ReSurge International Blog

ReSurge Volunteer Nurses Head to Kathmandu to Teach

Photo by Darcy Padilla, December 2010.

As a surgeon on several ReSurge volunteer surgical team trips, Dr. Shankar Rai, our director emeritus in Nepal, saw ReSurge volunteer nurses in action. He was so impressed with their concern for their patients and the families that he asked ReSurge to design a teaching program for his new hospital, which is just opening. (Pictured above is the new hospital and Dr. Rai last December.)  

To staff the new hospital, Dr. Rai has hired 20 new nurses who have just graduated from nursing school. His very experienced nurses with whom he has worked for many years will teach collaboratively with the ReSurge volunteer nurses.  Nurse educators Cheryl Wraa and Katie Osborn are now in Kathmandu, teaching nursing concepts.  Tina Cerruti and Kim Yates will arrive in a few days, to teach recovery room concepts and skills.  Molly Attell and Ingrid Crocco will arrive a little later to focus on operating room issues.  All of the volunteer nurses will have a day of overlap, in order to share information and plan the remainder of the time.  The project will span a month.  Early reports are very exciting, and we are very thankful to the nurses for their commitment to teaching in Nepal.

 

ReSurge in Guatemala

Fran Cunniffe, associate director, medical education and outreach

Today, our chief medical officer Dr. Scott Corlew and I visited Hospital Roosevelt in Guatemala City. We toured the burn unit as well as the Clinica de Quemaduras Infantiles, an impressive outpatient burn rehabilitation clinic which was created with support from Rick Sieller of IWCBF, Physicians for Peace and several other foundations which help to maintain it.  Its director, Dra. Lourdes Santiso (pictured far right), introduced us to all her staff members and some of the patients currently receiving therapy, as well as the patients who are currently being cared for in the burn unit. In Guatemala, the two most typical causes of burns that she treats are scalds and electrical burns. Dra. Santiso explained that children tend to play on rooftops of buildings, very close to high voltage electrical wires. Sometimes they get too close to the wires, and end up with terrible burn injuries. They may stay anywhere from 8 days to a few months in the burn unit, although the average stay is about 15 days. The burn unit is well staffed with nurses, a pediatrician and a psychologist, and the hospital also offers nutrition services and many activities for the children.

The burn unit and the rehab center are technically separate entities; however, they work together effortlessly to coordinate the best possible care for each patient. Once a patient is discharged from the burn unit, he or she is sent to the rehab clinic. Compression garments, which are very costly but an integral part of burn rehabilitation, are often difficult to obtain. However, with an industrial sewing machine, a seamstress and the proper training and materials (all thanks to Rick Sieller of IWCBF, who is currently replicating this model at our partner site in Sri Lanka), a rehab center can make its own custom-fit compression garments. The seamstresses told us they have noticed it is easier to get the children to wear the compression garments when they sew animals or designs onto them (pictured above).

Causes of Burns

In looking over our data, we were able to break down the causes behind the burns our surgical outreach programs treated in fiscal year 2011.

We know that one third of the world still uses open fires for cooking, heating and/ or lighting. It is no wonder the leading cause of burns was due to open fires, representing 68%.  In Nepal, open fires account for 87% of the burns we treated.

Burns are acutely tied to poverty. Overcrowded living conditions, lack of proper safety measures, loose clothing worn by women and insufficient parental supervision of children are other factors.

ReSurge has a long history of helping burn victims have a second chance at life; understanding the causes behind these terrible burns is invaluable to the work we do around the world.

 

Thirty-Two Years Later

When Netra was five years old, she fell into an open cooking fire, severely burning the right side of her body. For 32 years Netra was unable to extend her right arm due to her skin contracting in an effort to close the open wound (pictured left).

In developing countries, a debilitating injury like Netra’s not only inhibits someone’s ability to work but frequently plunges an already poor family deeper into poverty as other family members might have to work less (or not at all) to tend to the injured relative. 

Fortunately, our surgical outreach program in Nepal recently provided Netra with her much needed reconstructive surgery. Today, after more than three decades of disability, Netra can join her community, workforce and family.

InterAction Forum 2011

Earlier this month, ReSurge International joined more than 1,000 people involved in global humanitarian and development in Washington, DC for InterAction’s Forum 2011. (InterAction is the largest alliance of U.S.-based international nongovernmental organizations, with more than 190 members working in every developing country; Susan W. Hayes, ReSurge’s president and CEO, serves on InterAction’s board.)

“Investing in Common Solutions” to the world’s most pressing problems was this year’s theme.  With unsteady markets and political challenges as a backdrop, NGOs rallied together to strategize how to most effectively and efficiently impact and improve the lives of the bottom billion.  

Humanitarian workers, academics, economists and other thought-leaders also discussed global trends and how to prepare. The last 10 years have seen the greatest progress in international development ever, with growing numbers of emerging economies accelerating development.  However, the number of humanitarian emergencies is also increasing dramatically, with 375 million people expected to face crisis by 2015.  Preparing local communities to be the first responders in disasters and investing in building local medical capacity were two of the tactics suggested. 

With reduced resources caused by the global recession, scaling programs, monitoring outcomes and adapting to rapidly changing needs become even more important.  In addition, the ubiquitous use of cell phone, Internet and social media are providing more awareness of global challenges, mobilizing quicker responses to disasters and adding a new level of transparency and local partnership, which will provide better feedback to improve the lives of the poor. 

ReSurge benefited from these discussions with colleagues from around the world. ReSurge also was pleased to learn its focus of building capacity, measuring impact and developing true partnerships with local medical professionals were highly recommended business practices -- now and in the future. 

Photo by Darcy Padilla.

Wine Sponsor

We are thrilled to announce that Wente Vineyards will be returning as the exclusive wine sponsor for ReSurge’s 2011 Transformations Gala!  Founded in 1883, Wente is the country’s oldest, continuously operated family-owned winery. Last year nearly 500 guests enjoyed Wente wines at the Transformations Gala, while helping ReSurge raise funds for life-changing surgeries for patients in developing countries.

Visit Wente’s website and learn more about the winery and the delicious wines that will be served at our annual gala.

Two Teenage Humanitarians: World Humanitarian Day

 

Dr. Shankar Rai and burn survivor Man Kumari recall the kindness of two boys who changed her life forever.  Photo by Darcy Padilla

 

In a small farming village in Nepal, two teenage boys taught us that compassion can inspire an entire community.

Seven years ago, the boys decided they wanted to help Man Kumari, a woman in their village who had to crawl the dusty paths because burn injuries had taken away her ability to walk. Years earlier, a kerosene lamp tipped over and engulfed the back of Man Kumari’s sari in flames, causing major burns to the back of her legs. Because she did not have access to proper treatment at the time of the injury, the wounds contracted behind her knees, leaving one leg so permanently bent that she could no longer stand,  much less walk.

Thankfully, the two schoolboys in her village had heard on the radio that free surgery for burn victims was available in Kathmandu and wondered if the surgeons could help Man Kumari walk again.  Their other question was how would they raise enough money to get her to Kathmandu, an hour’s walk and a four-hour bus ride away?  The boys decided to ask their neighbors for help.  They visited every house in the village asking for money, performing a song for every donation collected.  They raised 1400 rupees, about a week’s wages.

With money raised for bus fare, the boys carried Man Kumari to the bus, rode to Kathmandu with her, and then carried her to the hospital.  Dr. Shankar Man Rai, ReSurge’s surgeon who performed the surgery, still remembers the day these teenagers carried Man Kumari up the stairs to the third floor clinic.  He was impressed by their young, compassionate hearts and all they had done to help. After a couple more surgeries and a month of physical therapy, Man Kumari could stand proud and walk again. 

Photos by Darcy Padilla.

 

Humanitarians Come in Different Ages

Throughout our countdown to World Humanitarian Day, we’ve brought you inspirational stories of people helping people in different ways around the world. Today, we bring you Siri’s story. At the young age of 11, she proved that humanitarians come in all different ages.

Sitting in front of her birthday cake, Siri appears to be an average 11-year-old; yet, nothing could be further from the truth. Weeks prior to this picture, Siri sat by her father’s side and leafed through a National Geographic magazine, taking in information and images of the world. It was then she learned about children born with cleft lips and palates who had no access to care.  With an upcoming birthday on the horizon, Siri decided to forego traditional birthday gifts and asked her guests to donate to ReSurge instead.

We received donations from Siri’s birthday with a note from Siri which read “enclosed are the donations I received from my 11th birthday party.…I'm glad these donations are being put to good use.”

At her young age, Siri already displays a quality that all humanitarians possess: the will to make other people’s lives better. 

 

World Humanitarian Day: ReSurge Volunteers

Every year, ReSurge volunteers take their vacation days from work and leave their families to spend two weeks providing free reconstructive surgery to those in need.  They travel coach class on long journeys and carry heavy medical boxes from airports on to buses, to clinics and back. They care for 60 to 80 patients per trip and change the lives of their patients forever.

In the 1997 Academy Award-winning best documentary short, A Story of Healing, volunteer plastic surgeon Dr. Larry Nichter was asked why he volunteers. He answered, “If you were to ask me why I do this – it’s that one look [of happiness/gratitude that a patient has after surgery] that makes everything worthwhile.” Watch the documentary here and witness the work our volunteers selflessly do around the world.

Today, we salute our volunteers for their efforts to care for those in need. We are proud to count such a talented group of compassionate humanitarians as part of our community.

Photo by Darcy Padilla.

Humanitarian: Dr. Shankar Man Rai of Nepal

Dr. Shankar Man Rai was born in rural Nepal, about 100 miles from the nearest major road, to a poor farming family. He was the first in his family to reach his level of education and professionalism. Soon after his general surgery training, he observed ReSurge volunteer doctors performing a cleft lip surgery in Kathmandu and decided that he wanted to do the same. After three years of plastic surgery training in the United States, he returned to Nepal to dedicate his knowledge and skill to helping others.

Today, Shankar is a world-renowned expert at repairing clefts and burn injuries and has provided more than 12,000 free surgeries for impoverished children. In 1999, Shankar established the first ReSurge Surgical Outreach Program which provides free surgeries, speech therapy and other medical services to thousands of patients annually. He also created the first medical residency program in Nepal’s history in the specialty of plastic reconstructive surgery, resulting in a new generation of surgeons to treat the poor of his country. His story was captured in the short documentary Reasons for Hope.

In 2004, the American Medical Association honored Shankar with its Nathan R. Davis Award in International Medicine and Public Health for his devotion and skill; he was the first doctor from a developing country to receive this prize. In 2005, he received a World of Children award for his remarkable service. In April 2009, His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, honored Dr. Rai with his Unsung Heroes of Compassion Award.

Today, as we count down the days to World Humanitarian Day, we celebrate Dr. Shankar Man Rai’s compassionate spirit and the tremendous work he has done for the poor in Nepal.

Top photo by Darcy Padilla. Bottom right photo by Michael Yamshita.

World Humanitarian Day

In three days we’ll be celebrating World Humanitarian Day: People Helping People. Although most people think of humanitarians as aid workers helping those in conflict or disaster areas (and they are), humanitarians also come in other forms. As a nonprofit organization, we have the unique privilege of witnessing the goodwill of humanitarians every day. From our dedicated volunteers and international medical partners to the teenage boys in Nepal who collected money from their entire village to help a poor burn survivor get to Kathmandu for treatment—every act of kindness is a contribution to humanity.

In the next couple of days, we’ll be posting stories of these humanitarians who are helping to create better lives for those around them.

For more information about World Humanitarian Day, visit: http://ochaonline.un.org/whd/.

Photo by John Urban.

Jaiswal

It is common for parents to dress up their kids the day their child is evaluated for surgery. Jaiswal, from Senapa, Nepal, was not the exception. Jaiswal showed up with his hair slicked back and a cute sweater.  In his post-op photo, you’ll notice he is wearing the same thing. Most of our patients are too poor to afford multiple outfits. Nonetheless, Jaiswal’s surgery went well and he has new opportunities now open to him.

ReSurge at InterAction's 2011 Forum

As some of you might know, InterAction’s 2011 Forum, “Investing in Common Solutions,” is happening now in Washington, DC.  Susan Hayes, ReSurge’s president and CEO, (pictured second from the left) is moderating a panel discussion today called “Advancing Women, Advancing Rights, Advancing Business.”

Get up to the minute updates on the forum by following us on twitter: @resurge.

Intern Blog: What I Learned at ReSurge

Interning at ReSurge International has been quite eye-opening and educational. Before working with ReSurge, I knew nothing of the necessity and global impact of reconstructive surgery. When I was briefed about what kind of work they do and why, I was amazed. I learned that reconstructive surgery isn’t just about improving someone’s appearance; it is so much more than that. 

ReSurge gives children and adults of third world countries the opportunity to live a life free of discrimination because of their disability. But most importantly, reconstructive surgery greatly improves the quality of their lives. The patients are, for the first time in their lives, able to work and/or pursue their education. Not only does reconstructive surgery affect the patient, it affects the country they live in. The amount of wages lost in developing countries due to a burn and other disabling injuries is astonishing. Helping patients become productive members of their society by performing reconstructive surgery helps boost their community’s economy and, in turn, their country’s economy.

Through the two and a half months I have been working with ReSurge, I have come to realize the magnitude and great importance of the work they do. I have learned so much from ReSurge’s committed employees and I am sad to leave as the new school year is only a few weeks away. I plan to visit as much as I can and help out at the Transformations Gala this year! I want to thank this organization for the vital work they do as well as the knowledge they have given me; I will carry my newfound passion for improving global health care with me as I return to school to study Public Health! 

Adam Curry, Former MTV VJ, Talks About ReSurge

This week marks MTV’s 30^th year on the air. So what does one of MTV’s first video jockey’s, Adam Curry, think about ReSurge?  Watch this short video to find out.

Also, don’t miss the opportunity to see Adam Curry and actress Micky Hoogen live as they host our fourth annual Transformations Gala. For more information, visit our Transformations Gala web page.

Preparing Ganga For Surgery

Dr. Kiran Nakarmi, our surgical outreach director in Nepal, posted a touching patient story and photo on his Facebook page, writing:  “Ganga visited us for the second time. Last time also she wasn't nourished well enough to undergo surgery. This time also she was disqualified. The lady carrying her is not her mother but she has been taking care of Ganga selflessly. We convinced her to stay in the nutrition home for a month so that we can prepare her for surgery. Thanks to her care-taker lady and the staff at the nutrition home. Also thank to ReSurge for giving hope to children like Ganga.”

One Thousand Dollar Birthdays

Last week, ReSurge board member Carl Kravetz posted the following message on his Facebook wall: “I like to think that our lives will not be remembered for the length of our years but for the depth of our commitment. Help me show our joint commitment to giving every child, irrespective of disability, [the chance to] live a happy, productive life”  

Using a Facebook application called Causes, Carl Kravetz and coordinator/translator Nisha Chaudry both shared their commitment by donating their birthdays to ReSurge.  With the help of their friends and family they raised more than $1,000 for life-changing surgeries around the world. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to both Carl and Nisha for turning their birthdays into selfless acts of kindness. From all of us at ReSurge and on behalf of our patients…. Thank you!

For more information on how you can donate your birthday to ReSurge visit the Causes Birthday Wish Page.