Medical Mission Inspired by Volunteerism

Written by Belinda Hernandez
Parliamentarian, FANA

Sometimes we are called to give our time, commitments and comforts.  Sometimes these things are not as comfortable or rewarding as we would like.  Poverty is one of those circumstances that allow one to either help the situation or ignore it.  This brings to mind the two primary choices in life:  “To accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them.” This saying has always been my guiding principle that brought me to get involved with a medical mission project through the Far Eastern and American Nurses Association (FANA) of Great Lakes.

This is the year of my first involvement and a challenge of fulfillment that I will never forget. This call was fitting for me as a Public Health Nurse working in the confines of community setting. I do not get the chance to go home to the Philippines very often, which was in 2002, when my mother passed away. What inspired me the most was the purpose, togetherness, commitment, down to earth willingness of volunteers to come together, to push a challenge of a lifetime, to serve the poor, the disadvantaged, the mediocre, and the underprivileged men and women in the Philippines.

January 20 through 24, 2008, was a time to remember for those who joined the venture. I knew many volunteers had committed themselves to the mission for many years, I respect that, and may God bless them for all that they do. This time, I was involved and I took the plunge because deep in my heart I felt I had to give back and do my part by helping our fellowmen who are most in need. I know that none of this rewarding experience may have occurred without someone else’s giving up their time, resources and effort.

The FANA mission started off with fund-raising, collection of medications and medical supplies from World Medical Relief, contributions from donors, sponsors and individual solicitations of used equipments and ambulance. It was a super labor intensive project how this mission began from delivery, to receiving, packaging, and arranging individual medications and supplies every day, with hard weekend, long work hours that finally came into fruition when the medical mission was embarked.  Due to other priorities in life, my participation was limited to the project but I was able to catch up during the final days of preparation prior to the mission.

The starting point was in Pangasinan province, right in the midst of Luzon Island. Dagupan City and the town of Malasiqui were the mission sites. A group of more than 120 volunteers from U.S. and Canada came on board for a four-day tour of duty.  Each town received an ambulance donated by Macomb and Oakland counties.  Davao City had their share, where a group of surgical doctors provided open-heart and neuro-surgeries to the indigent populations of Mindanao Island. These activities were occurring simultaneously with other groups.

My time was well spent providing care and services on a day-to-day basis.  I was assigned to coordinate the staffing for doctors and nurses at the Astrodome floor for two days. The other two days were spent in Malasiqui purchasing supplies, transporting, and referring patients for surgery. It was obvious that most of the patients were ill and in poor health. The lines were very long each day and everyone waited patiently. Referrals for medical procedures and surgeries became the norm for triage.  Many were hungry and tired. Food was provided to the least, but amidst all this, patients were happy to see that nurses and doctors were there to care for them - the hands they hold for hope.

The work days were long, encouraging and it was hoped that everything was going to be under control. Unfortunately, problems do happen at times when it’s least expected.  I experienced true volunteerism when we worked in action to come together to provide the needed funding for the medications; the medical products, which were delayed during the transit and worth thousands of dollars. The genuine gesture of volunteerism is the dedication, love, service, and compassion given by these volunteers.  More importantly, the sharing of monetary resources was indeed awesome and greatly appreciated by all.  For those who got involved, it’s priceless. 

It was not always work. We had fun moments of attending dinner invitations that were given mostly by prominent political figures. There were dancing, partying, outings, shopping and savoring of delicacies during our night outs. We appreciated the welcome hugs and handshakes from strangers, as well as kisses from long time friends and families that each of us visited. Unfortunately, my relatives in San Fabian, Pangasinan were the least people that I thought about. 

As the final days of our stay was fast approaching, a feeling of sadness and emptiness became overwhelming knowing that the mission was ending too fast, too soon.  I wanted to stay longer but it was time for us to leave. 
When the mission finally ended, we were told how grateful and appreciative the town people were and they wanted us to return again soon. We served a total of 6,215 indigent patients in four days.  We donated medical supplies and equipments to the municipality hospitals that desperately needed them.  The services we provided were in the area of Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Minor and Major surgery, Dental, and Paramedic Training. Congratulations to the paramedics and nurses who provided the most up- to-date, state-of-the-art teaching on paramedic techniques, CPR, and use of the ambulance.  A certificate of participation was awarded to city officials, professionals, and nursing students who attended the training.

I received lots of thank you messages for the caring, compassion, and healing touch that each one of us had afforded one way or another. The people were gracious and even a smile gave them a sense of security and hope.  Likewise, the hospitality we received was unreal.

This medical mission was the perfect opportune time to be a part of a whole to experience a mission of a life time.  There is no doubt in my mind that this medical mission was a real work of art of showing nursing excellence and volunteerism working in a viable community.  I took the opportunity to accept the responsibility for changing lives and conditions.