Rotaplast Mission Members surprised with a Celebration!
Posted by David Boudreau - Rotaplast Co-Ambassador on Nov 22, 2016
Members of the latest mission to Cebu, Philippines were honored by our District at a surprise dinner held November 14 at Stonewood Tavern in Peabody!
The team was just back serving as non-medical volunteers from District 7930, which generously sponsored the mission to Cebu from October 9-22, 2016. This is the 11th time our District has sponsored a lifesaving Rotaplast mission! The non-medical volunteers who assisted in providing 105 children with reconstructive surgery are:
Bob Arsenault (Ipswich Rotarian)- Ray Bastarache (Lynn Rotarian)
- William Beckman (Beverly Rotarian)
- Lisa Collin (Amesbury Rotarian and Rotaplast co-Ambassador)
- Juan Gallego (Chelsea Rotarian)
- Barbara Hofelich
- Stephanie Johnson (Peabody Rotarian)
The medical team included plastic surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and pediatricians from all over the US.
Rotaplast International, Inc. is a non-profit corp. which provides free reconstructive surgeries and treatment to under-privileged children for cleft lip and palate deformities. These kids are often shunned, considered cursed, and are unable to smile, or swallow, breathe, or eat normally. Originally founded in 1992 by two Rotarians from the Rotary club of San Francisco, it became a separate non-profit in 1996. Many of you may remember past Andover Rotarian and Past District Governor Donna Lee Rubin, who is their Chief Executive Officer. Rotaplast has completed over 220 missions, to 24 countries, serving over 17,000 children.
This is the 14th time Rotaplast has been to Cebu, located in the heart of the Philippines. Known as the oldest city in the country, it is where world explorer Ferdinand Magellan landed, and was killed by the natives in 1521.
With the continued support of the generous clubs in District 7930, our goal is to again sponsor a mission during the 2016-2017 Rotary year. It only costs approx. $800 to sponsor a surgery and change a child’s life, which has a tremendous positive effect on his or her family and community!
If your club would like a guest speaker who served on the mission, we can arrange that! Please email David Boudreau to arrange.