On the 22nd of September, 2006 medical professionals and support staff, converged together to perform Plastic and Urology surgeries to children in India. Three of the preceding children, who came to America in 2005, returned to India with the team. These children went through multiple life changing surgeries. It was an emotional reunion.
The team leader was Tom Flood. The team consisted of 21 health care professionals. The teams had open minds and open hearts and were prepared to serve. When they arrived at the Shimla Sanitarium hospital, they were welcomed by a large reception of prior patients and the families of returning patients. This day was used to screen patients. The people that were seen had a variety of needs including burn scars and cleft lips. Each patient was filled with the tragedy of a deformity and a hope of a new life.
The days were full of long and rewarding procedures. The entire trip lasted until the 1st of October. The surgical team provided surgery to 36 children with burn scars, 36 cleft lip and palate, and 34 Urology patients. The House of Charity, was recognized by the Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Mayor of Houston, Bill White for bringing help & healing to children in India.
This trip was made possible by SMILE TRAIN and MEHTA FAMLY FOUNDATION. Our special thanks to Ethicon Medical Mission, Instruments of Mercy, Medical Bridges and Memorial Hermann Medical Mission for their generous continued support. The team is all back and getting settled into their everyday lives. No matter how challenging their lives get, they will under no circumstances fail to forget the smiles and the tears of the people they helped treat in Shimla, India.
