A few weeks ago we went to Talanga, Honduras. If you read all the posts and total up the numbers, we got the following things done:
| Exams | 235+ |
| Fillings | 227 |
| Cleanings | 93 |
| X-Rays | 253 |
| Extractions | 477 |
| Root Canals | 17 |
If performed in the US, these services would cost more than $200,000.00.
In the different posts here, I've worked to show what all went into this trip. There is much more to it than two dentists finding some people willing to go and then buying some plane tickets. The biggest challenge of the team leader ( Jim Fetsch) was to organize the people, supplies and finance to get this done. That took a lot of work. And donors. We would like to thank everybody who made it possible.
It costs nearly $20,000 for a Dental team to go to Honduras and work for week. That was gathered from many sources such as the team members, church and civic groups and private individuals. We get more than $10 in services rendered for every dollar contributed. But with out that contribution, it would not happen. Thank you for the support.
In no particular order, here are the contributors I know of.
( Jim, Jim, Norm & Co. If I miss anybody please e-mail me at bamilster at gmailcom )
SunRise United Methodist Church Mens Club
Several cash donations over the three years the dental team has gone to Talanga.
This has helped buy equipment that is still in use today.
I believe the men's club from First Church and other United Methodist Churches in Missouri have supported also.
I will update this section as I am able.
Aribex, Inc. -
for the loan of the dental x-ray unit used on this trip.
This unit is so far ahead of what they have in Talanga, that we got a referal from a Honduran dentists asking for help.
It has some very nice technical capabilities. Click on the company name for more tech details if you are interested.
Washington Overseas, in Washington MO. They have helped us with shipping and contacts in Honduras. With out them, the compressors and generator wouldn't have gotten where they are needed.
Dr. Norm Freiberger
When Norm isn't with us, he is back in the States gathering support and details.
Thanks Norm.
Our families.
To our spouses and kids who support us when we get on a plane to go help other people.
Rotary International
We have gotten support from Rotary International as well as the individual clubs in Wentzville Roaty, Sunrise Rotary and St. Charles Rotary. Their contributions allowed the purchase of the dental units used by the Drs in Honduras.
Here is a picture of one of the dental units bought with Rotary support
This unit and the other one are made to travel. They break down to fit into a suitcase and go anywhere. With out them, the dentists would be limited to diagnostic work and pulling teeth. With them, they have been able to improve the quality of life for hundreds of people in Honduras.
I think that covers all the donors.
Before I close, I'd like to add a side note about Rotary. The dental team has gotten major support from several Rotary clubs both in the US and from Rotary International. We also got visits from them in Honduras. They traveled from Tegucigalpa to Talanga to see the team at work. They also met with Paul Moore ( Rotarian and Dentist on the team ) once we got back into Tegucigalpa.
Prior to this, I had heard the name Rotary several times, but never met them to know anything about them. It was a very interesting meeting them. If you are like me, it is easy to picture a church group or individual donor, but who is Rotary? Here are a couple of pictures of the Rotary, International in Honduras.
Miguel Moncado, President of Rotary Int in Honduras met with Paul Moore in Tegucigalpa.
Miguel's son came along when he and Carmen ( the club secretary ) went to speak with Paul.
In closing, we would like to say again "Thank You" to all everyone who supported us on this trip.
The donations, prayers and help have let us do a lot of good in Talanga, Honduras.
Thanks.
