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Written by Pete Loper
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Wednesday, 06 August 2008 |
After assessing the needs of Burn Center Viedma, we reached a decision on how to best utilize the funds that were so generously donated to MS4BCV. One of the most startling aspects of surgery at the burn center is the lack of reliable equipment to monitor vital signs during the course of an operation. The current monitor cuts in and out of service, and the validity of the data it presents when functional is questionable at best. Given that anesthetizing children is an extremely delicate pursuit and that the majority of children must be put under general anesthesia, the absence of adequate equipment for monitoring vital signs makes surgery at the burn center an extremely risky endeavor. Many times the only way the anesthesiologist knows for certain that the child’s heart is still beating is to use a stethoscope. Further more, if a child’s heart was to stop during a surgery, the OR lacks a defibrillator, which greatly inhibits the ability to resuscitate. Although Dr. Romero and staff are well aware of these inadequacies, they are unable to acquire new equipment since the hospital is federally funded. Currently the government has deemed other areas of health care in Bolivia a priority, so the burn center continues to go without. Sadly, it is the children who suffer, and pay the price in preventable scarring or deformities due to rushed procedures, infections due to delayed surgeries, or in some cases death.
Based on these observations, and input from our predecessors, we felt the best way for MS4BCV to uphold our mission of service to Burn Center Viedma was to purchase a new monitor complete with EKG and defibrillator for the OR. Given our lack of knowledge concerning this equipment, we enlisted the help of Dr. Luis Quiroga, a family practitioner who received his medical training at the University of Cincinnati and who practiced in Ohio for over thirty years and now practices in Cochabamba. We accompanied Dr. Quiroga to numerous medical supply stores throughout the city until the equipment that met our requirements was identified. He has guaranteed us that we have chosen the best monitor possible. We would again like to thank all those who so generously donated to this cause so that a purchase of this magnitude could be made. Because of your generosity, lives will be saved. |
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Written by Pete Loper
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Wednesday, 06 August 2008 |
In light of her enormous dedication in facilitating MS4BCV’s summer surgical internship, we have donated $1000.00 to Cindy Jackson and her organization, Burn Care International. Mrs. Jackson utilizes the funding generated by BCI to supply compression garments for the burn survivors at Hospital Viedma Pediatrics Burn Center. These compression garments are vital to recovery from burn injuries and greatly reduce the appearance of disfiguring scars.
During our internships, Cindy provided our housing and served as an indispensible conduit between the hospital staff and ourselves. We could not have accomplished anything without her presence, and we greatly appreciate all that she has done and continues to do for our organization. Stay tuned for big and exciting news about our evolving relationship with Cindy and BCI and the great things we hope to accomplish through our partnership.
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Written by Pete Loper
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Wednesday, 06 August 2008 |
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We’re preparing once again for the fundraiser that served as MS4BCV’s inaugural event. Last year’s alpaca scarf sale was such a huge hit that we’ve increased the amount of scarves available for this year (300). Among the colors we ordered are blue, grey, camel, and garnet. We will be posting more information about how to place your order as the holiday season approaches, so stay tuned and be thinking about your order because once on sale they go fast!! |
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Written by Pete Loper
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Wednesday, 06 August 2008 |
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We have been overwhelmed by the generosity demonstrated by those who have contributed to our “Give the Life of Luxury” fundraiser. The event has been a tremendous success, raising over $9,200 (only $800 short of our goal!) for the children at Burn Center Viedma. The effort has garnered the attention of the community through local media outlets such as News 19, Fox 57, The Daily Gamecock, Raleigh's News and Observer, and The State newspaper. Due to its sustained appeal and in the hopes of reaching our goal of $10,000, we continue to accept donations online at www.firstgiving.com/msforbcv. Again, we cannot adequately express our gratitude for the contributions we’ve received so far. We’ve witnessed first hand the difference your charity has made in the lives of these children. |
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Written by Will Bynum
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Saturday, 15 March 2008 |
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Thanks to the incredibly generous donations of family, friends, fellow students, and colleagues, we raised nearly $6,600 and gave out 225 scarves in return! We have been overwhelmed by the amount of monetary and moral support that we have received and feel blessed to be surrounded by such supportive and giving people.
We are currently working with Dr. Romero and the Viedma staff to make our first donation, which will most likely be an anesthesiology monitor to be used in a 2nd operating room currently under development.
This will allow the anesthesiologists and surgeons to perform safer operations and will directly enhance the quality of the care offered to the children treated at the burn center.
The machine, if purchased in South America, will cost approximately $3,000, therefore leaving a significant amount of money still to be donated. We will update you as soon as we make further plans for the remaining amount!
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