in Miami, Fl. 10
Also included in infrastructure work this year were the construction of 85 concrete floors and 125 latrines in the communities of Jagua Clara, Pylons, Llanos del Higo, Las Cruces, and Lora by students of the semester abroad p r o g r a m , “ En c u e n t r o Dominican” of Creighton Universit y, as well as students from Marquette High Sc ho ol in M i lwaukee, WI, St. Ignatius High School, Cleveland, OH, and Creighton Prep in Omaha, NE.
Dr. Joe Lynch 25 years of LOVE in service of Rural Dominicans
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oe Lynch….A tribute, recognition, and thank you for the many years of contribution (service) to ILAC both at Creighton University and ILAC/CESI in the Dominican Republic.
Joe Lynch, MD, Creighton University, School of Medicine, has served as ILAC’s Health Care Director for 25 years. He serves humbly, in this position, while supporting the participants’ health and welfare in all 27 programs that stem from the Creighton University partnership with ILAC/CESI in the Dominican Republic. Joe, along with his wife, Terri Lynch (Creighton University ILAC office Director 2001-2006), and David, their son with Down syndrome , have made countless trips to the Dominican Republic. ILAC is truly a big part of their lives! He recruits and inspires medical students, residents, and physician’s to go to the Dominican Republic to volunteer their medical expertise to the ILAC programs.
It is when this exchange of gifts takes place is when one can grow more deeply in our faith. He believes that these experiences provide a place where studies, profession, and faith collide or intersect at a deep level, perhaps making this time a life changing event. It is this changing from within – transforming hearts and souls, deepening their faith, with a new world view; taking these lessons back home that can make the world a better place. Dr. Lynch brings a mentoring style that combines patience, passion, compassion, professionalism, and humor to inspire others to be more than they ever imagined. This unique style allows people to experience firsthand the challenges of volunteering in a developing country and stretch themselves outside their comfort zone.
We concur (or agree) He explains carefully that Joe is one of the that this is not a humamany faces of ILAC and nitarian effort but rather always will be in our a spiritual journey that involves an exchange of gifts. The Dominicans provide hearts. Joe Lynch lives in both worlds with generosity their homes for us to live in, and care and love us; they and humility, representing ILAC wherever he travels. teach us simplicity and family values, and more imporFor this we say thank you, a million thank yours tantly, Christian values. are not enough. He goes on to say is this environment of “serving and being served” is when our life’s can be transformed. 11
The community relies H
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on ILAC
er own example, the strength of her voice, and the book, “Don’t Let Anyone Steal Your Dream” by Dexter Yager, have been Consuelo Cruz Morel´s best allies in her cultivation of community service since 2007. An accountant and graduate of the Institute of Technology of the Cibao (ITECO), she is the Health Promoter in the community of San Miguel.
him when they saw him helpless, alone and living by the kindness of neighbors,” she remembers.
With Consuelo’s help, Osvaldo had an eye operation at the ILAC clinic. “Now the man sees and goes out to work. Now he is one of our collaborators,” she proclaims happily.
“Service makes me happy. When they inform us about medical missions, we bring our patients and we stay here at ILAC Mission,” says Consuelo, her vision clouded by tears. From her years spent supporting dozens of injured people with her hands and soul, she recalls Osvaldo Hernández, a taxi driver who became blind and lost the will to live. “His friends made fun of
Consuelo is not afraid of the long and often lonely steps of public hospitals. As long as she can get medicine for someone, she would traverse deserts and persuade anyone. She has enormous faith and her greatest satisfaction is in helping to heal a patient. “When you arrive with your ILAC badge, it changes things. “ILAC had great credibility throughout the community,” she says.
Summer Camp
on values serves as
reward for academic excellence
I
n recognition of their academic achievements, 60 of the 250 boys and girls, ages 8 to 12, who participated in the study hall program were given the opportunity to attend Camp Bao, Jånico from the 24th to the 27th of July of this year. The activities there were both formative and fun, with the goal of educating the participants about the ecosystem and the measures needed to sustain it. Participants socialized with one another and discussed a variety of topics such as what love is, God’s love, and everything that surrounds it. They also shared the Eucharist with Father Chepe. They also enjoyed games, recreational activities, the cool waters of the river, mountain hikes, and other fun stuff.
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Bringing
Health Care to Northern Communities
T
his year there have been many different medical and surgical mission done, both in the ILAC Center for Rural Health, as well as in various communities across the Nothern region, in which ILAC has a presence through its Rural Health promoters.
• • • • • • • • • • •
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Arthroscopic shoulder and knee and hip replacements and knee OrthoGroup Richland, WA; 257 consultations and 55 surgeries. Abdominal and inguinal Hernioplasty and minimal access surgery, Washington University. St. Louis, MO: 229 consultations and 108 surgeries. The General medical and dental , Sovereign Order of Malta, Miami, FL.: 1,930 consults. Otolaryngology, Loyola University, Chicago, IL: 409 consultations and 106 surgeries. Ophthalmology, Volunteer Health New York, NY: 1,392 consultations and 228 surgeries. Consultation and glaucoma surgery, Creighton University.Omaha, NE: 120 consultations and 13 surgeries. Assessments and gynecological surgeries, Creighton University. Omaha, NE:196 consultations and 16 surgeries. Consultation of family Medicine, Loyola University, Chicago, IL: 220 consultations. Consultation of family Medicine, Georgetown University. Washington, DC: 762 consultations. The general medical and dental, Summer Program, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, 3058 consultations. General Practice Consultations LIFO Miami, FL: 199 consultations.
• • • • • • • • •
General Medicine Consultation Group, Belen Jesuit School, Miami, FL: 980 consultations. The General Medical and dental rural clinic in Arroyo del Toro: 1,920 consultations. The General Medical and Dental Rural Clinic Comedero: 526 consultations. General Medical and Dental Clinic in Ceboruco: 418 consultations. Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy from Creighton University. Omaha, NE: 719 consultations. Rehabilitation and Occupational Therapy at St. Catherine U. Minneapolis, MN:125 consultations. Prosthesis Rural Health Mission ILAC: 36 patients. Hypertension and diabetes from The ILAC Diabetic / Hypertension program: 350 consultations. The ILAC Prevention of Cervical, Uterinen and Breast cancer: 583 consultations.
Powerful Alliance to Produce Food
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ith the objective that the rural people harvest produce for their consumption as well as for market, the alliance between CrecĂ Planta and MisiĂłn ILAC emerged.
During the project, seedlings will be given as a donation. The project will work specifically with rural women so that they can raise vegetables at the same time that they take care of their home. With the delivery of the already germinated plants with leaves, ninety percent of the production is guaranteed. Manuel Mayor, the general manager of CrecĂ Planta, whose headquarters is in Licey al Medio, explains that it is a great contribution to many people, who many times want to plant, but cannot due to the expense that is required. Thanks to the collaborative agreement, more than 100,000 seedlings of ten varieties of vegetables will be donated including peppers, eggplant, passion fruit, papaya and other fruits and vegetables.
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A Joyful Graduation
of new Health “Cooperadores” for ILAC and the Falcondo Foundation.
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s part of the celebration of the Twentieth Annual Meeting of the Cooperators of Health (“Cooperadores”), representatives of the Board of Directors of ILAC and the Falcondo Foundation were present for the graduation of new health cooperators. Health Cooperators are committed leaders selected by their communities to work in the integral development of their communities through health promotion. Their training consists of 8 modules with 3 supporting principles: primary health care, community health care, and health education. This training program is coordinated and directed by Dr. Leopoldo Carretero. ILAC has been forming Health Cooperatives of the Falcondo Foundation of Bonao for over ten years.
Fr. Timothy Lannon, S.J.
Inaugurated as President of Creighton University
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reighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, the home of ILAC in the United States, has a new president. Fr. Timothy Lannon, S.J., was inaugurated into office on September 29th, replacing Fr. John Schlegel, S.J., who was a strong supporter of ILAC during his eleven years as president. The entire ILAC family both in the Dominican Republic and the United States are grateful for Fr. Schlegel’s leadership and wish him every blessing in the future. Fr. Lannon comes to Creighton after serving for eight years as president of the Jesuit’s St. Joseph University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Fr. Lannon knows Omaha very well. He attended Creighton University as an undergraduate and later, as a Jesuit priest, was president of Creighton Prep, the Jesuit high school in Omaha. He knows and likes ILAC and plans to visit us in the Dominican Republic next year. We look forward to welcoming Fr. Tim and to collaborating with him in the years to come. 16
Dedication of Plaza in Memory of
Tara Jung
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he “Chalice of Life” fountain in memory of Tara Jung, Creighton University student who participated in ILAC in 2001 and died suddenly in 2006, was dedicated by Tara’s parents. Larry and Dianne, and her brother, Ross (at right) and to their left, Andrés Diáz, designer of the fountain, Marcel Morel, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Radalme Peña, Executive Director, and Fr. Bill Johnson, Pastoral Director.
ILAC visisted:
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by a delegation from New York City’s Mount Sinai Hospital
ith the purpose of familiarizing themselves with the work done by the ILAC in preventative education in rural communities, a delegation from Mount Sinai Hospital in New York visited the ILAC Mission this year.
The delegation, represented by Dr. Ramon Murphy, head of their pediatric residency program, was received by, Radalme Pena and Fr. Bill Johnson, SJ. The hospital wants to send medical teams to work on diabetes and health programs for women already underway at ILAC.
The Mount Sina Medical Center 17
Water:
source of life, but ¡be careful! also disease
T
he water issue is complex, it is an absolute necessity -- but it has to be good.
“The consequences associated with the consumption of unsafe water cause more deaths each year worldw i de t han any k ind of violence, including war,” revealed the UN during the celebration of World Water Day, March 22, 2010. It is estimated that, worldwide, there are 884 million people without access to safe drinking water, which facilitates the spread of diseases that kill more than 1.5 million children per year. The reality is harsh and tragic. The above figure shows that every 15 seconds a child dies as
a result of disease caused by ingesting water not suitable for drinking, inadequate sanitation, and poor hygiene. C o n s u m i n g i n a d e q u a te water can cause intestinal infections such as salmonella, cholera, and other diarrhea, as well as skin diseases such as scabies, tinea versicolor, and many others. The water issue is not just a matter of geography but also of wealth. The Spanish group Ecologists in Action notes that sub-Saharan Africa is the region where people suffer the worst consequences. The richest 20 percent of the sub-Saharan population is twice as likely to have access to drinking
“The consequences associated with the consumption of unsafe water cause more deaths each year worldwide than any kind of violence, including war”
water than the poorest 20 percent, and five times more likely to have acceptable sanitation. The Dominican Republic does not escape the reality of the lack of access to drinking water, rural areas being most affected. But there’s always a glimmer of hope. ILAC opens channels so that more communities have drinking water.
With the support of volunteer groups such as the LIFO GROUP of Miami, ILAC has built more than 15 aqueducts in rural communities of Central Cibao. Over the years, more than five thousand families have benefited directly with these works. Of 160 communities in which ILAC Mission implements its programs, there are places like Bejucal de Sabana Iglesia, Los Cerros de Aminilla de Dajabón and others which comprise 40 percent of the areas where ILAC
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works that are still without water supply. The ILAC Mission is not limited to providing people safe water for per sonal hygiene and household chores. It also implements a program of water filters. ILAC has distributed 2,300 water filters to an equal number of families who also were educated on proper water treatment and maintenance of the filters. Because of these programs, the quality of life of people living in rural areas h a s i m p r ove d t h r o u g h water management and education.
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Carretera Duarte Km. 71/2, Licey al Medio Tel.: 809.736.0095 Fax: 809.736.0760 Apartado 1072, Santiago, Rep Website:www.ilac.org.do E-mail:info@ilac.org.do