September 2006 Surgery Team
A surgery team led by Dr. Larry Whitten and Dr. Elmer Kennel arrived in Santa Cruz on September 9, 2006 to perform a week of free surgeries. Team members came from Virginia, Georgia, Florida, New York, and Oregon. The surgery team members worked together so well that it was hard to believe that many of them had just met for the first time!
Sixty patients received the gift of a life-changing surgery! Pain was relieved as gallstones were removed. Women were set free from worry and anxiety as uterine and ovarian masses were removed. Men and women were able to return to work and support their families again after hernias were repaired.
Adrieli, 10 years old, had a hernia surgery. She is currently preparing for a heart surgery.
Wendy, 12 years old, had a spleenectomy at Mission of Hope. Before her operation, she was always feeling tired and in a lot of pain. She is now much better and very thankful that she had an opportunity for surgery.
Antonia, 35 years old, was finally able to have her surgery after being on the list for three years. She had one large gallstone removed that had kept her in a lot of pain. The gallstone had kept her from being able to eat or sleep. She was very happy to have her surgery.
Luis Enrique is a 9 year old boy who lives with his aunt about 3-4 hours from Santa Cruz. His mother died of cancer when he was 6 years old and he never knew his father. His aunt has 4 children of her own and is unemployed. Luis Enrique has had a hernia since birth but there was no money for surgery. Now he can play soccer and participate in school activities.
Lisbeth wrote the following letter: “I am Lisbeth Chavez Tatan. I am 6 years old. I feel happy because I was operated in this clinic. I had a hernia. The first day of my operation, I hurt a little bit, but now I do not hurt at all. I am healed. Thanks to God because He is my Savior. Amen.”
Dr. Jill Kastanek unpacking supplies in the operating room.
Cecilia Nazario (in the flowery top) translates for Dr. Jill Kastenek as they interview Eliza for surgery.
Maria del Carmen takes vital signs on Suzi (one of the hospital staff members), who was having surgery.
Cindy, Dr. Ruth and Dr. Whitten (left to right) interview Edith before surgery.
Marianne Kennel delivering food to the patients.
Vikki Richardson delivering food to the patients.
Carolynn Swearengin with a patient in the recovery room after surgery.
(left to right) Kathy Whitten, Susan Clark and Rhonda Rexrode at the nurses station.
Bill Bailey takes Margarita to a waiting taxi as she is discharged.
Cesilia and her husband receiving discharge instructions from Cindy and Susan Clark.