Light of the World Charities Blog

LOTWC Thanks MANERO'S for a Fabulous 2011 Luncheon!

2011-11-11T12:41:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, October 29^th, Light of the World Charities held its yearly luncheon sponsored by Manero’s Restaurant in Palm City. Manero’s has consistently provided the luncheon menu for Light of the World Charities, and we are most grateful. Their generosity allows us to use the full price of the luncheon ticket to provide medical mission surgeries in developing countries as well as support for our local Dental Clinic and Stateside Surgeries. Dr. Edward Glavey, a LOTWC Volunteer, was the guest speaker.

Dr. Glavey has participated on missions abroad with LOTWC and was one of the first surgeons to provide free surgery with the new the Stateside Surgery Program.

The luncheon was chaired by Laurie Schwab who, with her committee, provided many door prizes and exciting raffle prizes including a jewelry tree. Our guests left happily with sated appetites, prizes, plants and lots of good will.

Thank you to all who came out to enjoy the day and a special thanks to the volunteers who helped put it together.

Visit Manero's Restaurant to say thanks! http://www.maneros.com/

Better Luck Next Time!

2011-09-22T10:23:00.000-07:00

This past March, Light of the World Charities submitted a video prepared by Theresa Banks and her staff to a contest held by American Airlines. The winner of the contest was decided by the number of online votes received for the submitted video. The word went out to friends and supporters of LOTWC to please vote (every day for one month) for LOTWC’s video. The response from friends and even friends of friends (some of whom didn’t even know us) was great. So great in fact that we earned a spot in the Top Five contenders.

Theresa Banks with Derek DeCross, Vice President, American Airlines

There was much excitement in the LOTWC office and Theresa was sent off to Washington, DC on September 15^th to attend a dinner where the grand prize winner was to be announced. The office was buzzing, Theresa was excited as she left on her trip, notice was sent to the newspapers of our impending win and guess what? WE LOST. Can you believe that? Could it be that some other organization could be as deserving of winning as we were? No Way!! Actually, “Yes Way.” Congrats to The Hope Force Foundation.

Theresa Banks with Craig Dewey and Irene Ngwa

Theresa came home with 20,000 business extra miles and met some wonderful American Airlines Employees including Derek DeCross, American Airlines, Vice President, Craig Dewey and Irene Ngwa. All of whom responded very positively to Light of the World's cause. Thank you to SCORE and American Airlines for the opportunity to spread the word about what our organization does here and abroad. What a wonderful opportunity for Light of the World Charities to shine!

Light of the World TOP 5 Finalist in Flights, Camera, Action Contest!

2011-08-29T11:50:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all that voted for Light of the World Charities in the Flight, Camera, Action Contest this month. Theresa Banks, Director of LOTWC, just received the call from American Airlines today.

LOTWC is officially a TOP 5 FINALIST!

As a top 5 finalist, LOTWC will receive an additional 10,000 Business ExtrAA points for a total of 20,000 Business ExtrAA points!

Theresa will attend the SCORE Awards Gala, being held in Washington, DC, September 15, 2011. LOTWC will receive recognition at the event and exposure to American Airlines customers on AA.com/business. The Grand Prize Winner will be announced at the Gala.

The Company Grand Prize Winner will receive an additional 80,000 Business ExtrAA points (for a total of 100,000 points), recognition at the event, and the ultimate exposure package to American Airlines customers, including a full-page ad in one issue of American Way or American Airlines Nexos magazine, banners on AA.com, an In-Flight TV testimonial, and more.

What terrific timing for LOTWC to receive some added PR as we begin our new Stateside Surgery Program. The first OR is scheduled for September 24th, in Stuart, FL. Check our website soon for more details. All medical professionals in Florida, interested in participating in Stateside Surgery are encouraged to contact the office: lotwcfl@comcast.net

Everyone at Light of the World Charities thanks all who took the time to vote for our video. We will let you know what happens at the Gala in September!

American Airlines picks LOTWC Video as TOP 50 Finalist!

2011-08-01T09:27:00.000-07:00

We need your help!

American Airlines and Score have chosen Light of the World Charities' video entry as one of the top 50 finalists in their “American Airlines Flights Camera Action Video Contest”! This could mean over $50,000 worth of free airline tickets and publicity for Light of the World Charities.

Imagine how much that will mean to the poor and needy we care for all over the world! Take a look at the LOTWC video, featuring Theresa Banks, Director at LOTWC and Dr. Rene Loyola, one of our volunteer surgeons.

We need everyone to vote for our video PLEASE click the VOTE NOW button at the top of this blog article. You will be brought right to our voting page!

EVERYONE is allowed to vote 1 time EACH DAY, per email address, so please vote today, vote tomorrow and vote every day until August 26 11:59 AM CT!

Light of the World Charities desperately needs the free airline miles and the publicity that the Grand Prize Winner will receive.

The Top 5 Winners will be notified the afternoon of August 26th or the morning of August 29th.

We would appreciate anyone who is willing to hand out flyers at their offices to co-workers, patients and friends. Please contact LOTWC and we will send you a flyer to print and hand out. Email: LOTWCFL@comcast.net or call us at (772) 221-4688.

2011 Gros Morne, Haiti Mission June - Report!

2011-07-05T12:08:00.000-07:00

LOTWC returned from Gros Morne, Haiti on June 18^th from its third surgical mission to Haiti. The team, consisted of ten people included team leader, Theresa Banks, one general surgeon, Dr. Edward Glavey, anesthesiologist, Dr. Val Rossetti, Vince Bogan, Eduardo Juarez, Chloe Harshman, Mark Brown, Brenda Walsh, John Glynn, Ron Ashley.

The team traveled for four hours from the airport in Port au Prince to their destination, Gros Morne. They stayed one block from the small hospital at a home for visiting medical teams. The team arose at 5:00 a.m. each morning, had meals provided from locally grown food, and walked the streets and paths that had turned to mud from the recent heavy rains.

Dr. Glavey and the OR Team performed 26 procedures, including hernia operations, removal of lymphomas and other masses on patients who had been pre-screened by a Haitian doctor. The LOTWC team fixed the hospital’s anesthesia machine and left an EKG machine and a vital signs monitor setup at the hospital, as there was none there. At present, LOTWC is planning a return mission to Haiti in October, 2011 (weather/hurricanes permitting), as well as a mission scheduled for December, 2011.

See more mission photos HERE.

The Haiti Report -New Location Approved!

2011-04-28T10:54:00.000-07:00

Hospital:

Alma Mater

Light of the World's new contacts in Haiti are Sister Jacqueline Picard (aka Sister Jackie- Board Director of the hospital) and Sister Pat – of The Order of The Religious of Jesus and Mary.

After a 4 hour ride to Gros Morne on mostly paved roads, save one patch of 45 minute gravel and somewhat questionable road, we arrived at the community house/convent in Gros Morne.

The house was comfortable and accommodating. The following morning we visited the Hospital which is antiquated but had operating rooms that were renovated 9 years ago. They are air conditioned and in decent shape but equipped with a supply of minimal old equipment. We will have to bring all our new mobile equipment and headlights, as the OR lights are very poor.

We met a general surgeon, a nurse who does anesthesia, and a circulating nurse who were very welcoming and would like us to come and train. This would be a perfect teaching mission. The need for our surgical support is overwhelming and we will never want for patients.

Next, we visited a fairly large home/medical lodging facility under construction to be finished early June. It can accommodate up to 20 team members, comfortably.

It is very well built with many balconies and windows for good ventilation. It is one short block from the hospital alleviating the cost of a vehicle.

Once outside of PAP, I feel the team would be safe. Gros Morne is fairly safe, I never felt in any kind of danger.

Light of the World's first mission to Gros Morne is scheduled for June 12-18^th.

LOTWC Investigative Team heads to Gros-Morne, Haiti

2011-04-05T12:47:00.000-07:00

Gros-Morne, Haiti

Investigative Team: Chloe Harshman, Theresa Banks, Eduardo Juarez & Ron Ashley

An investigative team from Light of the World Charities headed out to the airport early today despite warnings from Haitian locals regarding recent elections in Haiti threatening to stir up rioting in the area. Most recent news reporting a state of calm amoung the Haitian people, read more here.

The team is headed to Gros-Morne in hopes of finding a new venue to send surgical teams. Sr. Jackie Picard will be showing the LOTWC team around her facility in hope LOTWC will be able to send out a surgical team as early as June, 2011.

Please keep our team in your thoughts this week; they are due to arrive home on April 8th.

2011 LOTWC Banquet Summary

2011-03-16T11:48:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all that participated in the 2011 Light of the World Banquet, our largest fundraiser of the year. A fabulous time was had by all as Light of the World shared its work in 2010 with guests, supporters, sponsors and team members.

Please read the speech given by Director, Theresa Banks that evening and watch this blog for photos and video updates!

Theresa Banks

Banquet Speech

March 12, 2011

Good evening and thank you for joining us this night for a celebration of the great works accomplished through Light of the World Charities!

Earlier this month while on a mission in Honduras I was praying that God would let me know what I should say tonight, when someone asked me “just how do you hear God?” I said, "He usually answers me in threes (three times) this way I know it’s not my inner self telling me what to do".

Then one of the Friars chimed in and said, "St. Francis used that same rule…he would wait for an answer in threes…He then explained that this made sense, a response from the triune God…the Father, Son and Holy Spirit".

Hhmm, I never knew that…

The following morning at mass, this same priest was explaining generosity, and how when he was growing up his family would play the generosity game…they would try to outdo each other in acts of generosity…it would go something like this…. Here I’ll get that…let me do that for you… I’ll pay for that…and what a blessed day that family would share. They practiced the true virtue - it is in giving that we receive. I began to wonder maybe it is generosity that God would like me to talk about. Wow, wouldn’t that be convenient at a fund raising dinner?

Well the surgical mission went on and being very busy, I forgot the whole incident…

Subsequently, when I returned home… I woke up one morning and could not remember what I thought God might be leading me to talk about at this year’s dinner….so I grabbed a cup of coffee and turned on EWTN (the catholic TV station) and there it was, a 10 minute clip about generosity, taken from Mathew 25 “to do for the least of my brothers”. THAT WAS CONFIRMATION TWO.

Then, the next day as I was on line buying my parents lunch at Panera’s when I started thinking…boy, I need to come up with something to say at our dinner then as I looked up on the wall behind the cashier in big bold letters it said something like: Thanks to your generosity Panera’s donated 10 million to charity last year…. So there was my answer in threes and here is my topic…Generosity.

What can I say about Generosity?

The act of sharing what we have with the less fortunate…

I believe there is something which I call “Generosity of Heart”…explained very well by John Wesley:

"Do all the good you can,

By all the means you can,

In all the ways you can,

In all the places you can,

At all the times you can,

To all the people you can,

As long as ever you can.”

One thing I’ve noticed is we’d all like a reputation for being generous, but we’d all like to buy it cheap.

Well, think of this, generosity is one way that we can help remove poverty...God takes care of His poor people through us. Mother Teresa lived generosity by giving wholeheartedly, free service to the poorest of the poor.

She asks that we generously use the beautiful gifts God has given us for His greater glory, including all that we have, all that we are, all that we can be and do.

She said it is not a sin to be rich; in fact it is a blessing. But wealth brings with it a great responsibility to share with others and help others with what we have been blessed with in our lives.

We all can be generous in some way…

The team members go on missions and generously share their talents.

Volunteers come in the office and prepare for the missions, fundraisers, etc and give generously of their time.

Different churches, prayer groups and family members generously offer prayers for our safety and success.

You have generously supported us in many ways…including your attendance tonight.

I want to thank you all for your generosity because none of this would be possible without your support.

So as we grow, do more missions, help the needy here in our dental clinic and yes, the rumors are true, we are working through the red tape and hoping to do surgery right here in Stuart. But all these bridges of hope that bring these great accomplishments, rely on your generosity.

God bless you, and have a great night.

Don't Miss Light of the World Charities' Biggest Event of The Year!

2011-03-01T11:07:00.000-08:00

Mark your calendar for the 2011 Annual Fundraising Banquet to benefit Light of the World Charities. On Saturday evening, March 12th, their major fund raising event of the year will be held at Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club. This year's theme is, “Building Bridges of Hope at Home & Abroad”, in support of the new local Dental Clinic in Palm City, and their continuing work with medical & surgical missions.
Guests will enjoy a festive cocktail hour with live band music entertainment while viewing and bidding on a huge assortment of wonderful Silent Auction items. A fabulous gourmet dinner with complimentary wine will be served, followed by a fun-filled Live Auction and many door prizes. This year's Grand Prize Raffle is a beautiful one carat pear shaped Diamond Pendant Necklace, valued at $6000, sponsored by Condon Jewelers of Stuart. The drawing will be held as the grand finale of the event and ticket holders need not be present to win. (Tickets are $25 each or 5 for $100.)

The response to the Fall opening of their local volunteer Dental Clinic, has been overwhelming! Your support by attending the Annual Fundraising Banquet is critical and will allow Light of the World Charities to expand their program for this vital need here at home. Many of the volunteer medical team dentists, surgeons, doctors and nurses will be will there if you wish to meet and share in their experiences!

Tickets for the Annual Fundraising Event are $150 per person. For information please call Melanie at 772-220-8280. Please join us for a night of celebration and support!

It Takes a Village...

2011-02-18T13:51:00.000-08:00

Nersy, Honduras 2002

Our poster child, Nersy Hernandez arrived back in the USA early December, 2010. Some of you may remember little Nersy from Honduras, a child who was born with spinal bifida. She came to the USA eight years ago for orthopedic surgery, performed free of charge, by Dr. Baynham of Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute and went home walking for the first time in her young life. Nersy, now a beautiful seventeen year old, was struggling with bladder incontinence, a condition that was not only embarrassing, but also caused continuous bladder infections, threatened damage to kidneys and ultimately could become life threatening.

Dr. Eddie Becker, Nersy & Nurse, December 2010

Dr. Eddie Becker, a urologist, offered to perform a procedure, free of charge, called "interstim implantation", which could alleviate the problem. Wendy Paolucci-Snayd, of Palms Wellington Surgical Center , located in Royal Palm Beach, Florida, obtained the approval to perform the surgery at the center. American Airlines pitched in with free round-trip tickets from Honduras to the States through their “Miles for Kids in Need” Program. A local family donated all of Nersy’s living expenses too. Everything was set except for the interstim implant, a very expensive piece of equipment, that would be needed for the surgery.

Nersy & Jonathan Sara, December 2010

In stepped Jonathan Sara, of Medtronic, Inc., located in Winter Gardens, FL. Jonathan went above and beyond the call, by not only providing the implant for Nersy free of charge, but by contacting Nersy every day after the procedure, to check up on her, ready to drive out to assist with any adjustments that may be necessary.

Nersy, January 2011

Light of the World is proud to have been able to assist in the coordination of this successful life changing surgery for Nersy, who no longer has to be embarrassed or afraid to go out in public, suffer from constant infections or be concerned about the long term effects on her health. Now Nersy is able to focus on simply being a teenager, which, when you think about it, is not very simple at all.

UNUSUAL CHRISTMAS PRESENTS

2011-01-27T10:50:00.000-08:00

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

by Carol Cregg

While most of us were wrapping last minute Christmas presents in beautiful wrapping paper, Theresa Banks of Light of the World Charities, was packing as many items as she could into two old duffle bags - unwrapped. These were not toys, electronic games or TV sets. They were 10 portable cots, IV tubing, 2x2 gauze, alcohol wipes, IV extension tubing, non sterile gloves, large bottles of children’s Tylenol, amoxicillin, etc.

Theresa had received a telephone call from Father Nobert of St. Joseph’s Church in Stuart. He advised her and her medical/surgical team to not come to Haiti at this time. The Cholera outbreak was fully unchecked and there was political unrest and rioting in the streets. He also told her that the people of his town (Les Irois) were dying and were just thrown in a hole upon their death. He told her he could not sleep thinking of his mother ending up like that.

However there was something that could be done. There was one little clinic in Les Irois, Haiti, and his sister, a nurse, worked there. She sent a list of the things badly needed at the clinic and these were packed into the duffle bags. Father Nobert picked up the packed duffle bags from Theresa and delivered them to Miami airport. Father Scott Benet (a doctor) was traveling from Houston to Haiti with a stopover in Miami. He got permission from the airlines to pick up the two duffle bags and took them to Haiti. He was traveling to Les Irois and would deliver these two important packages.

Theresa wasn’t wearing her little green elf suit and Father Scott Benet wasn’t dressed as Santa Claus, but I’ll bet they sure looked like it. The gifts they delivered were the best gifts Les Irois would receive.

2011 Nicaragua January 9-15 Surgical Mission to Diriamba

2011-01-05T11:05:00.000-08:00

In light of the current situation in Haiti, LOTWC decided to re-routed their originally scheduled January surgical team for Haiti to Nicaragua to work at Hospital San Jose located in Diriamba, Nicaragua.

Two OR Teams, including General and OB-Gyn surgeons, along with the supporting medical team and Dental staff will leave Saturday, Jan 9th from Miami Airport.

Although very disappointed at having to cancel the Haiti mission because of security risks, the team is excited to be working at the new location in Diriamba, knowing it is a very poor and needy area. The nuns running the hospital are very pleased we have been able to send a team as their need is great.

The next mission is scheduled for February 27-March 5, 2011 to SBJ in Honduras. The medical team slated for that mission is in desperate need of an ANESTHESIOLOGIST, please contact us immediately if you are interested.

Report on Haiti: Cholera Outbreak - November 3, 2010

2010-11-04T09:50:00.000-07:00

We received this note from Ron Ashley, which includes a letter from Fr. Rick, who is currently working with the people of Haiti. Please read Ron's short note, followed by Fr. Rick's heart breaking update on the current conditions in Haiti.
Ron Ashley
As you may know I have been documenting conditions in Haiti and have been there 3 times since the earthquake with the surgical teams sent by Light of the World Charities and people have asked what are the conditions; are they really as desperate as the we have seen?

The simple answer is yes.

As of this date there are still over 1.5 million people living in 1500 temporary tent camps in Port-au-Prince. The government is basically ineffective and daily life is a struggle to survive. On my last trip I met a priest/doctor that has been working in Haiti, Fr Rick Fichett. He has established a hospital, school etc. to help the people of Haiti. I just received a letter from him updating the cholera epidemic and Hurricane Tomas. It's frankness in describing what is happening in Haiti and the sense desperation moved me to send you his letter.

Please read Fr Rick's letter (in its entirety) below:

Fr. Rick in Haiti 2010

Hello Friends,

The cholera cases are double from one week ago, about 2300 last week to over 4600 as of yesterday.

We have seen a lot of the victims because we have gone out of our way to see try to help them, as I mentioned, by to go to Artibonite and helping there. We have made trips to about 7 places during this week- a number of times to St Marc, to Ester, to Dauphine. But one of the most desolate places we visited is Grand Saline. They are very poor and very friendly people, who seem to live at the end of the world. We could only go in by helicopter and out by boat. By boat I mean into the open sea at night in a small motored craft with no life preservers, no oars and no lights, starting off in the mouth of the filthy Artibonite river, which is full of the cholera. “Dear diary...”

The people drink water directly from the river because they have no other choice. There is no other water. Our friends from Operation Blessing have installed a number of generator run filters in the river so the people have a chance to drink clean water.

As I mentioned before, on our runs we bring beds, mattresses, IV fluids, water, gator aid and some food. Most people can’t eat much, since cramps and vomit are such a big part of the illness, so often we mostly bring snacks.

Now there are cases of cholera nearby us, here in Port au Prince. In general those who die seem to die quickly. They have so much of the bacteria that they lose fluids through diarrhea faster than anyone could even begin to give them fluids. The majority of people ride it out with many difficulties but victoriously. We haven’t seen many cases here in Port au Prince yet, but a short walk from us, at Doctors without Borders, there have seen 40 cases.

We have an organized plan to help in case of a huge outbreak of cholera in Port au Prince, in a way that will not disturb the function of, or contaminate, either our children’s hospital (St Damien) or our family hospital (St Luke).

We have covered about two acres of land next to the St Luke hospital with gravel, and we set up so far 4 of a total of 15 large tents, where we will receive cholera patients. We have set up a diarrhea clinic there, where our staff will evaluate anyone with diarrhea, without them needing to go into either the St Damien or St Luke compounds. After screening, if it is likely cholera, we will bring them nearby to Doctors without Borders cholera site. When they have reached their capacity of 250 beds, we will begin receiving the patients in our tents. We have a capacity for about 300 people.

We have organized all the logistics for routing, hand washing, toilets and meals to minimize chance of spread of the disease. Our senior doctor, Manuel Castro, who is from Cuba and was pulled out of the rubble of our old hospital in Petionville, worked in Africa when a cholera outbreak brought him and his staff 6,000 patients in four days. He is generously helping and guiding us. We had airlifted him back to Cuba with crushed limbs after the January 12 earthquake, but he returned to us a few months ago now that his injuries have healed. This is more amazing since he is in his seventies. You should hear him tell the story about how God used a rocking chair to save his life when our old hospital fell on him, or the story of how Norma convinced the Cuban embassy to airlift him home to Cuba, when they didn’t want to get involved. But I am straying now. Back to the point. We are nearly ready for a cholera epidemic, but let’s pray it doesn’t happen.

On top of this, you probably see that hurricane Tomas is heading right toward us. We will have heavy winds and rains starting Tuesday, and then will be hit full force on Friday. If you use google and type in hurricane Tomas, at least as of tonight’s forecast, you will see how the hurricane is going out of its way by turning 90 degrees north, on a dime, to head to Les Cayes and Port au Prince. I wonder, trying to look at the bright side, if it will dilute all the cholera out of the rivers and the city. But I also shudder to think what it will be like for the million people living in fragile tents, whose meagre belongings will be turned into missiles travelling at 90 miles an hour.

We are getting our mission ready for the hurricane, getting windows covered (hundreds of windows), and we will move the St Louis children and the St Luke patients to Francisville for protection. We are filling sandbags for the gates against flooding, and stocking up on supplies and drinking water.

In this country it’s hard to stick to your day job. We always have pretty dramatic side issues to deal with as well.

Please keep us in your prayers. The situations have been trying and challenging. Let’s pray that Tomas blows out to see where it can hurt no one, and that the cholera just dries up.

Then we can get back to work, trying to accompany people on a march out of poverty.

Thanks for all your messages of encouragement, and your prayers, and the donations which are very helpful.

God bless you!

Fr Rick Frechette cp

2011 Mission Dates are available!

2010-10-21T12:30:00.000-07:00

Announcing 2011 Mission Dates for all Team Members!

LOTWC appreciates everyone's willingness to participate in Surgical Missions, providing life changing care to the poor and sick abroad. Please look over the list of 2011 Mission Dates and email the missions you are interested in and believe you could make yourselves available for.

Please note that your willingness to participate in any one mission in no way commits you to any mission.

The Surgical Team Committee is already putting teams together for 2011. Dates have been sent out to all team members, so if you have not received, please put LOTWC's email on your safe sender's list or send your current email address, so we can update our records.

Once teams are approved by our Board of Directors, LOTWC will contact each chosen Team Member to confirm availability and their ability to participate on this specific dates. Our goal is to inform Team Members 4-6 months in advance. Please DO NOT assume that you are on a mission until we have contacted you for confirmation.

If you have not updated your contact information, please do so by emailing Christine at lotwcfl@comcast.net or by filling out a new application. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.

We would also like all Team Members to note the change in date for the September Mission in 2011.

2011 LOTWC Surgical Mission Dates

Haiti

Jan 9-15, 2011

(CRNA's and Anesthesiologists are still needed)
Dec 4-10, 2011

Honduras
Feb 27-Mar 5, 2011
(trip is currently full)
Sept 4-10, 2011

Nicaragua
May 1-7, 2011
Oct 30-Nov 5, 2011

Africa
July 10-23

A huge thank you to all that participated in 2010 and in past years. You have all made a difference in so many lives. We appreciate your continued support and participation!

Volunteer Spotlight and a LOTWC Challenge for all Team Members!

2010-10-19T13:35:00.000-07:00

Light of the World has some of the most dedicated volunteers on earth. Chloe Harshman, volunteer extraordinaire, stands out this month as one of LOTWC'S heroic team members. She won't tell you herself, but she has helped save more than one mission in 2010 by agreeing to fill a last minute OR position, due to a cancellation. She has literally stepped in at the 11th hour and I have considered sending a "Go Bag" to keep by the door, just in case.

Chloe recently flew out to LOTWC home office in Palm City, FL. from her hometown, Lafayette, IN. She did not come to hang around on the beach, sight-see, or even to visit Mickey. Chloe spent her time in Palm City, Florida working in LOTWC'S Central Supply, organizing, cleaning and helping to get ready for the next mission. Did I mention she flew here on her own dime?

Thank you Chloe Harshman for your dedication to the poor and needy in all the countries we serve, now including the USA! We appreciate your generosity and dedication most heartily. We can say that Laurie Schwab, one of LOTWC'S Board Members was kind enough to take Chloe Harshman and the rest of the volunteers working that day out for an evening boat ride...I hear a wonderful time was had by all.

Thank you Laurie for providing the entertainment! See, it pays to volunteer in the Palm City Office! Currently we are seeking a CRNA and other medical professionals with mission experience to come and help us in Central Supply to finish putting our inventory in order.

A great deal of work remains including:

Keeping supply room organized and maintaining inventory.
Sorting through donated supplies and storing what is useful in an organized fashion.
Overseeing packing for upcoming mission.
Ordering necessary supplies for upcoming mission according to surgical specialty and number of Surgical Suites operating which includes and in not limited to: suture, medications, surgical supplies, anesthesia supplies etc…
Extensive interpersonal skills needed in applying for donated supplies and equipment in dealing with other companies and/or charities. Computer Skills needed.

Please call or email us immediately if you are able to lend a hand.

2010 Honduras Sept 19-25 Team Update!

2010-10-05T14:16:00.000-07:00

Although the team was very disappointed to have to evacuate San Benito Medical Center, one day early, we congratulate the LOTWC Surgical Team on a job well done. Over 100 surgeries performed by the 3 OR Team in just 4 days! That is what we call an "A Team"!

LOTWC thanks each and every team member for their fortitude and hard work.

The Dental Clinic in Honduras, set up by LOTWC and Dr. Girlinghouse is doing so well that LOTWC is planning on sending the Dental team into the mountains to take care of much needed dental care to those who are unable to travel to the clinic. 18 dental procedures were completed this mission.

More photos will be posted to the photo gallery this week, so please come back to view. Any team members that have photos to share, please send a disc or pass on via email.

LOTWC was able to pay Luis, a former patient, a visit at his school. More photos to follow. What a handsome guy!

*2011 Mission Dates are now available on the website, check out the calendar tab. All LOTWC Team Members with a current email were sent the dates, if you did not receive please email us with your updated information and add us to your "safe senders list"

2010 Honduras Team Evacuated Due to Tropical Storm Matthew

2010-09-27T09:08:00.000-07:00

Late in the afternoon on Thursday, Sept 23 a call came in from one of LOTWC's volunteers, informing us that Tropical Depression 15 was headed toward our surgical team in Honduras.

The office jumped into action immediately trying to ascertain the severity of Tropical Depression 15 with regards to the Honduras team, currently on its 5th day of their successful surgical mission, in Comayagua.

While investigating the storm's projected path, Tropical Depression 15 was upgraded to Tropical Storm, Matthew. It was time to evacuate the team to ensure their safety. Thankfully, we were able to contact the team via phone and began to coordinate the evacuation. The rain fall in Honduras had already been extreme, making travel tenuous at best.

Travel agent, Kathy O'Neil of Jensen Beach Travel, was amazing and worked with us until late that night to make certain all 21 team members would be able to get out, via San Pedro Airport, by Friday morning, at the latest.

As we all watched and prayed for our team members, it was evident that rainfall and severe cloud coverage was going to be the biggest threat to the team's evacuation.

The team left for San Pedro Airport, a 2-3 hour drive in good weather, at 2AM Friday morning. We are happy to report that all team members, though very weary, are safe at home. Statistics and mission information, including photos to follow this report at a later date.

Read the NASA Archives regarding Tropical Storm Matthew here.

2010 Honduras Sept 19-25 Surgical Mission

2010-09-22T14:58:00.000-07:00

LOTWC currently has a team consisting of 19 medical professionals and 2 non-medical professionals serving at San Benito Jose Medical Center located in Comayagua, Honduras.

3 OR's including 2 General Surgeries and 1 OB/Gyn, as well as, a Dentist are working hard to assist well over 100 patients with various surgical, medical and Dental needs.

Included in the Honduras Mission:

Dr. Joyce Moore
Barry Meehan
Sohany Madrid
Randi Valenti
Dr. Jean Park
Dr. James McCanless
Chloe Harshman
Cathy Collins
Susan Marciniak
Dr. Steve O'Neil
Mary O'Connell
Beth Compitello
June Yoon
Dr. Mary Torchia
Linda Mendelson
Patty Greer
Jeanne Teter
Theresa Banks
Ron Ashley
Dr. Dave Girlinghouse
Maureen O'Connor

Communication has been difficult with team due to heavy rains and weather but we did receive one call from Team Leader, Theresa Banks, informing us that the team is doing very well. We have to say she did sound very pleased!

Team is due back in the States September 25, please pray for their safe return. Check back later in October for photos from the Honduras Team.

2010 Africa Team Returns!

2010-08-26T14:44:00.000-07:00

The Africa team returned from another successful surgical mission to St. Joseph's Hospital, located in Tanzania, on August 7th. Dr. Vopal along with rest of LOTWC team performed over 45 successful procedures, improving the lives of over 45 people.

The team was blessed with a birth delivered c-section on August 3rd of their medical journey. Both mother and baby are doing well.

The team consisting of: James Vopal, Jerry Glattfelt, Lus Lutz, Janyce Meyers, Karen Begeman, Breda Walsh, Debbie Nowak, performed various surgeries including but not limited to:

circumcisions

Team members assists with preparations and gathering of supplies needed for each mission and

LOTWC is very fortunate to have received supplies from MAP International, Americares, Treasure Coast Pharmacy and Medwish. This mission would not have taken place without everyone's support, hard work and generous donations.

The team was fortunate to be able to take a short weekend break and participate in a safari.

Visit the LOTWC WEBSITE to view 2010 Africa July 22-Aug 8 Photo Gallery!

LOTWC is very thankful for this year's Africa Team.

Each team member that participates on the Africa Mission must commit two weeks of their time, pay for 1/2 of their expenses and 100% of any site-seeing they participate in.

LOTWC Dental Clinic - Extra! Extra! Read all about it! TCPalm Article!

2010-08-17T12:36:00.000-07:00

The Dental Clinic has made the paper. Check out the article at:
Read Paul Ivice's article.

Thanks to Paul Ivice for a great article! Those interested in receiving care, please call the Dental Clinic at (772) 600-5510

LOTWC DENTAL CLINIC Opens in STUART, FL.

2010-08-04T09:26:00.000-07:00

Light of the World Charities is so happy to announce the opening of our portable dental clinic in Martin County, Florida. On Wednesday, August 4th, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. LOTWC conducted its first "local" dental mission serving those who have little or no income.

Looking happy waiting their turn!

"I am so pleased that we finally cut through the red tape, insurance requirements and legalities of this country that make it so difficult to help those who are less fortunate, here in our own back yard." stated Theresa
Banks, President of LOTWC. "This was made possible thanks to our benefactors who donated funds to purchase a mobile dental set up that has been used by our dental teams in the mountains of Honduras and Nicaragua.

Who will benefit from this clinic? "We will begin by helping those who are experiencing chronic or acute pain with fillings or extractions,” team member and local dentist Dr. Dave Girlinghouse explained.

LOTWC Dental Clinic's first patient with Dr. Girlinghouse

The Clinic will run the first and third Wednesday of every month between the hours of 9am -1pm. Call
the LOTWC Dental Clinic (772) 600-5510 for more details.

LOTWC sends Surgical Team to AFRICA in July!

2010-07-15T12:52:00.000-07:00

LOTWC Africa Surgical Team is off to Tanzania July 22-Aug 8. Team members that choose to participate on the LOTWC Africa Mission pay for 1/2 of their expenses and commit a two weeks from their busy schedules to provide surgical care to the poor and needy at St. Joseph's Hospital in Moshe, Tanzania.

LOTWC volunteers began gathering, packing and shipping surgical supplies to Tanzania months ago, in preparation for this mission trip. Sr. Urbani, also a skilled surgeon, had some difficulty at Customs in Tanzania, but finally prevailed, securing all supplies from LOTWC and transporting them to St. Joseph's Hospital.

The 2010 Africa Team consists of:

James Vopal, MD, Jerry Glattfelt, CRNA, Luz Lutz, CST, Janyce Meyers, RN, Karen Begeman, RN, Breda Walsh, RN and Debbie Nowak

LOTWC expects to perform anywhere from 50-75 surgeries this trip, treating a variety of patients. Just some of the procedures expected on this General Surgical Mission, include thyroidectomies, various hernia repairs, appendectomies, and lumpectomies.

Many of the team will be taking a short respite and experience another part of Africa by venturing out on Safari. Check back for updates on our 2010 Africa Team once they return on August 8th and take a peek at past mission trips to Africa in our Photo Gallery section!

Light of the World Launches New Website!

2010-07-02T06:13:00.000-07:00

Light of the World Charities (LOTWC) has been working with Joe and Jennifer Guidoni of Martin County Web Design on a fresh new website. The interactive site is organized to provide everyone with updated information, photo and video galleries, news on the teams currently on surgical missions, ways for everyone to get involved and so much more.

LOTWC runs primarily on volunteer support from the medical and non-medical communities. Now, everyone will be able to find opportunities throughout the website on how to get personally involved with the life changing mission of caring for the sick. It takes hundreds of volunteers to pull off the regular missions that LOTWC sends on a regular basis to Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua and Africa. Check out the "How You Can Help" page for more details.

LOTWC is excited about being able to show visitors, first hand, what our Surgical Teams provide to the poorest of the poor in the Third World Countries we visit each year. Photo galleries presented by Dr. Ron Ashley (pictured above) will allow each Team to share their individual mission story in a beautifully visual way. Ron will also provide links to the documentaries produced for LOTWC so each individual has an opportunity to experience the unforgettable stories of the patient's lives that have been changed because of LOTWC Surgical Teams.

Enjoy the new website and please share with your co-workers and friends.

LOTWC Joins the Haiti Relief Effort

2010-06-21T13:32:00.001-07:00

Tuesday, 12 January 2010 Haiti was hit with an earthquake measuring around 7.0. According to official estimates 222,570 people were killed, 300,000 injured, 1.3 million displaced, 97,294 houses destroyed and 188,383 damaged in the Port-au-Prince area and a great portion of southern Haiti.

Light of the World volunteers began calling in immediately, offering their time and expertise to those devastated by the disaster. Surprisingly difficult to actually get into Haiti, LOTWC finally found a contact located in Petit Riviere de Artibonite, that had a surgical/medical facility empty and waiting for use. After great preparation LOTWC Team Members set out, landing in Dominican Republic, a long bus ride to finally reach Petit Riviere de Artibonite. Exhausted from the hours spent on the bus the team began to organize and set up the facility so they could begin surgery the next day.

The line of people was overwhelming and the team worked non-stop for 4 days, taking care of over 200 people, performing 98 procedures. The exhausted team returned to the States on February 23rd relieved to be home, glad for what they achieved, and concerned for all those they left behind still desperate for care.