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10th Surgical & Medical Mission - 2008
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FAMI (Filipino-American Medical Inc.) finished it 10th Surgical & Medical Mission on a high note! FAMI together with Makati Medical Group and Manila Adventist Hospital and Dee Hwa Llong Foundation Hospital operated on 130 major surgeries in four and half days. FAMI Surgical and Medical Teams were led by Mission Leader Niles D Perlas, CRNA (founder and chair) who with local doctors, nurses and medical technician completed the marathon surgeries. These surgeries were accomplished with patients on six to eight operating tables every forty five minutes. The OR rooms had a rotating team of fifty surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, residents and technicians. FAMI also provided all the nurses for the Recovery Room led by Betty Piracha and Miriam Kho with Amelou Ivory, RN, Nicola Albano, RN, Bongrang Shin, RN, Karen Mudlong, RN, Julie Piracha, RN, Angela M. Skinner, RN Deeann Culp, RN and Sue-Hin Huyhn, RN. The entire surgical teams were exhausted on the fifth day, even Makati Medical Group headed by Victor Gisbert and Mike Padlan said in their 20 years of surgical missions this was most exhausting.
FAMI was logistical supported by Rotary Pasay-MIA coordinated by Danny Paragas, immediate past president. Together with Leus Perlas (FAMI Administrator), Danny and Rotary Clubs moved 100 volunteers twice a day with all supplies. FAMI friends and sponsors provided dinners to the volunteers including Bobby Novenario at his gracious home in Forbes Park; Cora Reyes (from New York) hosted our 1st dinner at Pasay City bay walk at sunset and Ollie David (New Jersey) host our traditional Filipino breakfast on banana leaves on weave plates every morning while in Angeles City.
Additional more than 250 minor surgeries were done coordinated by board member Linda Gamboa, RN with FAMI Dr. John Doolan, Dr. Sharon Barlizo and Dr. Adam Cirlincione and MMG.
FAMI’s celebrate its ten year with a grand total of 606 major surgeries and 1,106 minor. The major surgeries include: Hernia Repair, Hydrocelectomy, Ovarian Cystectomy / Myoma, Hemorrhoidectomy, Thyroidectomy, Parotid Mass Excision, Breast Mass, Mass Excision, Hysterectomy and others. These major surgeries which are provided free by FAMI and its local partners but would have cost an average of Php 30,000-50,000 (plus medicines) which is beyond means of many of charity patients. FAMI provides all supplies and medicines for free from IV fluid, surgeons’ blades; sterilize gowns, caps, anesthesia, sutures, to ???? medicines and antibiotics. These donated supplies are gathered by FAMI volunteers and Niles in span of 6 months of the year from New York hospitals to the actual mission.
FAMI supplies included 72 BALIKBAYAN boxes of surgical supplies and medicines distributed by FAMI Pharmacy group which was headed by board member Marissa Olmos RN, Ignie Ocampo and Carman Gregorio.
Our surgical site was Manila Adventist Hospital for had two days of surgery and three days at Dee Hwa Llong Foundation Hospital in Angeles City, Pampanga. Niles OR team included FAMI board veteran volunteers, Amy Piquierra RN and Bennie Muldong RN.
Whenever FAMI partners with MMG, our team brings in most of the anesthesiologists who comes from Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, they include Dr. Cephas Swamidoss, Dr. Joseph Oxendine, Dr. Thomas Quinn, Dr.Patrick Callahan and Dr. Andrew Cameron originally from New Zealand. Our surgeons included Lloyd Gayle, Dr. Azra Rezwi and Dr. Adam Fox. The OR nurses are Louise Strickland, RN, Monique Thomas McCabe, RN, Sarah Donn, Pamela Messina, RN, Sharon B Udy-Janczuk RN, James Maude RN and Junior Rigby Tech. Niles is asked throughout the year if they can volunteer in the mission, HSS has always been the largest number of volunteers from New York. This year there were more than a dozen on the waiting lists of volunteers.
The medical mission was “truly mobile” and logistics was a challenge for everyone including our 1st time volunteer Tino Gregorio and Rowaldo Dayrit who were part of the support with Rotary Club of MIA. Leus, Danny and many others had to move 100 volunteers twice a day with them 30 boxes in and out for five days. In this large of a group we utilized a bus, coaster and many times local Jeepneys to move the volunteers. One day a bus was missing (lost) in Pampanga and we had to move 25 surgical team members to the hospital from Fontana hotel, we decided to flag two Jeepneys to transport our volunteers. The Jeepneys proved more efficient that next two days we used them instead of the bus.
Our mission sites included five locations; Malibay Gym and Juan Sumulong Elementary School in Pasay, Bicentenial Plaza, Barangay EPSA and Barangay Cutcut in Pampanga which meant setting up five different sites. Setting up includes organizing the flow of patients, setting up of medical adults, pediatric and setting of satellite pharmacy. It is fortunate that FAMI has veteran medical leaders like Tina Lavarias, RN and Angelica Cu, RN, Sony Mabaquiao, RN who can setup a mission site in half hour. In FAMI everyone does their job well and all volunteers including local are utilized. Our medical volunteers included from NY, Dr. Ashwani Arora, Dr. Ben San Pedro, Dr. Gil Cu, Anita Mani PA and Marc Ross PA, Tina Johnson, RN, Magdalena G. Smith, RN, Emelita B Dela Isla, RN, Elizabeth J. Lirio, RN, Leonor A Flores, RN Cora Reyes, RN, Ever Martinez RN, Benilda Mariano, RN and Elizabeth Tinio RN. Additional pharmacy support included: Nancy San Pedro, Alexis Perlas, and Carolyn Ann Shirley. We also had UP doctors headed by Dr. Philip Cruz and FAMI local nurse volunteers; Pamphie. Quiazon, RN, Aida Mudlong, RN, Gemma V. Lavarias, RN, Melinda P. Tanatan, RN
Besides the medical we also have blood sugar testing done by Romey Reyes Velayo and Teresita Pastrana. At the end of the fifth day FAMI had consulted and gave medicines to 6,500 patients. Other mission sponsors included Sofitel Philippine Plaza which donated some room nights; Mayor of Pasay, Mayor of Angeles City, Rotary Clubs MIA for a number of lunches and dinners and transportations. Niles wishes to thank everyone for this 10 years of service to the Filipino poor.
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9th Surgical & Medical Mission 2007
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2007 Surgical & Medical Mission focused on serving the needy in Metro Manila partnering with Danny Paragas, Rotary Club of Pasay MIA and Joint Effort of Pasay Rotary Clubs (Jeprocs) and Makati City. FAMI also partnered with Maj. Raphael J. Ronas, President, PAFR Philippine Eaglecom Society with Dr. Philip Cruz coordinator a day clinic in Liam Batangas. FAMI Surgical Partner is Makati Medical Group headed by mission veteran Victor Gisbert. In our 9th mission, FAMI served over 6,500 patients and performed 81 major and 120 minor surgeries (including Batangas). FAMI brought equipment, medical supplies and medicines almost a million dollars including cardiac monitors donated to charitable institutions. The major surgeries were Thyroidectomy, Hernia Repair, Gall Bladder Surgery, Major GYN TAH / BSO, Mastectomy, Breast Mass Excision, Cleft Lip Repair, Parotidectomy, Fistula Repair and Hemorrhoidectomy.
Our major recipients of our equipment, medicines and supplies are: Manila Adventist Medical Center, Rotary International District 3810 (as conduit), Ospital Ng Makati and Philippine Eaglecom Society Inc. Other recipients include: Mu Sigma Phi of College of Medicine of the University of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary Medical / Dental Missions, Luyahan Barangay Health Committee, Barangay Maugat in Batangas, REYES H.E.L.P. CENTER, Locsin Foundation. Arroyo Foundation, Muntinlupa Prison through Ms. J. Elizalde and Makati Medical Mission .
FAMI veterans and its inspiring leader Niles Perlas with her dedicated board, Gayle Lara, Bennie Muldong, Sony Mabacquiao, Ignie Ocampo, Romeo Reyes, Linda Gamboa, Amy Piquerra, Dr. Lestrino Baquiran, Miriam Kho, , Maria San Agustin and business executives who are also administrators for FAMI Leus Perlas and Tony Lara had everything under control. FAMI volunteers included Dr. Sharon Barlizo, Joanne Coronel, Judy Echavez, Todd Fogel, Dr. Adam Fox, Amelou Ivory, RN, Dominique Ivory, Anita Mani, PA, Crispina Nabua, RN, Teresita Pastrana, Alexis Perlas, Dr. Tyler Phillips, Kevin Pittman, Dr. Thomas Quinn, Tara Quinn, Justin Quinn, Hanzel Sering, Louise Strickland, Sharon Udy-Janczuk, RN, Delia Baquiran traveled from the US. FAMI Philippines included Marietta Santos, Maite Santos, Irene Carpo, Mario Rocha, Arlene E. Carranza, RN, Aurora D. Soyangco, RN, Yoly Salvatiera, RN, Lucila Agustin, RN, Pamphie. Quiazon, RN, Aida Mudlong, RN, Dr. Judith Llorin, Mila S. Reyes with UP Team of Dr. Philip Cruz; Dr. Jhonas B. Aguinaldo, Dr. Arthur E. Alban, Dr. Ryan Albert N. Boquiren, Dr. Omar John B. Mejia, Dr. Gerardo M. Briones Jr.,Dr. Michael Vincent C. Saniel, Dr. Hans Erich Pediapco, Dr. Catherine Teodoro and Baby FAMI Dr. Ovidio De Leon, Dr. Rene Luce, Dr. Adamar Alvarez completed the team.
Our surgical team included Victor Gisbert and the Makati Medical Group Names with Dr. Mike Padlan as the coordinator.
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| 8th Surgical & Medical Mission 2006 |
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FAMI’s 8th Surgical & Medical Mission to Nueva Ecija was a homecoming for some of FAMI’s Board Members. The Nueva Ecijianos, Bennie Muldong, Treasurer ( Cabanatuan ), Romey Reyes Velayo, Travel Coordinator ( Gapan City ), Marietta Santos, Philippine Coordinator ( San Jose ) and Niles Perlas, Chair (Gen Tinio) were delighted to serve the people of Nueva Ecija after seven years of missions in various other places. FAMI Missions have crisscrossed the Philippines from as far north as Laoag, Ilocos Norte to Bago City in the southern province of Negros .
This 8th mission in Nueva Ecija was the most hectic five days in FAMI’s 7-year history. FAMI volunteers traveled to five sites in five days with one day devoted to lectures. We flew 24 hours straight from New York JFK to NAIA airport in Manila , upon arrival we immediately traveled by bus to Cabanatuan City , a metropolis bustling with jeepneys and tricycles. Then to Gapan, the footwear capital of the north and NE newest city. Then we split the group into 2, the first group headed for a day of medical consultation to the northernmost part of the province, San Jose City and the second group to the local hospital at the municipality of San Leonardo . Manila was the next destination thereafter for a day of lectures at St. Luke’s Hospital and the last day of the mission was held at the coastal municipality of Balayan , Batangas.
Our Surgical Team led by Niles Perlas CRNA, comprised of among others, Bennie Muldong RN, Amy Piguerra RN, Miriam Kho RN and Linda Gamboa, RN performed 99 major and 225 minor surgeries in MV Gallego Hospital at Cabanatuan City and Dr. Gloria Locsin Foundation College Hospital at San Leonardo. Additional minor surgeries were done at Balayan Rural Clinic.
Our medical teams, led by board members Angelica Cu and Tina Lavarias, RN, included Ignie Ocampo , MT , Rome Reyes, MT and Marissa Olmos, RN were set-up in five sites, ably handling consulting and dispensing medicines to a total of 5,500 patients. Rome Reyes was not only a volunteer but also a sponsor of the Gapan City mission site.
Our local partners came from one of Manila’s premier hospitals, St. Luke’s Medical Center Volunteers headed by Dr. Menandro V. Siozon. Our local FAMI volunteers were the UP Alumni group, headed by Dr. Philip Cruz, the UST group (also known as Baby FAMI) led by Dr. Ovidio De Leon and Dr. Joseph Villanueva and of course our Balayan group headed by Dr. Lani Baquiran (brother of FAMI board member, Dr. Lestrino Baquiran, NY).
FAMI volunteers arrived to an empty airport on the day after a “Red Alert” declared by the President of the Philippines. Families of our volunteers were worried about the situation when cable news broadcasted riots and military troops clashing on the streets. However, our travel to Nueva Ecija turned out uneventful with no untoward incident. There were no visible signs of violence related to the “Red Alert”.
MV Gallego Hospital was a good place to perform surgeries with spacious operating room, two OR tables and a well trained staff. When FAMI arrived, more than 60 patients were already registered for surgery; they were pre-tested by the St. Luke’s group and by Dr. Bing Lacson’s staff at the hospital. Two days were not enough to finish all the cases but our supplies were more than enough to complete all the cases.
Surgical Missions are particularly difficult to do in two OR locations, the setup and preparation can take half a day. However, FAMI was fortunate to have a good team in place and at 10:00 a.m. on the third day we started performing surgeries at the Locsin Hospital. This was after full two full days at MV Gallego and post op visits on the same day by Dr. Lloyd Gayle and Dr. Duzy Le. In addition to Drs. Gayle and Le, the surgical staff was composed of Dr. Cephas Swamidoss, heading the Anesthesia Group, Dr. Joseph Oxendine, Dr. Catherine Barden, Dr. Adam Fox, Dr. Rajul Seth, Dr. Michael Ho and Lori Bierman, RN. Operating Room RNs, Elizabeth Piracha, Asuncion Mabacquiao Amelou Ivory, Ailish Tomkins, Karen Muldong, Mary Nolan, Pamela Messina, and Luzviminda Muldong performed an amazing task in assisting in the surgeries and recovering the patients.
FAMI Medical was “mobile”, moving across the different cities and setting up on public auditoriums and at times with two sites simultaneously in operation on the same day. Each medical site was certainly a logistical challenge to set up with local volunteers since it required the process of screening qualified patients, taking vital signs, patient consultation and pharmacy. FAMI’s Gayle and Tony Lara, Tony Kho, Raynaldo Mudlong and Chris Traumer of NYPD helped control the flow of hundreds of patients at the medical site.
The “mobile” pharmacy is an essential part of the medical team. It is however, a potential for bottleneck and thus require speed and patience in serving the people waiting to get the medicine prescribed by the FAMI doctors. Our volunteers, Aster Arguelles, Finnie Lau, Teresita Pastrana, Thanh Vpquy, Sugar Sarangaya, Kim Sitafalwalla and Nancy San Pedro demonstrated their dedication in performing efficient service.
Our doctors and nurses never tire in serving the poor, the FAMI US based teams include the following dedicated and devoted veterans: Dr. Amir Sitafalwalla , Dr. Ben San Pedro, Dr. David Kanuck, Dr. John Doolan and Maria San Augustin, NP, Siobhan Gentry, NP, and Tina Johnson, RN. Marietta Santos and Leus Perlas shuttled between the surgical and medical sites, to assist and coordinate with the team leaders, board members, volunteers, local leaders and support personnel.
Everyone worked hard in every mission, but even harder in this mission where FAMI’s limits were tested ~ thanks to the able leadership of our seasoned leader Niles Perlas and team leaders, Angelica and Tina, our veteran board member volunteers, Bennie, Amy, Rome, Gayle, Ignie, Linda, Miriam, Tony, Marietta and Leus ~ we weathered the difficult task before us and proved again that no job is too big for FAMI to handle. It was an astonishing and successful mission considering the odds and difficulties that we were faced with since the inception of this 8th mission.
Surgeries performed: Cleft Lip / Palate repair, Thyroidectomy, Hernia repair (pediatric & adult), Mastectomy Breast mass excision, Appendectomy, Cholecystectomy, Parotidectomy, Hydrocelectomy, Fistulectomy, Hemorrhoidectomy, Excision mass right ankle, lease of band right leg .
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| 7th Surgical & Medical Mission - 2005 |
The Filipino-American Medical Inc. set itself a new record of 116 major and 180 minor surgeries on its 7th Surgical & Medical Mission in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan. Surgical team was lead by Niles Perlas, CRNA, Chair & Founder with New York surgeons, Drs Lloyd Gayle, Dzuy Le, Azra Rezwi and Jennifer Choe; anesthesiologists Drs David Lee, Cephas Swamidoss and Matthew Bertram. The OR nurses included, Benedicta Muldong, Linda Gamboa, Joanie Applegate, Monique McCabe-Thomas, Ailish Tomkins, Joanne Coronel, Elizabeth Tinio, Gerarda Lucena, Pamela Messina, Vivette Torres and Jill Kaufman PA. Post Op Recovery was managed by Razocima Cahanap, Asuncion Mabaquiao and Miriam Kho who with Niles were the last volunteers to leave the hospital during the four days of surgery. The Makati Medical Group joined FAMI surgical team for two of the four day mission and were led by Drs Victor Gisbert and Laennec Baquiran. Surgeries perform span from Hernia Repair, Hydrocelectomy, Myomectomy, Hysterectomy, Thyroidectomy, Breast Mass, Cleft Lip and Palate Repair. Most of the surgical supplies were donated by various New York hospitals agents through the kindness of their OR nursing staff. FAMI also received surgical and medical supplies from CMMB and IMA. All anesthetic drugs were purchased by FAMI in Urdaneta City.
The other-half of FAMI setup a free medical clinic at the Urdaneta City Auditorium and was led by Angelica Cu, RN Vice Chair. The FAMI medical team consulted and dispensed medicines to over 7,500 patients during the four days. New York team included, Drs Linda Kamal, John Doolan, David Kanuck, Maria San Agustin NP, Valentina Lavarias RN with free medical lab testing by Rome Reyes, Marita Jacala and Teresita Pastrana. David and John also perform minor surgeries after MMG returned to Manila. The Pharmacy was staffed by Ignacia Ocampo, Agustina Johnson, Susana Sarangaya , Celia Villanueva, Delia Baquiran, Lucille Ermita. Logistical and support personnel included Gayle and Tony Lara, Tony Kho, Finnie Lau, Josine Elizalde, Marietta Santos and Leus Perlas. FAMI Medical team also included Filipino Doctors who join us every year including Philip Cruz, Ovidio De Leon, Rene Luce, Antonio Protacio, Joseph Villanueva, and Aida Mudlong, RN. Dr. Philip Cruz also invited new graduate doctors to help in the mission, Mael Cautiver, Regie Baldonado, Edgardo De Torres III. We also had local physician volunteer who stayed with us for four days who was from California on.
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| 6th Surgical & Medical Mission - 2004 |
FAMI Six Surgical and Medical Mission finished with 7,500 medical consultations and 280 surgeries. The FAMI Team led by tireless Niles Perlas (Founder & Chair) with Angelica Cu (Vice Chair) and socialite civic-minded Marietta Santos was joined by Makati Medical Mission Group headed by Dr. Victor Gisbert. The FAMI-MMG joint mission in Bago City was made possible by Ching’s brother Dr. Laennec Baquiran from Makati and Laoag.
FAMI performed the surgeries in Bago City Hospital with the Local NGO, Charles O. Cojuangco Foundation coordinated by Rio and Georgie Diaz. Congressman Cojuangco’s staff volunteers, Bago Hospital Staff and La Salle volunteers made the mission one of the best organized. After four days at Negros Occidental, FAMI left for Manila and Marinduque for second part of its mission. The Marinduque group of 12 volunteers (14 seater plane) setup one-day free clinic at the island, seeing 820 medical consultations. They were housed and received by the Governor Carmencita Reyes and accompanied by her daughter Dr. Violet Reyes at their ocean beach home.
The Manila group setup a free clinic and surgery at Ospital Ng Maynila. The Ospital Ng Maynila was celebrating their anniversary and welcomed FAMI as part of their program with Unilever, Philippines sponsoring part of the mission. It was a hectic seven days but in the end all members felt emotionally fulfilled and privileged to have serves so many needy in the Philippines.
FAMI days were mostly hard work but at night, many sponsors encouraged us to continue by sponsoring dinners. These dinners included supporters like gracious and philanthropic Meldy Cojuangco who has for the second time welcomed us to her home, our everlasting friend, Bobby Novenario at his Forbes Park home. At Negros, our final grand dinner with MMG was hosted by Cong. Charles Cojuangco at their home in Hacienda Ballbina Ponteyedra; Bago’s Mayor Janet Torres’ home and by the Governor.
FAMI medical and surgical supplies amount to almost $ 850,000. Most of the medicines and supplies came from Catholic Medical Mission Board, Interchurch Medical Mission Assistance, Allegiance Hospital Supplies, HSS Hospital, Dr. Baquiran, Dr. San Pedro, Dr. Sitafalwalla and others. All the supplies were packed in four weekends with almost 200 volunteers helping and with Ping Abaya’s help. FAMI purchased also almost one hundred thousand pesos of medicines. Our airline transportation was partially sponsored by Philippine Airline Foundation coordinated by Menchu Sarmiento and Leus Perlas sponsored final dinner at Shangri-la Hotel for FAMI and Negros accommodation
The FAMI team included: From the US - Dr. Lestrino Baquiran • Dr. John J. Doolan • Dr. Dzuy Le • Dr. Lissette Lugo • Dr. Joseph Oxendine • Dr. Benedicto San Pedro • Dr. Amir Sitafalwalla • Dr. Cephas Swamidoss • Niles D. Perlas, CRNA (Team Leader) • Angelica Cu, RN (Team M Leader Pre-op / Medical) • Erin Ford, RN (Recovery) • Kerry Frost, RN (Recovery) • Maria Linda Gamboa, RN (OR) • Asuncion Mabaquiao, RN (Medical) • Benedicta Muldong, RN (OR) • Marissa Olmos, RN (In-Charge Pharmacy) • Amelia Piguerra, RN (OR SuppliesIn-Charge) • Elizabeth Piracha RN (Recovery In-Charge) (Bago) • Kevin Pittman, RN (Recovery) • Virginia Steffl, RN (Medical) • Rome Reyes Velayo, Med Tech (Glucose Test) • Ma Ignacia Ocampo, Med Tech (Glucose Test) • Todd Fogel, Med Tech (Glucose Test) • Tony Lara (Support Admin) • Gayle Lara (Out-Patient Clinic Control) • Leus Perlas (Administrator) • Nancy San Pedro (Pharmacy) • Susana Sarangaya (Out Patient) • Sharifa Sitafalwalla (Pharmacy) • Shan Sitafalwalla (Junior Runner) • Maryann Cadiz, RN • Sarah Vidad.
Team from Manila - Dr. Laennec Baquiran,Dr. Philip Cruz, Pediatrics (Medical) • Dr. Ovidio De Leon, Internist (Medical) • Dr. Joseph Villanueva, Internist (Medical) • Dr. Antonio Protacio • Aida Mudlong, RN (OR Supplies) • Winda Pilapil, RN (Patient Instruction) • Marietta Santos (Philippines Team Coordinator) • Filamer D. Kabigting (Medical Support) • Kelvin Gorospe (Medical Support) • Dr. Reynante del Valle, Internist (Medical) • Dr. Rene Luce, Internist (Medical) • Dr. Adamar Alvarez, Pharmacy (Medical) • Maria Teresa Santos (Support) • Pamphie Quiazon RN • Marilou Arroyo • Josene Elizalde vacation Alice Casiano.
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| 5th Surgical & Medical Mission - 2003 |
FAMI 5th Medical Mission was a success. We served 2,500 Medical patients in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur and another 2,250 in San Juan, Metro Manila. FAMI tapped the local physicians and volunteers to help distribute the medicines in Gabriela Silang Provincial Hospital and St. Martin De Porres Charity Hospital. We also performed, over 250 glucose tests in the two hospitals. FAMI donated a glucometer machine to each hospital.
FAMI brought over a million dollars worth of medicines, which was distributed to the two major hospitals and eight other NGO (Non Government Organization). It took 32 BALIKBAYAN boxes to have all the medicines shipped to the Philippines. FAMI had 22+ volunteers repacking for three days the medicines donated by CMMB and US physicians.
The Medical Team from New York who gave up one of their luggage spaces was; Niles Perlas, CRNA (Team Leader), Angelica Cu, RN, Bennie Muldong, RN, Romey Reyes, Susana Sarangaya, Ignacia Ocampo and Leus Perlas. We also had an additional American from Minnesota, Virginia Steffl, RN who joined us in Narita Airport who carried one of our boxes. The rest of the medicine boxes were shipped via Northwest Cargo.
Other volunteers from New York who was traveling to Manila and joined us included Dr. Lestrino Baquiran, Dr. Expedito Castillo, Augustina Johnson, RN, Maria Mamawal, Dennis Baquiran, Delia Baquiran, RN and Yolanda Javier. Two NY retirees: Winda Pilapil, RN and Linda Avancena RN volunteered for the entire mission. We also got help from our good friend from Laoag, Dr. Laennec C. Baquiran. The other local physicians were from Dr. Philip Cruz’s team of five pediatricians and Manila doctors who traveled to Vigan City with us included: Dr. Joseph Villanueva, Dr. Edgar Escutin, Dr. Ovidio De Leon and Dr. Judith Llorin.
Of course our local coordinator Marietta Santos made our trip as smooth as possible. Our local volunteers included, Stella Asuncion, RN, Armida Ferrer, RN, Nona Lopez, Marvic Gaddi, Bobby Novenario, Arlene Arce, Annabele Abaya, Josine Elizalde, Trius Mayo. We want to acknowledge Maite Santos for all her good work in processing our cargo with the proper documents
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| 4th Surgical & Medical Mission - 2002 |
FAMI completed successfully its humanitarian FOURTH SURGICAL AND MEDICAL MISSION on February 17, 2002 with medical consultation of almost 8,000 patients in seven hectic days. The medical consultations were done in Ospital Ng Makati near Pateros for 3,010 patients, another 2,300 at Gov. R.G.Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital clinic and 2,630 at Malacanang Grounds Clinic.
FAMI also completed 36 major and minor surgeries. The fourth surgical team concentrated on women breast and ovarian cancer. Surgeries performed included: mastectomy, breast biopsy, hysterectomy, congenital bilateral inguinal hernia and thyroidectomy. Patients came not only from local Makati and Laoag City area but also from Zonta Club and Marinduque patients. FAMI also perform 132 blood glucose testing by Romey Reyes MedTech.
At Ospital Ng Makati, our team also gave lectures in updates by specialty from Dr. Baquiran (Cardiac), Dr. Calanog (Ovarian Cancer), Dr. Castellano (Breast Cancer)
The Surgical Team: Dr. Michael Castellano, Dr. Antonio Calanog, Dr. David Lee, Dr. Dzuy Le, Dr. Cephas Swamidoss, Dr. Jay Ongsiako (Phil), Dr. Laenek Baquiran (Phil), Benedicta Muldong, RN, Amelia Piguerra, RN, Angelica Cu, RN, Elizabeth Piracha, RN, Pamphie D. Quiazon, RN and Niles D. Perlas, CRNA (Team Leader / Chair) Medical Team: Dr. Lestrino Baquiran, Dr. Jess Comidido (Phil), Dr. John J. Doolan, Dr. David Kanuck, Dr. Thippa Ramaraju, Dr. Benedicto San Pedro, Dr. Robert Ulseth, Dr. Violet Reyes (Phil), Silva Toledo, PA, Romy R. Velayo – interpreter In-Charge, Ma Ignacia Ocampo, Teresa Galang, RN (Phil)
Pharmacy: Marissa Olmos Nurse-In Charge, Pharmacy Assistants; Nancy San Pedro, Jesusa Calanog, Susana Sarangaya, Nona Lopez (Phil), Delfin Edralin, Ramon De LunaLogistics: Marietta Santos, Local Coordinator, Maria Mamawal (Vice Chair), Reynaldo Alejandro (Media & Press Officer), Leus Perlas (Administrator)
All unused surgical and medical supplies were donated to Gov. R.G.Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital, Ospital Ng Makati, Malacanang Clinic, San Jose City Health Office, Community and Family Services International, Bethel Evangelists Church Laoag, City, Basic Ecclesial Community Association of the Philippines and others. Total value of medicines from Catholic Medical Mission Board, Interchurch Medical Mission Assistance, St. Luke’s Hospital (Phil), Unilab Philippines and FAMI Medical purchases exceeded half million dollars.
FAMI also donated equipments; bovie machine and pulse oximeter, suction machine at Ospital Ng Makati. Additionally EKG machine and surgical supplies (small instruments and sutures) have been shipped for FAMI to be donated to the Philippine Heart Center.
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| 3rd Surgical & Medical Mission - 2001 |
FAMI 3rd SURGICAL & MEDICAL MISSION was successfully held on February 3 to 16, 2001 in the Republic of the Philippines. In cooperation with the Knights of Malta, Two Hearts Foundation at Quezon City General Hospital, Pampanga Flood Relief, Governor Carmencita Reyes Provincial General Hospital – Charity Patients (Marinduque), Asilo Orphanage with the Knights of Malta in Manila and EDSA Shrine. Our local coordinator is Marietta Santos who was also FAMI Humanitarian Award Recipient.
FAMI performed 26 major Surgeries in Quezon City General Hospital and Marinduque Provincial Hospital. It also examined and dispensed medicines to more than 5,000 medical patients from Pampanga, Quezon City, Manila and Marindugue. Our team members included: James Beckman, MD, Adoracion Estanislao, MD, Andrew Lee, MD, Niles Perlas, CRNA (Chair), Linda Kamal, MD, Amir Sitafalwalla, MD, Michael Castellano, MD Joshua Miranda, MD, Jeffrey Brande, MD, James Norris, MD, Bernadette Miranda RN, Benedicta Muldong (Treasurer), RN, Marissa Olmos, RN, Kevin Pittman, RN, Patricia Ramos, RN, Lorna Ramos, CPT, Natalie Trezza RN, Lisa Pompei, RN, Chelly Ridon, Filipina Ridon, RN, Sharifa Sitafalwalla, Motoko Norris, Reynaldo Alejandro (Documentarian), Teresita Laforteza (Board) Romey Reyes, Maria Mamawal (Vice Chair) Leus Perlas (Administrator).
Our local medical teams included: Marietta Santos (FAMI Local Coordinator) Jess Comedido, MD, Pamfila Quiazon RN, Lita and Popo De Leon, Benjie Mamawal, Karen Quiazon, Demi Mayo, Mike Gomez (Office of the President)
Local Participants: Mari Tuazon, Noni Almeniana, Ronie Albao, Rommel Garcia, Oliver Batalid, Jess Comedido MD, Delfin Edralin, Ding Perez, Tess Contreraz, Valen Mamawal Valdez.
FAMI brought with it 40 Balikbayan Boxes of medicines and surgical supplies worth close to $250,000 for the mission. All unused supplies were donated to the local hospitals and clinics. Additionally FAMI purchased Fifteen Thousand Pesos of Thyroxine for Marinduque Provincial Hospital for the patients that we were unable to operate because of the time constrain. FAMI individual members also gave from their personal funds to help a malnourished child received blood and TPN.
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| 2nd Surgical Mission - 2000 |
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Jan 30 to Feb 8, 2000, - FAMI with Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko Foundation performed thirty surgeries and provided medicines for 258 medical patients at the Ilocos Training & Regional Medical Center in the City of San Fernando, La Union and a day surgery at Rizal Medical Center, Pasig Metro Manila. The mission team included: Dr.J Danilo Miranda, General Surgery, Dr. L. Gayle, Plastic & Reconstructive, Dr. M. Lee, Orthopedic, Dr. J. Beckman, Anesthesia, Dr. D. Lee, Anesthesia, Niles Perlas, Anesthesia Maria Mamawal, Natalie Trezza, RN, Pam Messina, RN, Rosemarie Mastrandrea ST, Amy Piguerra, RN, Miriam Kho RN, Tess Laforteza, Leus Perlas, Debra Gayle, Bernadette Miranda RN, Denise Verni, PA, and Christina Verni. Operations performed were cheiloplasty, palatoplasty, thyroidectomy, modified radical mastectomy, release of burn contracture, IM nailing, wiring left femur, flap left leg and STSG to burn areas of the leg and others. FAMI also donated surgical, medical supplies to ITRMC and Office of Vice President, Republic of the Philippines. Dr. Llyod Gayle donated two tissue expanders to ITRMC and PGH through the Office of VP.
The Philippine Associates - Ed Manda & Staff, Patsie Leviste, Pamphie Quiazon RN Technical Advisors: Dr. Ramiro Cadag (US)
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| 1st Surgical Mission - 1999 |
May 30 to June 5, 1999, Alay-Bayan Medical Mission is FAMI's first project conducted in Metro Manila, Philippines. During the mission, actual surgeries were done on thirty-two patients of the Jonelta Foundation of Perpetual Help Medical Center, Las Pinas City and of the Rizal Medical Center, Pasig City. Operations performed were excision biopsy of the breast, cholecystectomy, thyroidectomy, cheiloplasty, rhinoplasty, I & D abscess of the face, excision of recurrent thyroglossal duct cyst, herniorrhaphy, orchiopexy, excision of rectal polyps and hemorrhoidectomy.
The 1999 Alay-Bayan Medical Mission has been adopted as a component of the Medical Mission Program of Vice President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo of the Republic of the Philippines.
The mission team included: US Based Team- Dr. Azra Rezwi, Dr. Giuseppe Ascoli, Dr. Chris Edmonds, Niles Perlas CRNA, Maria Mamawal, Terry Bernabe CRNA, Bennie Muldong CNOR, Penny Saulog CCRN-CPAN, Crispina Nabua RN, Rowena Almendral RN, Tessie La Forteza and Leus Perlas. Philippine Associates - Ed Manda & Staff, Josee Mayo, Pamphie Quiazon RN, Joseph Quinto RN, Aida Mudlong RN Technical Advisors Dr. Ramiro Cadag (US) and Dr Dickey Tiongco (Phil)
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