Colombia Mission
Join us on the journey to help people
Welcome to the 5th Medical Mission to Colombia.
We are in the midst of planning for the February 2010 mission. We had our first meeting on December 5th in Baltimore and even with the snowy weather, we had a nice turnout. We would like to thank Mama Lucia's Restaurant in Colombia, Maryland for offering a part of their restaurant to us. Mama Lucia's resturants are very dedicated to helping organizations and we are very grateful for their support.
Below are some bullet points from the meeting:
1. WE NEED PEDIATRICIANS! We are extending the requirement of medical licenses only to Pediatricians that are interested in going on the mission. If you know of anyone interested in attending the mission, please have them contact Lisa Garrett (lgarrett1@verizon.net or 410-785-5757) or Armando Sardi, MD (asardi@mdmercy.com or 443-386-2220).
2. DEADLINE FOR MEDICAL LICENSES: DECEMBER 15, 2009.
3. FLIGHTS. Below is a typical agenda for flights to Colombia. The main flight is from Miami to Cali that each volunteer will need if flying through Miami. If there are other questions, please contact, lgarrett1@verizon.net.
DEADLINE FOR FLIGHTS: JANUARY 15TH, 2010. Please email (lgarrett1@verizon.net) or fax (410-771-0183) your flight schedule.
Arrival: AMERICAN AIRLINES 437 DCA Upon arrival to Cali, we will have buses available to tranfer us to the hotel. We will be waiting for you in Customs. Departure:
GOOD NEWS! AMERICAN AIRLINES has generously offered to help again on the mission with our overweight luggage and extra baggage.
Flight Itinerary for Mission to Colombia - 2010
Washington Thu 25 Feb 11:15 AM MIA
AMERICAN AIRLINES 921 MIA
04:50 PM CLO Cali 08:30 PM
AMERICAN AIRLINES 920 CLO
Cali Fri 05 Mar 08:45 AM -> MIA Miami 12:25 PM
AMERICAN AIRLINES 526 MIA
Miami Fri 05 Mar
04:15 PM DCA
Washington 06:40 PM Q
Please visit http://www.campestrecali.com for information on our main hotel where we stay during the mission.
Please visit www.radisson.com/calico for the hotel Radisson in Cali.
5. Each volunteer pays for their own expenses for the entire trip. Breakfast and lunch is paid for and dinner is your expense. During the rest day, we rent a bus and also take those interested throughout the town shopping and seeing Cali.
6. For the mission to Colombia, there are no special immunizations needed.
7. For your comfort on the mission, please dress comfortably on the mission. The weather is warm during the day so dress and pack remembering the weather is in the 80s and sunny during the day.
8. SUPPLIES: Our supplies will be organized this year by Mike Joyce, a wonderful returning member to the mission. He is going to help us during the mission as well to make sure that each hospital has the needed supplies.
We believe in giving quality care to the poor. We are building long term programs to assist patients after the mission. Through financial donations, vendor support and medical donations, we are able to help thousands of people receive all levels of treatment.
Each volunteer pays their own expenses for this trip so all financial donations go to the care of the patient. We believe that our funds should give them hope for a brighter tomorrow.
Patients will return each year just to thank you for your time. You will experience tears of happiness, hope and also tears of sadness when we leave. This is such a rewarding time in our life and also the patient's life.
We had a larger Day Care Center for the children this year. We had three dedicated volunteers which truly focused on educating the children as well as a playful atmosphere. Some children return every day for our smiles, hugs and love we share with them. This gives them a place to learn new skills, be in a caring environment and meet new people. Children are our future and we believe in showing them hope for a new tomorrow. Children took to their homes their newly painted pictures and drawings, they were able to paint their hand and seal it on the "Wall of Thanks".
The needs are high and always growing. Please contact us if you are interested in attending this medical mission. Let us know your specialty and we can discuss with your the needs in the community and how you can help.
Please volunteer. Please help us with donations. Please spread the word about our exciting mission!
This site will soon be undated with many pictures for you to enjoy! Please visit our site frequently for updates on the mission.
Thank you!
NEXT MEETING: TBA
Lisa Garrett
410-785-5757
lgarrett1@verizon.net
