Nonprofit

Packing For Honduras

/ EsperanzaHFTC / Leave a comment

Honduran Hospital

In less than a week, we will be on our way to Honduras. For the past several months we have been collecting school supplies, footwear and medical supplies. I have certainly learned the “art of packing” and remove any excess packing materials, pack in lightweight canvas bags and fill each one to exactly 50 lbs. (our heavy stuff goes in the carry-ons!) We are allowed one checked bag for free but pay the additional fee ($50.00 each) to bring 2 extras…far cheaper than sending by mail, and generally, reliable.

Part of the packing process is assessing which items are the greatest priority. Certainly medical supplies comes to the top of the list and we will be carrying medicine and equipment. However, one item we are unable to take and is greatly needed is oxygen. I just read a report that Mario Catarino Rivas, a large public hospital in San Pedro Sula is currently without oxygen. Not only elective surgeries, but emergency surgeries are cancelled. The issue is a supply problem… the hospital is in debt to its only supplier. This just adds another element to the long list of problems with the healthcare system… chronic shortage of medicine, equipment and supplies, along with striking doctors.

Hopefully, we’ll stay healthy during our trip and fortunately, we have the means to receive private care. We’re certainly in the minority  for this privilege.

Esperanza’s Cardiac Patients Headed For Care

/ EsperanzaHFTC / Leave a comment

Jose

Esperanza would like to express their appreciation to Lori Cordova, RN and the entire team (48 volunteers) of The Friends of Barnabas Foundation who are currently screening/treating patients in San Pedro Sula, Honduras this week. Two of our ongoing patients, and their parents have left their homes in Flores and Comayagua and are scheduled to be seen by this cardiac team. Five year old Adriana will receive a heart catheterization in the next couple of days. The team will also perform an echo cardiogram on one year old Jose (pictured above) who was previously seen by FOBF,  and it was determined that he would need to travel to the United States to receive a pacemaker. Once we receive the report, we will begin the process of contacting a previous benefactor and coordinating with the doctors and hospital who are able to provide his care. Our best wishes to this extraordinary group and all their patients who are receiving this essential medical intervention.

Our Journey for Hope Exhibition

/ EsperanzaHFTC / 1 Comment

Our Journey for Hope

Jason and Becca from Our Journey for Hope are putting on exhibitions, displaying the work of the Honduran children they taught this summer. Our Journey for Hope has worked closely with Esperanza – Hope For The Children, Inc. in providing children in Honduras the opportunity to not only learn photography but self expression as well. The first exhibit is in Glen Falls, NY at The World Awareness Children’s Museum, starting at 1pm. They expect to have more shows so keep an eye on their website: http://ourjourneyforhope.tumblr.com/

School Year begins at Marantha Adventist Bilingual School

/ EsperanzaHFTC / Leave a comment

Noel, Astrid, Daniela, Wesly at school

Today marks the beginning of the school year at Marantha in Comayagua, Honduras. Esperanza-Hope for the Children, Inc. is committed to providing financial assistance for four students: Lisbeth Daniela Mejia Leon (5th grade), Noel Edgardo Solano Gomez (4th grade), Wessly Hernandez (2nd grade) and Astrid Virginia Mejia Ordonez (1st grade). Special thanks to Charlie and Nancy Morrison for providing Astrid’s educational expenses for another year.

Marantha’s mission is to “provide a comprehensive education including mind, body and spirit.” Their curriculum is difficult and students take classes in Spanish, English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Bible, Art, Music, Computer and Physical Education.  “Our” students face the additional challenges of commuting each day, and not having resources available in their towns for homework projects. In addition, their families are often ill equipped to assist with homework because they have only completed the first few years of primary education.

Attending a private school offers students a smaller teacher/student ratio and also offers a consistent schedule where teachers aren’t forced to strike because of poor working conditions. It has been a rewarding experience watching the growth in Daniela, Noel, Wessly and Astrid and we wish them an enjoyable and successful school year!

Healing Hearts

/ EsperanzaHFTC / Leave a comment

Ina and Noel

There are so many meaningful reasons for being involved with Esperanza…for me, the most important one has been to help save (or change) a life. Yet there are numerous other reasons as well, and one which quickly comes to mind is the incredible people you meet along the way. Today I am thinking of Mrs. Ina Melen, an airline ambassador with American Airlines who generously volunteers her time transporting children for medical treatment, and over the past few years has become our admired friend.

Recently, I was scheduled to travel to Honduras to bring Noel to Boston for his annual cardiac evaluation. However, life took me on a different journey and I needed to be home with my family for a medical crisis. I quickly thought of Ina and hoped she would have the time to travel to Honduras to accompany Noel to Boston. I contacted Mrs. Margaret Whitehead (director of  American Airlines’ Children’s Escort Program), explained our situation and inquired about Ina’s availability. She quickly reassured me that there were many volunteers available, but when she confirmed Ina would be the one to help, I was immediately reassured.

I cannot adequately describe what is involved with Ina’s journey to assist with a child’s trip to the United States.  She is up at the crack of dawn to complete a round trip from Boston, MA to Tegucigalpa, Honduras….involving many hours, several connections and trips through Customs. It is never an easy process and there are always complications, yet Ina handles herself with grace and determination. The children in need are her motivation and we are her beneficiaries. We have always appreciated Ina’s service, but now in our time of special need, we realize her gift of  “healing hearts.”

Abuelo (a.k.a. Grandpa) to all

/ EsperanzaHFTC / 1 Comment

Keyla celebrating “Abuelo’s” Birthday

Today we are mourning the death of Richard (“Dick”) Kimball,  Esperanza-Hope for the Children’s greatest financial supporter, and more importantly, “Abuelo” to all the children who entered his life over the years. Both Dick, and his wife Martha, have welcomed these children as part of their extended family. Their involvement has included hours of babysitting, visiting children at the hospital, celebrating holidays and birthdays (including one where Abuelo and 2 children danced together on the coffee table!). Children have loved staying over night at their homes in Lexington, MA and especially on Lake Champlain in Colchester, VT.  Our friends in Flores, Honduras have been holding him in their thoughts and prayers and we are grateful for their support.

He is Gone

You can shed tears that he is gone,
Or you can smile because he lived,
You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back,
Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left.

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him,
Or you can be full of the love that you shared,
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember him and only that he is gone
Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on,
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back,
Or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

-David Harkins

GOD BLESS YOU NOW AND FOREVER…DIOS LE BENDIGA AHORA Y PARA SIEMPRA

Noel Going Above and Beyond

/ EsperanzaHFTC / Leave a comment

Noel with Abuelo, Abuela, and Tio Bob

-This post is written by Rick Lania

Something I have had a hard time articulating when describing my experiences with the children in Honduras is how the kids pay you back so much more than the work and effort that goes into providing them with medical treatments. Statements like, “they can always put a smile on my face” do not mean nearly as much to the person I am speaking with when they are out of context. This is why I thought I would share an example of one of the many ways Noel has gone well beyond “paying back” my family.

Recently, my Grandfather has been in the hospital, which hasn’t been easy on anyone in my family. In Honduras, Noel learned this information from Ana and decided he was going to check how “Abuelo” was doing on his own. Throughout this week he has tried to call each night. One night I spoke with him, others he couldn’t reach anyone, and last night he spoke with my mom. For a 10 year old, he was very persistent and extremely caring, with each phone call asking “How is Grandpa doing?” It definitely meant a lot to me and showed just how much he cares about the 2nd family he has become a part of. I can’t wait to see him in a few weeks!

They’re coming back!!!

/ EsperanzaHFTC / 1 Comment

It’s official…their tickets are booked…Noel (10) and Astrid (7) will be returning to Concord, MA on June 14th and spending their summer vacation in the States. Special thanks to Charlie and Nancy Morrison for providing Astrid’s transportation so that she will have the opportunity for follow- up medical care at Shriners Hospital in Springfield. And thanks to many of you who have befriended them over the years and continue to be actively involved. Your relationships are so valuable, and are truly shaping their lives in a positive way.

Why We Do What We Do

/ EsperanzaHFTC / Leave a comment

People often ask why we keep going back to Honduras, especially with how dangerous it has become. This letter from Iris Maria is one of the many examples of how rewarding our work can be. Only part of Emily getting to hear the letter for the first time was caught on video. However,  Laura Sierra who is reading the letter, was nice enough to translate the whole thing which you can read below.



This is for someone very special who has stayed recorded in my mind and in my heart and a person that I will never forget until the day that I depart this earth.

Hello Emily,

You know, I want you to know that there is someone who loves you very much. In my heart, there is something very special for you. You are an angel sent from God into my life. I will never forget that date… Tom especially, November 25th, 2008 when we met. Thank the lord our creator from the sky, that today I can run and walk. I’ve suffered, I have cried, I have been rejected but today I can say that there is hope. And this for me is a triumph. The same for you as well. I wish with all my heart that God keep you and your family safe in your travels. And that you guys continue to be prosperous in all that you do. God almighty on this day I ask that you give Emily and her family strength and that everyday you be her helper and illuminate her path. Bless their hands and their feet because they bring blessings to many. Thank you God because that is the way it will be. Amen. I want to say that I don’t have any money to repay you but I do have something that is very secure, and that is my heart. Full of sweetness. Now I ask that you never forget me, where ever you go please. Keep me in your thoughts and in your heart. That will make me stronger and it will show me that you guys will never be ashamed of me. Some day you will see that I will triumph.

Thank you Emily.
Iris maria Mendoza
Page 1 of Iris' Letter
Page 2 of Iris' Letter
Page 3 of Iris' Letter

More Updates From Honduras

/ EsperanzaHFTC / Leave a comment

Recently we have posted Emily with Ostinabout Ostin, a baby with lymphatic malformation in the face, who has received an experimental drug called OK-432 from Japan. Yesterday, Emily traveled to San Pedro Sula with him to visit his doctor. He received an ultrasound and we are happy to report that since his first injection there has been a 60% improvement in his condition! His next injection will be Monday.

While in San Pedro Sula, Emily met with Peggy Kipps of the Ruth Paz Foundation and got to visit local hospitals and doctors. The Ruth Paz Foundation has been an extremely helpful partner to Esperanza over the years and has significantly expanded our medical network within Honduras.

Emily also met with Hector Fonseca MD, a pediatric cardiologist we trust and he gave her a cd of a child who needs to go to the US. We also have another serious heart case of a 7 month old that Emily is pursuing help from a heart brigade in San Pedro Sula, otherwise he will need to come to the US.

Other cases being worked on at the moment include a patient who lost his eye sight 6 years ago from a machete accident. He needs an evaluation and possibly a prosthetic eye like Vanessa. We also have a 10 year old needing surgery on his testicles as soon as possible and have the best surgeon in Honduras lined up if a brigade cannot do it next week.

Ana is currently working her tail off between helping Esperanza and a group from Michigan who is running medical clinics in Honduras. Once again it’s being shown how hard she works and how much we depend on her!

On a sadder note, Peggy has informed us that all but one of the people from the prison fire who were hospitalized in Tegucigalpa have died. The level of medical care is just so much worse compared to the US, but this also shows why we need to continue to work hard in Honduras.

Will continue to update as I receive more information from Emily and Tom.