HANDCLASP UPDATE - February 2007
February is Medical Month - because Nurse Sharon is here!
She has only been here a week and she has followed every lead left by the
3 previous teams.
To date we have:
SPECTACLES
Tested and ordered 3 spectacles for 2 staff and 1 student. We need to
bring them to Chiangmai for the weekend to visit my optician who gives 30%
discount "for the Foundation"! (Suporn had never been to the city at age
14!) Cost is borne by Handclasp Medical Fund.
CLEFF PALLETS
We have 2 students due for a trip to Suan Duok Hospital to see if Dr Chula
can set up surgery. These cost $1000 each so we will need to assess a
priority. If Hannah is our standard, she is proof that good surgery is
performed here. She and her brother sing duets and she sounds like him!!
She showed me how she can chew an apple!
CANCER
We have 2 ladies needing cancerous growths to be removed from the face. Dr
Chula has been informed as the attending surgeon has rejected them because
they are too old to help. I'm not sure money will solve this problem.
DENTIST
We took Lachah to my dentist for a filling. The pain, which she feared,
did not bother her. Clinic dentists are notorious for "pulling" not
filling. My Thai dentist also gives discount "for the Foundation."
JUNGLE TOUR
The Team left today for the 4 days in the remote area. Lachaeh organises
entry into villages "off the map". Sharon offers Medical help. Kay
distributes clothes and other goods. Tongeen drives and distribure
glasses. Kevin and Maitri provide a motorcyle escort. (Don stays in
Chiangmai on a soft flat bed). This outreach has provided new students
each year for the Centers and opened the door for teachers and evangelists
to offer help.
MEDICAL CENTER
Sharon will recommend several changes at the Centers Medical House. The
prime function is to serve the students and this has not happened. Our new
Nurse Trainee, Akhom,is training in Chiangnai and should be on staff this
year with Wandaet in residence as a female counterpart.
REFUGEE CAMP
Some of the team will continue to the camp with Don next week to consider
a water project and visit friends and staff. There is an urgency to help
here.
HUAYHPA GARDEN
In case you heard that a cow ate the Vege garden, it was only 1 cow and 1
bed and the fence is now secure. The gates have been permanently boarded
and the cattle grid is holding up fine. Fresh, home grown veges are on the
menu for March.
SPONSOR AMOUNT
We are pleased that we received a lot of encouragement to increase the
donations for students, to cover current costs. Siami was ready to "ditch"
many needed programs. They all have a brighter future.
Thanks to your support!
