After 52 trips for Mending Kids, I like to think of myself as a grassroots (and grass-fed, now that I’m vegan) leader. Most everything that helps inform my decision-making has been learned from traveling on missions, meeting kids and their parents, talking to administrators, local doctors, and sometimes heads of state - asking and lots of negotiating. For better or for worse, my degree is in globe-trotting with a minor in pollinating relationships to build a network of partnerships. I found myself in Nicaragua last week, reconnecting with our local partners after a ten-year absence - on my part. This was likely our 8th visit to Hospital La Mascota. The staff and our local cardiologist-host, Dr. Ramirez were ready for our arrival. When we showed up on Easter Sunday about 7 patients and their parents were waiting for us in the reception of the cardiology building. Forgoing services to pray that their children were selected for the week of procedures to correct their congenital anomalies and give them a second chance to live a long life. The fact that this medical trip was taking place during one of the most important holidays in Christendom did not go unnoticed. We came prepared with chocolate bunnies and candy to regale the kids with and proceeded to get to know them a bit to ease the atmosphere and help them feel more comfortable with us. I won’t lie that I was concerned there were only 7 patients. We hoped to help double that amount. Dr. Ramirez assured me that we would be screening more patients for the next three days and scheduling them accordingly. Per experience, I didn’t think that was the most effective way to do this but given the holiday, public transportation was cut back and other families were coming from far away, I was reminded that I have to trust the process and hope that they all show up when asked to. Dr. Ramirez kept asking the nurse if Viva Victoria had arrived. She was now almost 5 months old, she was screened at the end of 2023 with instructions for her mother to return today for the mission. She wasn’t there. We finished evaluations and planned the cases for the next three days. All 7 children scheduled were good candidates and put on the cath lab calendar. Monday went smoothly with 2 cases and room to screen 4 more patients in the afternoon, who were scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday. Still, Dr. Ramirez asked if Viva Victoria had arrived. She had not. So at this point, he called the hospital’s social services and asked them to go to Masaya, find the mother, and bring her back with her baby. We returned to our hotel to prepare for the next day's procedures. The following morning we stopped by Dr. Ramirez’s office. Viva Victoria was there with her mother, a cherubic young woman who was holding her. She was 16 and younger than our oldest patient. A minor raising a kid. I asked her if anyone else had come with her to support her and she shook her head. The baby was the size of a neonate. Her lips were blue and she was clearly in discomfort. The doctors reviewed her echo and quickly greenlit her for a procedure. Dr. Ramirez instructed the mom to come back the next day and that we would be scheduling Victoria for her procedure on Thursday. Her baby did not have much time. Wednesday rolled around, procedures went on and the mother and child had not shown up. Once again, Dr. Ramirez called social services and the baby and mom were brought to the hospital with surgery scheduled for Friday. When we asked her why she hadn’t come back as scheduled, she simply stated that she didn’t have the money to take the bus to get there. She was alone, with no support, no diaper bag, no money, and no food. When I delved further into her story, the answer was classic. Pregnant at 15, the father had left her and was not involved. She lived with her single mom and younger siblings in a house made of plastic walls and did not go to school, nor hold a job. We weren’t there to judge, but the scene and the struggles she faced as an individual, let alone as a teen mom in the second poorest country in Central America were pretty depressing. On Friday, before the time came to take Viva Victoria in for her procedure, we presented her mom with the consent form to allow us to treat her. The doctor went over everything and when it came time to sign, the mom shared that she couldn’t write or read. I always tell anyone who volunteers with us to remain calm and show poker-faced compassion when experiencing something that might prove shocking. We told her that signing her name would not be an issue, we would simply accept her thumbprint and a witness signature. I took a photo for good measure. The baby was crying because she was hungry and could not be breastfed because she was going to go under anesthesia. I asked her if she had a pacifier, but I already knew the answer. I found a sheet to cover the baby because the room was cold, and she didn’t have a blanket. Money or not, love is free, and it was apparent how much she had for her infant. I checked on her a short while later and gave her snacks and water reserved for the medical team. I hugged her and advised her to get some fresh air. Back in the Cath lab, Dr. Ramirez was relieved that Viva Victoria’s heart was being repaired. He doubted whether the mom understood how close she came to losing her; her stenosis was so advanced. She didn’t have another chance; she likely wouldn't have survived three more months, and no other Catheterization missions were scheduled for the near future. On Saturday, the team packed up to return; I stayed on. I had a vacation planned in Costa Rica starting on Sunday but I kept thinking about the 16-year-old without support and a fragile baby. She was raised in a shanty home with no means, no bathroom, and no education. I didn’t want to leave without visiting her one more time, to process this and consider how to help her, even if I didn’t have all the answers. I went to a store and bought a baby blanket, a pacifier, and a teether, along with a bit of money for her to buy a meal and bus fare to go home. She was surprised to see me. The baby was asleep, unswaddled, and she sat in a chair, staring at her, lamenting that she couldn’t go home yet. I explained that because she lived outside the city, the doctor was taking extra precautions for the baby's health. I tried to explain how lucky she was that everything had timed out so well for Viva Victoria. I shared how much I loved her name and how she had chosen well by naming her Long Live Victoria. I asked her what her plans were; to which she had none. I asked if she planned on sending her daughter to school; she wanted to. I suggested we look for support for her so she could attend school again, learn to read and write, and support Viva Victoria when she started learning. She smiled and nodded (I recognized the placating). I asked if she had dreams when she was young and what they were; she said she wanted to be a police officer. I reminded her that Viva Victoria was a survivor, and she had won the lottery when we mended her child; this had to mean something great for her. That this was a new door she could go through. Yes, the challenges were there. Yes, the road would be long, but she had the power to change things for herself and her child, for the better. I did my best to ensure she didn’t feel like I was scolding her. I gave her a parting embrace, took her information on WhatsApp, and told her I would be in touch. It’s been several days now, and I am no longer in Managua, but I still think about how this mission was mending kids’ kids. May courage and determination abound, may Viva Victoria have a long life ahead. And may this all be for a reason, though the path is not yet revealed. Note to self: find an organization to help baby-mom in Nicaragua. - Isabelle Fox, Executive Director Together, we are Mending Kids
Mending Kids has 14 board members, doctors and professionals, all of who volunteer their time and are fiercely supportive of the work our organization does. Last week we introduced you to our Board's secretary. This week we'd like to introduce you to Carmela De Brouwer, a cornerstone of our Board of Directors for over five years. With a wealth of experience and a love for her homeland of Peru, Carmela brings a unique perspective to our organization. Carmela joined Dr. Vincent Duron in Iquitos this past December on a colorectal and dental mission. It was a journey close to her heart, to be able to return home and care for the children of Peru–an experience she found life altering. Dr. Duron has been volunteering as the Peru lead surgeon with Mending Kids since 2015 along with his wife Dr. Gabriella Ganoza-Duron, who specializes in pediatric dentistry. Iquitos is the largest city in the Peruvian Rainforest and geographically isolated, reachable only by air or water. 70% of the indigenous population lives in extreme poverty and has limited access to healthcare.Despite the challenges involved, our patients travel for days down the Amazon River to reach us. Communicating and organizing logistics for families living in this remote area is incredibly difficult. Nevertheless, it's truly remarkable that despite these obstacles, we are able to provide crucial medical care to the children of Iquitos every year. Carmela shares with us, "Volunteering gives me a different perspective on life. It allows me to see other people's experiences that are beyond my comfort zone. Being there with the mothers and children, visiting them before their surgeries, I was able to learn more about the families. I would inquire, 'Where are you from?' and they would say a town that I had never heard of in the Amazon. It would take them days to arrive by boat to Iquitos. One of the mothers traveled for four days with her eleven-year-old son. It just shocked me how long it took to travel, and with your child who is in desperate need of care. I think about all the time and effort it takes for these families to get the help they need. It really took me out of my comfort zone. It's a reminder of how fortunate we are in this part of the world to have access to healthcare. Sometimes we want to provide twenty surgeries on a mission but are only able to complete ten, and it can be disappointing. But I have to remember, it is about one kid at a time, and that's the most important part. And we will continue to be back! It was an incredible and impactful experience of awareness, humility, and emotion. While I went on this trip to help and give something back to others, I ended up taking so much more back home with me." Together, we are Mending Kids! Join us in celebrating Carmela's invaluable contributions and learn a little more about Carmela…. How did you become involved with Mending Kids?
Through my friend, Isabelle Fox How many years have you been involved with Mending Kids? Over ten years What's the most impactful part of being involved with Mending Kids for you? Helping kids, giving them a better life and hope for their future What is your idea of happiness? Enjoying positive and healthy relationships with people What are some things on your bucket list? Traveling while helping kids and getting to know their culture and history If you could have dinner with 3 people, past present or future who would they be? My deceased mom, the Dalai Lama, and Naomi Osaka Which words or phrases do you most overuse? “Ok!” and “No problem!” Which talent would you most like to have? Singing! :) This past weekend, Mending Kids was featured in the charity event LAW Rocks, an organization dedicated to bringing together legal professionals with a passion for music to support deserving nonprofits in an epic battle of the bands fundraising concert–think of star legal professionals-turned-rockstars. We’d like to thank (and congratulate) The Meltones from Greenberg Traurig Firm for designating Mending Kids as its nonprofit, and Richard Tabura, our Board’s secretary, for tying it all together. Not only did The Meltones win the overall night but Mending Kids won the Hustle & Heart Award for the most individual donations! We’re biased but… our band rocked the hardest…. Go The Meltones! How did you become involved with Mending Kids? I attended a Google event that connected young professionals with local non-profits. I met Leslie Frost there and I was instantly sold on Mending Kids' mission. What’s the most impactful part of being involved with Mending Kids for you? One of the most difficult times of my life was when my daughter was hospitalized several times when she was 2 years old (all is good now). I am fortunate and privileged to have been able to get her the treatment she needed. I cannot imagine the hopelessness that parents in developing countries must feel when they lack access and resources to get their children treatment that is so readily available to me. Being able to work with amazing doctors to help kids around the world to get access to healthcare and create systemic change has been very rewarding. What is your idea of happiness? Mid-80 degree weather, lying on a beach with my wife and taking an occasional dip in the ocean while my kids play around me. Not stressing out about deadlines (not sure I'll ever be able to attain this as a litigator). What are some things on your bucket list? Skiing in Japan. If you could have dinner with 3 people, past present or future who would they be? Tina Fey, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Steve Carell Which words or phrases do you most overuse? "Dude" Which talent would you most like to have? Excellent Public Speaker As we celebrate the success of our participation in LAW Rocks, we are also gearing up for another significant mission. This Saturday we will be embarking on a cardiac mission to Nicaragua, where we will provide surgical training and life-saving medical interventions to children facing complex cardiac conditions. It is with your continued support that we are able to make a profound difference in the lives of these young children and their families.
Dear Friends, Spring is officially here, and we couldn’t have kicked off our 19th year on a more uplifting note than with the Imagine Gala. It was an extraordinary evening filled with laughter, joy, and heartfelt moments as we celebrated the remarkable individuals and organizations that make our mission possible. We extend our deepest gratitude to every one of you who contributed to the success of our event, whether through your sponsorships, generous donations, enthusiastic participation, in-kind donations, or unwavering support. Your presence and generosity helped us raise vital funds to continue our mission of transforming lives and restoring the futures of children in need. We honored our former patient, Heber Carias, with the HOPE Award, Dr. Jason Frischer of the Colorectal Center at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital with the MEND Award, and Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children's with the LOVE Award for their unwavering dedication and commitment to making a difference in the lives of children. They inspired us all. We invite you to browse through the photographs from the gala, capturing the magical moments of the evening. As we reflect on the success of the gala, we are also looking ahead to our upcoming missions, each representing another opportunity to save lives and create lasting change. In just a few weeks, our cardiology team will embark on a mission to Nicaragua, followed by an ENT mission to Tanzania at the end of April. These missions underscore our steadfast commitment to reaching children wherever they are and providing them with the medical care they need to thrive. There are countless ways to continue supporting Mending Kids in our mission. Whether through donations, volunteering your time and expertise, or simply spreading the word about our work, every contribution brings us one step closer to our goal of ensuring that every child has access to life-changing medical care. Thank you for being a part of our incredible journey and for your continued support. Final Reminder: Join Us on Saturday for the Imagine Gala 2024 at Skirball Cultural Center!3/14/2024
Date: Saturday, March 16th |
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Join us in the countdown to our Imagine Gala—an evening that promises to uplift and unify the shared commitment to making a meaningful impact.
Stay tuned for more updates as we edge closer to this unforgettable night!
Stay tuned for more updates as we edge closer to this unforgettable night!
The countdown has begun! We hope that you are as excited as we are for the Imagine Gala on March 16! This is an event we look forward to every year, and it wouldn't be possible without the incredible support from donors and partners, like you.
As we gear up for this unforgettable evening, we are thrilled to share the amazing progress we've made towards our goal of mending a child a day this year. In 2024 alone, we have successfully provided life-changing surgeries for over 150 children, as we started the year with our Philippines, Tanzania, Ghana, and Guatemala missions.
This week, yet another dedicated team embarks on an orthopedic mission to Cambodia. We are inspired by the resilience of these children and grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on their lives.
As we gear up for this unforgettable evening, we are thrilled to share the amazing progress we've made towards our goal of mending a child a day this year. In 2024 alone, we have successfully provided life-changing surgeries for over 150 children, as we started the year with our Philippines, Tanzania, Ghana, and Guatemala missions.
This week, yet another dedicated team embarks on an orthopedic mission to Cambodia. We are inspired by the resilience of these children and grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on their lives.
On March 16th, we'll be celebrating wonderful honorees:
Mend Award:
Dr. Jason Frischer: Head of the Colorectal Center at Cincinnati Children's Hospital and Mending Kids Board member. In recognition of his unwavering dedication.
Love Award:
Cedar-Sinai Guerin Children's for their nearly two decades of unwavering support to Mending Kids.
Hope Award:
Heber Carias, our former patient, for his resilience and inspiration.
Save the date, get your tickets, and let's make this Imagine Gala the most impactful one yet!
Mend Award:
Dr. Jason Frischer: Head of the Colorectal Center at Cincinnati Children's Hospital and Mending Kids Board member. In recognition of his unwavering dedication.
Love Award:
Cedar-Sinai Guerin Children's for their nearly two decades of unwavering support to Mending Kids.
Hope Award:
Heber Carias, our former patient, for his resilience and inspiration.
Save the date, get your tickets, and let's make this Imagine Gala the most impactful one yet!
As we embrace the month of February, celebrated not only for Valentine's Day, but also as "Heart Month," we are delighted to share the warmth and hope that is Mending Kids.
This week, our dedicated Ear, Nose, Throat team is aiming to mend over 100 children during their mission in Guatemala City, bringing critical surgical care and compassion to children who need it most. One of their former patients, Heber, who benefited from multiple procedures over the course of several missions, will be joining us at the Imagine Gala on March 16th to receive the Hope Award and share his inspiring story.
This week, our dedicated Ear, Nose, Throat team is aiming to mend over 100 children during their mission in Guatemala City, bringing critical surgical care and compassion to children who need it most. One of their former patients, Heber, who benefited from multiple procedures over the course of several missions, will be joining us at the Imagine Gala on March 16th to receive the Hope Award and share his inspiring story.
The Gala promises to be an unforgettable evening, celebrating not just the physical mending, but also the love and support we have for our amazing community.
And prepare for a celebration of love, community, and lifesaving for children at home and worldwide. Secure your spot by purchasing tickets, explore sponsorships, make a direct donation, and bid on exclusive items.
One thing is certain, just like a heartbeat sustains life, your support is the lifeblood that keeps Mending Kids pulsing strong and we are immensely grateful for your vital role in transforming lives and restoring futures.
With heartfelt gratitude, we anticipate celebrating with you.
One thing is certain, just like a heartbeat sustains life, your support is the lifeblood that keeps Mending Kids pulsing strong and we are immensely grateful for your vital role in transforming lives and restoring futures.
With heartfelt gratitude, we anticipate celebrating with you.
Love knows no boundaries! This Valentine's Day, join us in extending love to all children. Let's ensure they receive the gift of quality surgical care they deserve. Never miss an opportunity to show your love. Your support can make a world of difference.