hope for the children

From A Statistic To Member Of Our Household

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Ostin Pudding

He’s no longer a number…he’s more than a name…he started as a patient…and now he’s one of “our” kids. The statistics are staggering, more than 80% of Hondurans do not have health insurance. Three years and five months ago we first heard the name “Ostin” and learned he was in need of medical attention. At first we helped from a distance…communicating with doctors in San Pedro Sula and sending money to cover the visits and transportation. Next, we were able to meet him and his family in person. We contacted doctors at prestigious hospitals in Boston, listened to their advise about protocol for treatment and forwarded that information on to the doctors in Honduras.

We continued to visit Ostin, reassuring his parents we were still committed to helping. Many months would pass, and eventually we helped obtain a drug from Japan which the doctors in Honduras were able to inject into Ostin. We returned to Honduras and accompanied Ostin and his mother to medical appointments. Initially, the drug seemed to work and Ostin was showing improvement. Months would pass, more injections would be given, and then we would return for another visit. At last, the doctors felt they had done all they could do for Ostin and he would need to go to the States for more treatment.

Many more months passed as we coordinated doctors, hospitals, financing, and visas. Ostin arrived here 10 weeks ago and since then has undergone two big surgeries and other procedures. Once a child moves into your home, he/she is no longer a patient…he/she becomes one of your own. We know his fears, what makes him happy, his favorite foods, the toys he likes to play with. Sometimes it’s a slow process, other times it’s more immediate, but they crawl into your heart.

Having a child living with a serious medical condition is extremely stressful. We try focusing on one medical appointment or procedure to the next, but then there are unpredictable setbacks in his health or unforeseen issues with financing and the feelings of frustration and disappointment escalate.

Loving a child who has no health insurance and has one opportunity to receive medical treatment before returning to his life in poverty adds a whole new dimension…especially when you feel like you’re his voice.

This Semana Santa We’re Celebrating Another Miracle

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Karla with the doctors

Semana Santa (Holy Week) is a hugely celebrated time in Honduras. Most businesses are closed, transportation is limited and people spend days cooking special foods. Many people head to the water…the beach, the river or a local pool. Just after midnight on Holy Thursday, people gather on the streets of Comayagua with their brightly colored sawdust and cardboard stencils to create the beautiful alfombas (carpets) depicting religious scenes. Just nine hours later, there will be a holy march over the alfombras, marking the stations of the cross in remembrance of Good Friday. On Pascua (Easter), people will celebrate the miracle of Jesus’ resurrection.

This week we will celebrate many of these traditions at our own church. However, our thoughts will also be on the “miracle” of Ostin’s medical treatment and the team providing his care. Under the leadership of, Dr. Milton Waner, “ an internationally recognized pioneer in the development of successful treatments for hemangiomas and vascular anomalies”, he is joined by Dr. Aaron Fay, “a pioneer in the field of orbital surgery and vascular malformations” and Dr. O, “a head and neck surgeon specializing in the surgical treatment of hemangiomas and vascular malformations.” We couldn’t be more fortunate in having been introduced to such a specialized and experienced group which provides world-class care. Please visit http://www.vbiny.org to learn more about The Vascular Birthmark Institute.

Today marks the seventh week since Ostin and Karla arrived to the United States. It has been an amazing experience to watch the physical transformation of Ostin’s face. He arrived with the left side of his face distorted…his eye pushed out of its socket, his cheek and chin line far greater than the right side of his face. After two surgeries and one steroid injection, his eye has been re-positioned into the socket, and the swelling in the cheek has been substantially diminished. This week Ostin’s stitches will be removed and he will receive another steroid injection in the eye. In three weeks, the doctors will address the corner of his mouth and under his jaw which they hope to treat with sclerosing injections.

May you all discover and celebrate your own “miracle” this week.

Back in NYC for Ostin’s Second Operation

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Yesterday, we arrived at The Ronald McDonald House at 9:30 a.m. to pick up Ostin and Karla. Everyone was familiar with the pre-op routine…no food or drink, and keep Ostin as distracted as possible so he wouldn’t obsess about it. He was admitted to Lenox Hill Hospital and we were sent to the pediatric floor where he was assigned a room and given the freedom to play. Later, the crew from Inside Edition arrived to take some pictures and videos. Ostin was shy at first but then took command of the situation…he hid behind his iPad and filmed all the crew, while greeting each one with “hola!” He thoroughly entertained all of us.

We headed to the pre-op room for consents, questionnaires, and monitoring. The whole process went much more smoothly than last time. Once again, Karla walked Ostin into the O.R., and returned in tears…this is the hardest moment for her. She called her husband in Honduras and was able to update him about the operation. He would then share the news with his family and then their church, where they have been lighting candles and constantly praying.

The operation took about 5 1/2 hours, and the doctors explained it was called “a face lift incision” (a surgical line starting from above his ear to bellow his chin). They were able to successfully remove the lymphatic debris. Preserving the facial nerve was especially difficult due to the lymphatic matter being “cemented” around the nerve. Both surgeons were pleased with the results and explained he will return home with a drainage tube (which will remain for up to 4 weeks), his stitches will be removed in 10 days and he will have another procedure in 4 weeks. Ostin and Karla were settled in for the night.

This morning when we arrived Ostin was in a significant amount of pain but just as defiant in taking any medication. He had already ripped out his IV so they were no longer able to administer it that way. One brilliant nurse injected his medicine into a juice box, and with tremendous amounts of coaxing (and bribing), we were able to get the medicine in. This operation was more extensive, covering a larger area and we expect the recuperation to take longer.

Thank you all for your continued support.

One little boy…one BIG hope for medical care.

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Ostin

In November 2011 we were introduced to a 40 day old baby, named “Ostin.” His family knew we assisted with medical cases in Honduras and were desperately pleading for our involvement. Ostin was born with a malformation affecting his face and neck which was so swollen we feared he would suffocate to death if he didn’t receive immediate attention. Fortunately, we have built a close relationship with Peggy Kipps of the Ruth Paz Foundation in San Pedro Sula and she often guides us to trusted physicians. Soon, Ostin was on his way to San Pedro Sula for a physical examination and ultrasound. At that time it was determined he had a lymphangioma  and after consulting with physicians in Boston, the recommended treatment was injections of a drug called “OK-432” which is made in Japan. The Ruth Paz Foundation assisted us in getting this drug shipped to Honduras in January 2012.

At first we were quite optimistic, after a few injections the swelling was reduced by 60%. But then we came to a standstill. The doctors in Honduras changed their diagnosis and began treating Ostin for a hemangioma by using a drug called vincristine. Unfortunately, Ostin did not show any further improvement and the physicians had met their limits and recommended he travel to the United States for medical treatment.

For the past two years we have been presenting Ostin’s case to numerous physicians and hospitals. It’s rather time consuming and requires much persistence,while walking the fine line of “keeping Ostin in the forefront of their minds, and trying not to aggravate them with frequent inquiries.” It’s a challenge emotionally…our hopes rise so high when we have expert physicians interested in helping, who then have to refer us to an array of other departments for review and approval, and then waiting many more months until finally be told the case is not accepted due to lack of funding. Frustrating for us, devastating for our patient’s family.

And then one day in August 2014, we received a call from the Ray Tye Medical Aid Foundation that they had found two physicians willing to operate and the foundation would cover the finances. EXHILARATION! We are in deep gratitude to everyone who is involved with finding treatment for Ostin including: Pilgrim Congregational Church, The Ruth Paz Foundation, The Ray Tye Medical Aid Foundation,  North Shore-LIJ Health System, and all the doctors and staff who have been and will be involved in his care.

Thank you for offering Ostin a brighter future. We look forward to continuing this journey along side him.

Privileged

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Christmas

This morning I was once again reminded of how privileged I am. We arrived at Logan airport at 4:00 a.m. to send two of our patients (a.k.a. family members) back to Honduras. After waiting in a lengthy line, which included a long wait for people who had over packed their bags and spent 20 minutes shifting items (to avoid the over charge), we arrived at the counter. Once we began checking the children in, the agent told us there would be an additional charge of $150. Although I explained that I had been told at the time of booking of the set rate, she called her supervisor and told us she was following protocol, and we would be charged. I found myself really aggravated but also relieved, knowing I could pull out a credit card and pay.

This isn’t the case for our families in Honduras. When faced with an unexpected expense, they do not have the resources to act immediately. It takes people much more time and rely on many more resources when an emergency arrives. They do not carry credit cards, debit cards or have access to ATM’s. Often times they are caught without their identification cards and therefore are “nameless.” They may be able to “work out the situation”, but more often than not, they can’t in the moment, and will have to return at a later time through much more tribulation. I’m not sure if they experience the same frustration that I do, or if they are more accepting that “it’s just life” as they know it, and nothing comes easily.

Some how, there was a “change of heart” with our ticket agent and the fee was waived. I was grateful to save the money but also to be reminded of how fortunate I am, and aware of how many are not. I hope this feeling stays…

Thankful for our donors

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Fritz & Gigi

Once again, Fritz & Gigi (The Children’s Shop in Concord, MA) has generously donated clothing for the folks in Honduras and our patients being treated locally. Fritz & Gigi have been faithful supporters of Esperanza for the past several years. Yesterday, when I was picking up their donations, I relayed this story about the impact of their previous gifts.

A couple of years ago, I received a call from the shop that they had clothing to pass along to children in need. Among their donations was a winter snowsuit for an infant. Within 15-20 minutes of me receiving their donations, I was introduced to a baby boy who was in need. Coincidence? I don’t think so…

This has happened to me too many times. Throughout the year we receive clothing, medical equipment, school supplies and more. There have been multiple occasions when we have a request for an item just as we have been given the same thing. Call it what you will, but it gives me faith knowing there is much goodwill that goes around and we are thankful to all who give so willingly.

Christmas Throughout The Year

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Christmas is coming…how do you feel? The other day I was asked, “are you stressed by what to buy for Christmas? and I could honestly say, “no.” It’s not that I don’t look forward to buying gifts for my family and friends and watching their reactions when they open the presents (and hopefully like them). I enjoy letting others know I am thinking of them, and they are special to me. But, I also know they are often  just “things” and  last temporarily.

Maybe this feeling is just something that happens as we get older? The days have long since past when I searched the Sears Wish Book and wrote my long list to Santa. Or more significantly, I believe it’s how my experiences in Honduras have enlightened me. Every visit teaches me more about others, as well as, myself.

My daily thoughts drift to my Honduran friends. They have made the greatest impact in my life…the way I think, the way I act and react in different situations, and certainly what I value in my life. I continually catch myself thinking how trivial many things are in my life…”what should I make for dinner?” “which is the better medicine?” “what should I buy someone for Christmas?”

These types of “dilemmas” would never cross the minds of people in Honduras. I certainly shouldn’t think of these situations as stressful and be reminded how fortunate I am…my friends in Honduras couldn’t comprehend these scenarios and certainly would be grateful to be in my position.

My experiences in Honduras are lasting gifts and ones I treasure throughout the year, not just at Christmas time. Thank you to all who continually teach me life changing lessons. Merry Christmas!

Giving Tuesday

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Giving Tuesday

Celebrate “Giving Tuesday” by donating to Esperanza – Hope For The Children, Inc. which offers hope and changes lives… one child at a time.

100% of your donation provides direct assistance.Tax receipts will be provided.

Thank you for your continued support in helping others in need.

Donations may be mailed to:

Esperanza – Hope for the Children, Inc.
43 Peter Bulkeley Road
Concord, MA 01742

Easter Blessings

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Recently, we returned from 18 days in Honduras. During our stay, we were introduced to new patients including a young woman, “Katherine”, who visited us with her foster mother. She had moved from her home because her mother suffers from severe mental illness and it was an unhealthy environment. Katherine’s symptoms included severe headaches, blurred vision and a deep fear “she was going crazy.” Tom took a medical history, did an eye exam and spoke with a neurologist we had recently met in Comayagua. He arranged for an appointment the next day, and also found a trustworthy place to perform a CT scan.

Thankfully, the neurologist agreed with Tom’s initial assessment, Katherine was suffering from migranes, and although they can be incapacitating, it wasn’t what she truly feared, or anything life threatening. The day after Katherine’s medical exams were completed, we received the letter below which was kindly translated by Esperanza supporter, Ursula Millard.

Dear Doctor and his Wife,

I am very grateful for what you have done for me. I cannot pay for it, but I know that God will bless you wherever you go because you do something very special. Thank you, thank you, and thank you very much. I know that God brought you to my life, and you have been such a blessing. I wish you the best always. I will always remember you. You are people with a great heart and I know that God will always be with you and will make you stronger. With the blood of Christ bless you always. Thank you. I appreciate it with all my heart. I love you very much.

If God is with you nothing can harm you.

Do not be afraid nor give up because The Lord is with you.

I love you a lot. I love you a lot.

Katherine Ramos

As we celebrate Easter today, we are reminded of the many blessings in our lives. Receiving Katherine’s letter was quite humbling and once again we realize the gifts we receive from others far outweighs the efforts we make.

Lizzie’s friends join in her generosity.

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Lizzie and Astrid

Lizzie’s inspiration to help others was generously endorsed by her friends (and their families). Esperanza is thrilled to report that $460 was donated in honor of Lizzie’s 16th birthday and will be used to improve the condition of Astrid’s home! Thank you all for caring so much. If all goes according to plan, Astrid will be returning here in June 2013 and will see many of you then.