Nicaragua 2014

16 members and friends of the Santa Rosa Sunrise Rotary Club traveled to Nicaragua for an eye and dental mission to the village of Esperanza which is about a 45 minute drive north of Sabalos, Nicaragua. We did three full days of work in this village on January 27-29.

The travelers included – John Jones, Steve Amend, Steve Herron, Steve Zwick, Ezbon Jen, Rich Randolph, Eloise Tweeten, Jim Gray and Carolyn Anderson. All members of Santa Rosa Sunrise Rotary. Danielle Foster, Robyn Kesnow and Brook Terhune of the Santa Rosa Evening Rotary Club. Herb and Bev Liberman of the Healdsburg Sunrise Rotary Club. Also participating were Betsy Randolph (Rich’s wife) and Kristen Alman daughter of Eloise.

Assisting on the mission included locals – Xavier and Anna Fonseca from Managua, a husband and wife dentist team. Johanna the dentist from the Sabalos Health Center. As many as five Peace Corp volunteers. Leslie, an optometrist from Managua. And Rafael Praslyn with San Juan Rio Relief.

The dental team examined 227 patients, did 242 extractions and 127 fillings. Xavier also brought about 1,000 toothbrushes and tubes of Colgate toothpaste which was given away.

The eye care team examined 1,041 patients, dispensed 656 prescription eye glasses and 745 pairs of sunglasses to protect the locals from the sun, wind and dirt which is so damaging to their eyes. We also screened for cataracts and pterigiums. 

More photos may be found at the Nicaragua 2014 Photo Album.