Thursday, December 16, 2010

Cambodian Tot passes pre-op screening tests... set for surgery

Little 'Tot' in Cambodia has passed all his pre-operation screening tests and so is now set for surgery.
We needed to screen for things like hemoglobin levels, and other blood chemistry. There is so much endemic disease, in Cambodia, not to mention malnutrition / poor diet that it is very important to screen carefully before surgery.  Any of these things, not least the awful problem of Malaria - Cambodia has some of the most drug resistant strains in the world. can put down the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood (hemoglobin levels) and make surgery dangerous.  So we needed to check that all is ok. And I am delighted to say that it is.

Tot's surgery can now go ahead. It is scheduled for the 4th January in Singapore.  All staff are donating their time free, including the surgeon, Dr Myra Elliot, an experienced, Singapore registered maxillo-facial expert. Singapore, like Canada has tight regulations on who can practice there so we are very lucky to get Dr Elliot.   Current plan is for Dr Sarom from First Rose Cambodia and Joanna Thomson (physio) from Rose Rehab Cambodia (both Rose Charities projects) to attend / assist the surgery also. 

Tot will convalesce until the 15th January in Singapore then fly back to Cambodia and to our Rose Charities medical facilities there.   So things are very much falling into place.  Vancouver donors have generously donated $1500 to date which will help enormously both with the surgical as well as the rehab elements.

We all intend to follow Tot long after he has recovered and been rehabilitated.  There is the moral argument whether it is appropriate to spend a lot of money on one individual  But by ensuring that Tot gets a proper education and a happy, productive life, that amount spent can be considered to be working over a lifetime.   An individual unable to communicate by speech, malnourished, and with all his debilitation would certainly  be a financial drain on his family or community over the years.  But restoring him to a place where he can have a normal life may create, though that life which will include education, a bright future for himself, his family and his community too.  So many more will be helped by the financial outlay than just one poor little Cambodian boy.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Stand Tall Education School Uganda gets vehicle from Vancouvers 'African Nights' fundraiser .. thank you Vancouver !!!

WE HAVE A CAR!


Here’s what our African Nights fundraiser got us. We are breathing a sigh of relief that our cherished Principal now has a much safer vehicle to travel in. One of the first outings was the transport of two Stand Tall student representatives to the The Daily Monitor Christmas celebration at the first class Serena Hotel in Kampala. Our young ladies represented us with grace and good manners.

Surgery arranged for little Tot in January..

Little5year old Cambodian 'Tot' who has the fused jaw has now had his surgery arranged. Dr Veronica Ventura of Community Health Development Cambodia.  He will fly down to Singapore for the operation which will be on the 4th January 2011.   Funds are still needed both fro Tot' s surgery and rehabilitation, but also for his education and any special needs for return to life.   Rose Rehab Cambodia will be helping with Tots rehabilitation .   Funds are still needed.  Rose Charities is collecting for the Tot fund in Canada and in the USA  (in both, tax receipts are given).  Please say donation is for 'Tot'

(click image to enlarge)

  Dr Veronica Venturas efforts for Tot have been simply amazing. She has worked day and night to ensure the best possible outcome for Tot. There is every chance that this little boy will rehabilitate to a happy, educated life.  Bravo Dr Ventura....