Youth Helping Youth

October 9, 2010April 20, 2011 / EsperanzaHFTC / Leave a comment

Last summer, 16 year old Kyle George made his first visit to Flores, Honduras. His family has been involved for years with his older brother and mother volunteering in the country, and also hosting children in their home who were in Boston for medical treatment.

The George family has had a special friendship with 14 year old “Chippy” and were saddened to learn he had dropped out of school to help support his grandparents, where he was now living. Kyle decided he wanted to make a difference in Chippy’s life and has made the financial commitment of re-enrolling him in school which takes place on weekends. Therefore, he’ll be able to continue to support his grandparents and will also have the opportunity to further his education. They also purchased a bicycle so that Chippy has a way to get to classes which are offered in a different town. THANK YOU KYLE for offering Chippy the gift of education which is truly the most positive way of offering him a brighter future, and hopefully the ability to break the cycle of poverty.

Esperanza Helps Provide Treatment Within Honduras

September 20, 2010April 20, 2011 / EsperanzaHFTC / Leave a comment

Rony

This is 13 year old “Rony” who is currently being treated for neglected clubfoot deformity. Rony was not only suffering physically, but socially and emotionally, as well. Due to his lack of mobility, he was not enrolled in school. Fortunately, the treatment and surgeries have been successful. Rony is thrilled to be with his peers,attending school and is not deterred by having to walk with crutches through muddy roads to get there!

Melvin

Melvin was born with congenital glaucoma. His parents soon realized there was a problem because when Melvin was in the daylight, he would scream in pain. Left untreated, Melvin would have been blind. Thankfully, he was operated on in San Pedro Sula. Melvin’s mother is extremely grateful, and proudly shows her son, exclaiming, “he sees everything and is so much happier!”

June 2010 Trip

August 5, 2010April 20, 2011 / EsperanzaHFTC / Leave a comment

In June 2010 a group of seven volunteers, including three high school students, traveled to Flores, Honduras. During the week, we met with former patients, current patients and perspective patients including children with opthamology, cardiac, orthopedic and psychiatric issues. Some of these cases will be able to be treated within Honduras by local doctors and visiting medical brigades from the United States. Others will have to travel to Boston for their treatment. We had the opportunity of visiting the public school in Flores and sharing Pen Pal letters written by children from Pilgrim Congregational Church and Diamond Middle School in Lexington.

Dr. Tom met with the health administrator from the Public Health Center to discuss their dire needs for medical equipment and medications. Currently, there is a doctor in place for one year and she is extremely busy with an epidemic of Dengue fever.

Emily attended a meeting with Plan Honduras who is in the midst of conducting a field study in Flores to determine the best options (culturally and financially) to bring clean water to this village.

We had the opportunity of visiting the children at Casa Hogar Vida y Libertad, an orphanage in Siguetepeque. This beautiful home is run by “Tina” who lovingly cares for 34 children. At the end of the week, we met with patients from Shriners Hospital in Boston who receive their follow-up treatment from Omar Fernandez, PT at CEFISE in San Pedro Sula. We returned to Boson on July 1st with Noel Gomez who is receiving continued cardiac monitoring from Tufts Medical Center. We look forward to returning to Honduras in December.

Trip to Honduras

February 7, 2010April 29, 2011 / EsperanzaHFTC / Leave a comment

On January 14, 2010 we traveled to Flores, Honduras where we spent 10 days working within the community. This is our ninth year offering free medical care, as well as, assistance with educational needs. During our visit we held medical and eye clinics, and visited current and future patients in their homes.We received supplies of medication, shoes and eye glasses from Brother’s Brother organization and First Sight. Along with the common problems of colds, pain and parasites, we were also introduced to patients with more significant problems including: extra digits, neurological disorders, growth in the mouth, congenital glaucoma, ambiguous genitalia, and a heart defect. Fortunately, over the years we built a trustworthy support system within country. We work with The Ruth Paz Foundation and Mrs. Peggy Kipps is able to refer us to local doctors and arrange visits to American brigades. Our coordinator, Ana Hernandez, arranges and transports all of our patients and provides us with ongoing follow-up.

Maria

September 24, 2009April 20, 2011 / EsperanzaHFTC / Leave a comment

Maria

Last July, 10 year old Maria returned to Shriners Hospital in Boston for skin grafting and releases. Maria, one of five children in her family, was cooking over an open fire when her dress caught fire in February 2008. Maria’s humble family lives in rural Honduras, and they do not have electricity in their house. This brave little girl traveled to Boston alone and spent her post operative time at Tom and Emily Collins’ home.

Meet Allison Taylor

March 20, 2009April 20, 2011 / EsperanzaHFTC / Leave a comment

She is a compassionate girl who generously thought of others when celebrating her 10th birthday. Instead of receiving gifts for herself, she asked her friends to donate gifts for the impoverished children of Honduras. Allison is an inspiration to all!

Alison Allison is pictured with Emily and Tom Collins, M.D.

Stefany

March 9, 2009April 20, 2011 / EsperanzaHFTC / Leave a comment

A picture book of Stefany’s transformation.

Updates

March 7, 2009April 20, 2011 / EsperanzaHFTC / Leave a comment

Recently added to the Esperanza website is the ability to make a donation over the internet. Esperanza has created a paypal account and you can either click on the link here or go to the “How To Help” portion of the website. Also for those of you that have a Facebook account you can join Esperanza’s cause by clicking here. Thank you for your continued support!