United Hearts for Health

A health partnership linking Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, to Rosita, Nicaragua Online edition published at www.fdlunitedheartsforhealth.org

SPRING 2011

2011 MEDICAL MISSION TRIP

The first week of February saw the Rosita Medical Mission team changing flight schedules and the Advance team (John and Barb Lent, Flavio Araa, Marcie Janz) staying two nights in Houston due to adverse weather and temperatures that prompted three of them to purchase Walmart barn jackets and cover their Packer shirts. Arriving in Rosita three days later than scheduled, we began our mission week by unpacking 24 barrels of medical and dental supplies, and with local help, organizing for the clinics and the late arrival of the main team, Drs. Suzanne Tack Roever, Tom Reis, Barbara Zink, Anne Lent, and nurses Ruth Cunzenheim, Joan Dobyns, Joyce Scallon, Felicia Holzwart, and Lisa Hartman. Despite our clinic time being reduced by one day, our resourceful and energetic team treated approximately 560 patients between the city of Rosita and the rural areas of Wasakin, Susun, and Banacruz. Slightly less than half of this number were children with respiratory, stomach, or infectious conditions. Adults presented with many musculoskeletal and respiratory problems. Severe dental problems occurred in all ages.
Four UHH medical professionals take a moment for a photo before starting work. Pictured from left to right are veteran missionary Dr. Anne Lent, and three first-time missionaries: Dr. Suzanne Tack Roever, DDS; Joyce Scallon, RN; and Felicia Holzwart, RN.

The teams fervor for their work and compassion for their patients was not deterred by the considerable bouncing they tolerated in the back of a truck on rugged roads or by the bird -bath like showers that became necessary when we discovered the well at Casa Schlaefer was going dry. A blessing came to us in the form of Bishop Paul Schmitz of Bluefields, who arrived in Rosita and said Mass on the last day. This was followed by a shared supper with the Bishop, Rosita doctors, and other hospital members, along with Arely Garcia and Sister Marise Meis (our organizers in Rosita) ...all requesting our return. Marcie Janz, Nurse Practitioner
See inside:

New eyes on Rosita by first-time missionaries, pp. 2 4 Impressions of a seasoned member of the team, p. 4 Rosita Run and Updates, p. 5 Agricultural report, p. 6 Super Spin Saturday, p. 7 The visit of American Ambassador Robert Callahan, p. 8

United Hearts for Health

Spring 2011

GAINING A NEW PERSPECTIVE

I felt very fortunate to go on this years mission trip to Rosita with United Hearts for Health. Being somewhat anxious about what to expect each day, I relied on the knowledge and advice of the "oldies. Every day was a new experience as we traveled to the remote areas in the back of a pick-up truck to deliver care to the people. As I walked up to the little building out of which we were to work, I saw that the yard was lined up with people of all ages, mostly moms and kids. They patiently waited outside in the heat to be seen, only to know that at the end of the day we would close the door, and they would have to return the next day - no pushing, shoving, no angry words, just smiles. That made it very hard to leave each day. Even though language was a barrier, the smiles, hugs, and handshakes made it all worthwhile. After long hours in the heat, we would return to Casa Schlaefer. The evenings were spent sharing concerns and exchanging our experiences. The overall reward for me was the smiles on the faces of the kids and knowing that we hopefully made a difference in someones life. The experience made me realize that what really matters is our health. We take so much for granted. Joan Dobyns, RN
Joan Dobyns, RN, holding one of her young patients.

A BLESSED OPPORTUNITY
Although I must admit I was somewhat hesitant at the idea of leaving my family for an entire week to fly to a foreign country and provide medical assistance to complete strangers, looking back now, I can honestly say I would not have changed my decision to join the UHH Medical Mission for the world. Words cannot describe the immense appreciation that a person can take away from an experience such as this. Amongst the many amazing memories I had the opportunity to bring back, one in particular seems to stand out the most: the Childrens Run. To see all those beautiful children so excited to take part in such a simple activity was heartwarming. They ran the few blocks with the biggest smiles on their faces. It is something I will never forget. At the end of the race, they were all given water bottles, medals, and other gifts that lit up their faces. To top it off, the next day while walking down the streets of Rosita, we noticed that many of the children were still wearing the medals around their necks with pride and sporting their new water bottles. It was absolutely adorable. I feel blessed for the opportunity to help serve A local mother brings her baby to the UHH clinic the caring and compassionate people of Rosita. They are so very appreciative of what UHH has to offer them, and they truly look forward to the annual visit. I hope that in the future I will have the opportunity to return to Rosita or simply to further assist the people of Rosita in any way that I can. Felicia Holzwart, RN

United Hearts for Health

Spring 2011

NICARAGUA: THE DENTAL POINT OF VIEW

When you are a dentist and one of your closest friends is involved in a medical mission group that happens to be in need of a dentist, it is impossible to turn down the invitation to join the United Hearts for Health trip. And I am incredibly thankful that I didnt avoid it and took a chance on this journey to Rosita, Nicaragua. Being a part of this group was an adventure that I was hesitant to begin but that ended up being a trip of a lifetime. Despite flight cancellations, bad weather, and even a salamander in the hotel room our first night in Nicaragua, we arrived in Rosita to a lovely.rainstorm. I knew we were in trouble when I was in the back of a pick-up truck with fellow missionaries and our wonderful drivers were more worried about our luggage getting drenched than about us! It ended up being a very memorable part of the trip and a foreshadowing of what was to come during the week.

Local girls who have received toothbrushes donated by members of Holy Family Parish

Because I was a first-timer on this trip, others had tried to prep me for what to expect both emotionally and physically. I thought, hey, how hard could this be? I felt totally ready and figured everything would be a breeze. However, long days, hard work, hot conditions, and seeing firsthand the extreme poverty that these people live in really took a toll on me. I couldnt quite grasp how they lived as they do: dirt floors, multiple family members crammed into a very small space, and no running water. And yet, they were some of the most thankful, sweet, and truly courageous people I have ever met. They dont need or want the everyday things that we feel are so important here in the United States. Going home to Casa Schlaefer every night made me feel as if we were living in a castle compared to what others had. The physical fatigue was a very small piece of my overall exhaustion; it was mentally draining to wonder and worry about the people I saw everyday. They truly have a need for medical help, and I wondered, Am I doing all I can? One day I saw around 30 patients and could have easily seen twice that many people if there had been enough hours in the day. Lucky for me, we would have nightly meetings, and I was able to voice my concerns and the veteran missionaries were there to reassure me. We come knowing we cant change the system or help the whole country. We come because we are bringing a bit of medical care and a lot of hope...hope to a population of people who are among the poorest of the poor and deal everyday with not only aches and pains, but with other severe issues that go untreated. They know we cant do everything for them, but they also see us there working to help make their lives even a little bit better. Once I realized that, my idea of the mission became cleardo as much as I can and realize that what cant be done is really not up to me; it is in the hands of something greater. Hopefully, we will inspire others to contribute or help in some way. The reality is, I went to Nicaragua to help and serve, but in the end, the people and the experience have helped me to become a better, more caring and compassionate person toward the world around me. Dr. Suzanne Tack Roever, DDS

MANY QUESTIONS, SOME ANSWERS

Did I make a difference? Did I do it for me or for them? I have had mixed emotions about our medical mission to Rosita since my return. To quote Ralph Waldo Emerson, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a gar den patch, or redeemed social condition, to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded. We did help many people with their health issues and offered them hope; it was evident by the crowds waiting to be seen. So by Emersons standard we did succeed. By todays definition of success in the developed world, however, success is solely defined by the amount of material wealth people possess.

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Spring 2011

The people I met in Rosita gave me the knowledge that although they do not have material wealth, they are rich in spirit. Their faces shone with hope and their eyes were radiant with acceptance. Did they heighten my vulnerability? Have I confused ownership with security? Is it possible that the poor possess the keys to heaven? I will continue to reflect on our mission that has made me more aware of our work and to think about what is truly important in life. I want to thank all for the generosity that made my trip happen, from those who donated to those whose years of planning and hard work make possible this incredible journey. Joyce Scallon, RNC

Preferred method of transport to remote villages: Ruth Cunzenheim, RN; Dr. Barbara Zink; and Joyce Scallon, RN, with a local woman, all riding in the back of a pick-up truck

RETURNING TO ROSITA
The February mission trip with United Hearts for Health was the fourth time Ive traveled to Rosita. Every year, I look forward to it with more and more positive anticipation, and less and less worry. We had a great group of missionaries (again). Even though our trip was delayed by two days because of ice in Houston, once we arrived, we seemed to get almost all of the work done that we had originally planned. Its always great to see the people of Rosita again. Sr. Marise is always a joy to be with, and the doctors, nurses, and other staff are very good to us. Though our destination is Rosita, most of our medical efforts are in the rural clinics, which need our help even more.
Patients lining up to be seen at the UHH clinic

Last year, Casa Materna, a facility next to the hospital, was built to house women in late pregnancy (generally the last one to two months). The facility can house up to 14 pregnant women at a time. These are women who live a relatively long distance from the hospital, often at least a four- to fivehour walk. Previously, most of them delivered at home, with the associated risks to themselves and to their babies. Now they are able to stay at this facility, provided free by the government. When labor starts, they walk to the hospital, have their baby, and generally go home the next day. Before Casa Materna was opened, there were 250 deliveries at the hospital per year. Last year, there were 600. Two years ago, three women died in childbirth in the area around Rosita. This past year, that number was down to one (still not all deliveries are done at the hospital). The extreme poverty of the area makes for a markedly increased risk of toxemia of pregnancy, and this facility also allows the doctors to keep a more careful eye on some of the more high-risk pregnancies. This year, Rosita has an Obstetrician, Dr Simon Calero. He told me that he took care of five women with eclampsia (severe toxemia of pregnancy with seizure, life threatening to mom and baby) in the past five months. Here in the States, Ive seen it twice in 28 years! Poverty, poor nutrition, unclean water, and young age at first pregnancy all contribute to a host of medical problems in pregnancy. Casa Materna really makes a difference in the health of the community. As an OB-Gyn doctor here in Wisconsin, I regularly do surgery for female problems. This year was my first opportunity to do surgery in Rosita. Dr. Calero and I removed a softball-sized ovarian tumor from a local woman (it was benign). She was pleased to be able to have her surgery close to home because the original plan had been to have her go to Managua (a bumpy 14-hour ride in an old school bus). She would have been away from her family and incurred considerable expense. And the high quality care given by the local doctors and nurses in such a remote hospital was impressive. It's always so sad to leave Rosita. For those of us lucky enough to go, life is so uncomplicated while we are there. We look for someone to help, we do our job, and then we look for the next person to help. It's very simple. And when we get home, we find we have very little to complain about, at least for a while. Tom Ries, MD, OB -Gyn

United Hearts for Health

Spring 2011

ROSITA RUN
Our main focus for the annual medical mission trips is to provide health care services for the community of Rosita and the surrounding areas. In addition to those much needed services, this year we organized a half-mile run for the children of Rosita to promote fitness and healthy living. Many of the missionaries involved in the 2011 trip have a true passion for fitness and were excited about organizing and participating in such an event. Arely Garcia, our Rosita liaison, worked with the local radio station to spread the word of the Rosita Run and elicited the assistance of the local police department to help with traffic control. Despite race day being a sweltering 90 degrees with storm clouds on the horizon, over 200 children gathered at the starting line and listened to translator Flavio Araa give out race instructions. En sus marcus, listos.fuera! Ready, SetGo! and the first annual Rosita Run began.

Mothers and little ones enjoying themselves during the Rosita Run

The children broke through the crepe paper starting line running in flip flops, heeled shoes, or even barefoot. A number of the missionaries ran alongside the children while others were stationed throughout the course to act as race marshals to guide them along the way and to take pictures of the event. Everyone was laughing, having a great time, and holding the hands of the littlest ones as they all dashed for the finish line. Many of us had tears in our eyes as we watched how much fun the children were having. We gave away over 250 prizes to the children that included water bottles donated by Agnesian HealthCare and Aurora Health, as well as race medals donated by Kathleen Doyle-Kelly, DDS. It was rewarding to see them active and helped us promote healthy living via our love of fitness. What a wonderful event -- we look forward to the second annual Rosita Run next year. Ruth Cunzenheim, RN

Boys with medals and water bottles after the Rosita Run

UPDATES:

LEADERSHIP CHANGE After ten years of dedicated leadership as the Chair of United Hearts for Health, Barbara Lent has decided to step down. UHH will miss her because she has put her heart and soul into running UHH. Since this is a time of change for the group, it was decided to try out a new model for leadership - a steering committee. A team of three seemed a workable number in order to spread out the duties of running UHH. Agreeing to be on this committee for a term of two years are Marcie Janz, Dr. Steve Malin, and Mary Cappellari. Barbara will continue to be active with certain tasks, and Carol Hyland will stay on as treasurer. The next meeting will be held in May, and thereafter meetings will be held quarterly, in August and November. Once again we want to thank Barbara for being one of the original founders of the group and for carrying out the mission of UHH with passion and creativity.

2011 WINE TASTING PARTY Because of the amount of work necessary to co-ordinate a fund raiser, the Wine Tasting Committee voted not to hold the annual Wine Tasting Party this year. At present United Hearts for Health will concentrate all their efforts on Super Spin Saturday. The Wine Tasting was a wonderful event, and we so appreciate all those people who attended and supported the event.

United Hearts for Health

Spring 2011

PROGRESS ON THE AGRICULTURAL FRONT

As my son Joe and I wait in the airport in Managua for our return flight, we write this report feeling very satisfied about our visit. Our goal for this trip was to check on the progress of our projects and to encourage all of our key leaders in Nicaragua to work together as closely as possible so as to maximize the impact of all the projects for our friends in Rosita. I am pleased to have this opportunity to share some of the highlights of our trip with you. Truth be told, we had a very good feeling that the stars were aligned when, while waiting in line to check in for our trip from Managua to Rosita, Bishop David walked in right behind us to check in for the same flight. He was traveling to Rosita to attend a meeting with church representatives from the surrounding area. We enjoyed each others company as we waited in the terminal and as we traveled to Rosita. A couple of evenings later, we were very pleased to be able to be present for Bishop Davids blessing ceremony at the recently opened veterinary office in Rosita.

Bishop David on the occasion of the blessing ceremony for the new veterinary clinic. Along with Bishop David, center, is Dr. Jos Ocampo on the left and Arely Garcia, third from left.

After our arrival on the first day, we had separate meetings with the leaders of two of our projects. Our first meeting was with the artificial insemination program leaders: Arely, Marta and Walter. Next we met privately with our veterinary group, Drs. Jos and Noel. We stressed the importance and potential mutual benefits of cooperative efforts between everybody involved with these somewhat separate but related programs. Proper veterinary care and good nutrition are necessary to realize the benefits we hope to obtain by improving the genetic ability of the native cattle using artificial insemination. We encouraged them to use not only each others talents and expertise but also to be vocal advocates for each others projects, and we received their commitment to do so. The following morning we brought both groups together for a meeting at the veterinary office and were then joined by a group of local farmers. During this meeting, the leaders of each project demonstrated their willingness and ability to work together. The local farmers voiced their interest and support for the projects. However, as during previous trips, the farmers expressed their frustration with working hard to improve their production and then being limited in realizing the benefits due to an economic environment that limits their ability to sell their product. Although marketing had not been a focus of the trip, this discussion again demonstrated the importance of having a complete program: one which includes education, production, and marketing. We were pleased to learn that Luis Escobar and Arely continue to be in contact with each other, trying to get governmental approval for the complete project which was the focus of one of our previous trips.

One of the cross-bred cattle that resulted from the AI program set up by Dr. Steve Malin

Early the following morning Joe and I were accompanied by Arely, Walter, Noel, Jos, our translator Chester, and our driver Roosevelt as we visited several farms and saw a large number of the crossbred cattle that have resulted from the artificial insemination project. They report that about 175 calves have been born, and they are very excited about the potential of these cattle. Following the farm visits, we continued on to Puerto Cabezas, staying there overnight before returning to Managua. Only time will tell how successful these projects prove to be. However, as we leave Nicaragua, we have renewed hope and memories of an enjoyable trip. Dr. Steve Malin, DVM

United Hearts for Health

Spring 2011

SUPER SPIN SATURDAY 2011

The beautifully remodeled Fond du Lac Y provided the setting for the seventh annual Super Spin Saturday. Approximately 200 participants were treated to an event of fun and fitness. United Hearts for Health was again blessed by the generosity of Dave Haase of Attitude Sports and Dr. Oliver Clements and the Ys Greg Gilles and Karla Szekeres. Connie Millard enthusiastically chaired the event along with a UHH committee. Everyone participating in Super Spin received a oneweek membership to the Fond du Lac YMCA. Recognition and prizes were awarded to Rebecca Janz, the events top adult participant. and to Isaac Hyland, the top youth participant. St. Marys Springs Academy, under the leadership of physi cal education teacher Denise Bednarek, was the school team Enthusiastic participants taking part in Super Spin scoring the most points. SMSA also received the spirit award. Saturday, 2011 The Agnesian HealthCare nurses, under the leadership of Ruth Cunzenheim, were the top community team. They received two awards for most funds raised and also the spirit award. In addition, a forward award was presented to Fond du Lac High School for their support of the event. New this year was a sports store organized by Anne Kaestner. New and donated bike and sports equipment was available for purchase. Another added program was Yoga for bikers. Karen Puchalski of Serenity Therapeutics was present to give yoga instructions throughout Super Spin. The nearly $10,000 raised at Super Spin Saturday will directly benefit the health care of the people of Rosita. This money will be used to support the Emergency Fund in Rosita and to buy needed medication and supplies for the annual medical mission trip. The money in the Emergency Fund is used to transport patients to other medical facilities, to provide living expenses for patients and families when they have to travel to receive treatment, and to buy medications when the Rosita hospital does not have the needed medication. Thanks to all who worked for, donated to, or supported Super Spin in any way. It was truly a Fond du Lac area community effort that affirms the health care partnership between Fond du Lac and Rosita, Nicaragua. Please save January 21, 2012, for the 8th Annual Super Spin Saturday. Barbara Lent, RN

Dr. Oliver Clements leads the first hour of Super Spin Saturday

United Hearts for Health Mission Statement We propose to join the faith journey of Holy Family Parish in its twinning relationship with Santa Rosa Parish by facilitating a Fond du Lac community effort to assist in raising the standard of healthcare and promoting a more healthy environment in Rosita, Nicaragua, and the surrounding rural areas. This long-term relationship will seek to work in partnership with the people of Rosita, its healthcare and church community and Nicaraguan government, while recognizing the dignity and the many talents of the people we hope to serve.

United Hearts for Health c/o Holy Family Parish 271 Fourth Street Way Fond du Lac, WI 54937 Phone: (920)923-2446 - M. Janz (920)948-3124 - S. Malin (920)923-0155 - M. Cappellari E-mail: unitedheartsforhealth@gmail.com Web Address: fdlunitedheartsforhealth.org At this website you can find the web edition of this Newsletter and other information about UHH programs.

United Hearts for Health

Spring 2011

VISIT WITH AMERICAN AMBASSADOR ROBERT CALLAHAN, FEBRUARY 2011

If one looks carefully during a tour of Rosita, Nicaragua, one will identify two subtle but profoundly important fingerprints. The first is a plaque in the hospital administration office commemorating the construction of the deep well to the hospital/health care complex in 2008 supplying abundant clean potable water to that institution and to the people of the community. It was the first such well in that part of the country. The second is a large banner in front of Casa Materna, a home for expectant mothers nearing childbirth, built in 2010. This home, constructed by the government of Nicaragua and supplied in large part through grants by USAID, has increased hospital deliveries by threefold (from about 200 to now well over 600). The result has been a significant reduction in infant and maternal mortality. On each of these markers, printed Barbara Lent, Dr. Anne Lent, Ambassador Robert Callahan, and Dr. John Lent adjacent to one another, is the phrase in Spanish Government of Nicaragua and the letters USAID. These two achievements, which are life-saving and life-giving, testify to the behind-the-scenes cooperation between governments which, on the surface, are frequently in conflict with one another. Rather these have been made possible by the mutual human love and compassion of American Ambassador Robert Callahan and his predecessor, Paul Trivelli, and that of the officials of the government of Nicaragua. It is noteworthy that these Ambassadors both made personal visits to Rosita, the first American ambassadors to do so. On February 15, 2011, for well over an hour, Marcie Janz, my wife, Barbara Lent, and I had the honor of enjoying a candid conversation with Ambassador Callahan in the American embassy. Mr. Callahan, all the while fingering a baseball symbolic of his beloved sport, informed us of his imminent retirement in July of this year. He proudly regaled us of his relished role as first baseman on the American Embassy baseball team comprised of Nicaraguan employees, he being the only exception. He also provided unique and incisive insights regarding the political and economic complexities, subtleties, frequent frustrations, and infrequent minor triumphs in dealing with the government officials, both local and national. But most of all he spoke of his hopes and love for the people of Nicaragua as well as those of his own country.

We of United Hearts for Health and the people of Nicaragua are indebted to this kind and compassionate man. Although we look forward to meeting and working with his successor, we realize how blessed we and the people of Nicaragua have been by the presence of Ambassador Callahan. His powerful insights, sanguine attitude, and comfortable demeanor have set a high standard. He will be sorely missed and challenging to replace. We are so grateful to have had our pathways intersect. John E. Lent, MD Help United Hearts for Health carry on the work described in this newsletter. Your generosity will be appreciated by our group, and it will help raise the health and agricultural standards of the people of Rosita. Thank you.
Please make your check payable to UHH/Holy Family. Send to: Carol Hyland, Treasurer UHH, 620 Whispering Springs Drive, Fond du Lac, WI 54937

Ambassador Callahan and Johnny Castro, Rosita Hospital Administrator, display the plaque commemorating the deep well

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