E-mail:  pedroysusan@hotmail.com

The International Friendship Club of Puerto Vallarta (IFC) in conjunction with Ambulancias Global are hosting a blood drive on Wednesday, April, 9^th from 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Puerto Vallarta has a critically low blood supply of all types. With Semana Santa approaching the end of April, all local hospitals and medical facilities are preparing for annual influx of visitors and the increase in hospital demands that accompanies this busy week. Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta urgently need blood, especially now.

There is only one blood bank in Vallarta, located at the San Javier Marina. All medical facilities in the area depend on this source, which is seriously undersupplied. Fortunately, the word on this issue is spreading and organizations such as the Friendship Club of La Cruz have responded, holding a blood drive in February where 28 people donated. The International Friendship Club of Puerto Vallarta is now responding and hopes to have a minimum of 100 donors.

During these difficult these times with the world in the state it is in, people can relieve some of their anxieties, fears and frustrations by shifting focus for a moment, by reaching out, doing acts of kindness and giving to those in need. If you meet the qualifications below, please consider going to the IFC Clubhouse on April 9^, 2003 for the chance to do something wonderful by giving the gift of life. This will be an opportunity to make a positive difference, making a significant contribution to Puerto Vallarta and surrounding communities in helping to save lives.

To donate:

• You must be 18 years or older, 60 years maximum but exceptions are made if you are in good health

• Weigh more than 50 kilos

• Be in good health

• Have no infectious diseases (hepatitis, AIDS, etc.)

A short (and confidential) medical history will be taken. If you meet the requirements, blood will be drawn and tested. Approximately 15 minutes later, if your blood is O.K. the donation process will begin, taking approximately 45 minutes. You might feel a bit weak or light-headed afterwards but with some juice and rest, you will be fine.

The staff from the Blood Bank is meticulous about meeting all standards for cleanliness and safety.

For further information or questions please contact Pamela Thompson at: 226-1010 Ext. 304, 223-1695, 044-322-294-0650, pmt@prodigy.net.mx or the International Friendship Club 222-5466.

Susan Davalos, RN
Tel. 281-0311

Medical program:  We are between surgeries for the cleft palate kids. That doesn't mean we get to rest!  There is a lot of behind the scenes follow-up, planning and ordering of supplies for the next.  We are scheduled for May 28, 29 and 30.

Just last week, a 10 year old was brought to our attention.  She has large abscesses on her eyelid and they are leaving disfiguring scars.  We supported the mom emotionally  and escorted them  all to the health clinic and got exams for the family.  The girl and her sister are now being treated for their problems.  Sometimes it just take hand holding and knowing the process. Most of all it takes time----a vital resource!

We still need wheelchairs.  I've heard it is easiest to get them here if you sit in it!!!!

The Thank you Column….. Once again the donations have been rolling in. Muchas Gracias a todos! The IFC received cash donations from William & Yvonne Goddard of Wheatridge, CO, Dennis & Diana Silk of the UK, Mike & Jennie Heslop of Prince Albert, Saskatachewan, Terry & Forbes Brown and Ron & Marty LaMar of Los Gatos, CA. Thank you all for your generous donations. We received school and medical supplies recently from Dario Savio and a whole suitcase full of school supplies was donated from Barbara Videen of Minneapolis, MN. The supplies are great and we continue to distribute them throughout the year to schools with limited resources. A big thanks to the Sewing Circle of the Baptist Ladies in Puerto Vallarta for donating several lovely handmade blankets and quits for our annual bazaar. We sincerely appreciate the thoughtfulness and generosity of all.

 

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Susan Davalos, RN
Tel. 281-0311

I am happy to be looking after the community services program in Puerto Vallarta for all of you.  I am really excited to be a part of the team.  The great thing for me is that in many ways I am already involved with the various groups that are assisted by the IFC.  Living and working in the community has brought me face to face with needs and I am hoping to be able to get into action.

Our first accomplishment has been to build a wheelchair ramp for a young family whose mom (24 years) has been paralysed after a medical accident. She lives in a tiny room with her husband and two daughters. Family and friends are assisting her. She goes to Santa Barbara rehab ctr. 3x/week for therapy.  Until now, she has had to be dragged out of the house because she lives about 5 feet from the ground.  She now can roll down with pride.  She is smiling again!!!    Thanks to donations and the IFC, we have made a difference!!!

I want to thank you for all the donated toothbrushes and soaps and shampoos!  We are distributing them to the poor patients in the regional hospital (something like a county hospital).  There is no admission kit given out to you when you are put in this hospital!