Elvis is a toddler we brought back with us from Nyamboi with severe pneumonia. He became so unwell late last night that at one point there were 6 doctors and 4 nurses supporting Dr. Jo and Joan who were looking after him. We finally left him on oxygen with mom in our surgical ward at midnight and prayed he would survive the night. This morning his fever was down and he was no longer requiring his oxygen. Tonight he is running around the courtyard ready to return home tomorrow. Life.
All team members reported to breakfast at 0600 feeling strong and healthy. The surgical team set to work early and had a full day of hernia repairs. Just as they closed up and left for dinner at 7:30pm one of the patients booked for surgery tomorrow developed a strangulated hernia. Back to the OR. Life.
Martin and Marion began the laser eye program today. Six patients received vision-saving laser surgery and Dr. Toylin has a full list for tomorrow. Martin said he had so much fun playing “laser tag” all day while Gene Paisley, Brenda’s dad, watched on.
The medical, dental and eye teams hit the road for Asantekwa. The crowds were massive and we were anxious to get to work; however protocol prevailed. The drums were beating and the women were dancing with joy over our arrival and we were expected to join in (quite a sight). After the dance, the chief presented us with a ram, yams, oranges, apples and bananas and could not stop expressing his gratitude. I had the pleasure of presenting some of our rookie team members who represented the different sectors of our clinic to the chief today including Dr. Tom (physician), Valerie (Nursing), Eni (Pharmacy), Dr. Kristel (Eye team), Dr. Ambareen (Surgery) and Elena (volunteers) — all who bravely stepped forward in front of the chief, Queen Mother and elders of the village. We, too, presented gifts and a comical moment ensued when Dr. Tom, presenting to the Queen Mother, offered the gift to the wrong woman! The villagers thought that was hilarious.
Our physician team was all together today in one room which was lots of fun. Once again, before set-up was complete, a critical incident occurred when an elderly woman collapsed unresponsive on the floor. She was treated and was able to go home later in the day. Life.
We had a special moment together when Dr. Bill led us in a moment of silence at 11:00 and all of our patients stood with us.
The eye team functioned amazingly well without their chiefs Dr. Martin and Marion, and the patients they could not get to will make the 2-hour trek to Yaara to be seen tomorrow.
Today was the first day our dental team didn’t get rained on. They finally had to retreat to an indoor classroom (94 degrees F) as the temperature outside was just too unbearable. All in all, our team saw just shy of 500 patients and at least that many were seen and treated by our wonderful triage team of Beth, Leslie and Val. What a tough job they have screening these massive crowds. Pharmacy finished in record time at 4:30 and we hit the road for home well before dark.
I do wish I could end this blog with a happy ending, but I cannot. Lydia died in the clinic today. Lydia was 22 years old and fell ill a week ago. She went to two different hospitals in the North and was sent home without treatment. I’m not sure she was even seen by a doctor. Her family, hearing we were nearby, carried her to our clinic. Despite aggressive resuscitation with our state of the art drugs and equipment, we could not save her. She arrived too late. Our local nurses, who had never witnessed CPR, defibrillation and resuscitation asked me why it is that we all cried when someone we didn’t even know died. A question worth pondering.
Lydia’s death is unacceptable. The deaths that would have occurred, like Elvis and countless others, had we not been here these 3 days are unacceptable too. While it is difficult for us to process the reality of this place, it is a reality that we all must face. This region needs a well-run hospital if these unnecessary deaths are to be prevented. After 8 years of our health team’s involvement here, GRID and NEA are moving forward to build and staff a model hospital right here in Carpenter that will be supported by people like us. Until this vision becomes a reality, people like Lydia will continue to die unnecessarily. Please check our the hospital plans on the GRID website and help us help NEA get this hospital built. Please.
After a delicious dinner (including mushroom soup from the NEA mushroom farm and fresh Tilapia from the fish pond) and wonderful speeches from David and the team leaders, and … wait for it … a priceless Girl Guide song called “Lavatory Man” sung by the one and only Leslie, we retired to our residence to visit with one another. With Michael strumming the tunes on the guitar, Dr. Sue cracking out a big puzzle for us to work on, and Dr. Anthony making instant coffee, we are all refreshed and ready for whatever tomorrow brings.
At 3:00pm every day, Kim drops us off an inspirational quote prepared by former team member Dr Sarah from Stouffville. It is a fitting ending to today’s very long blog:
It’s the action, not the fruit of the action, that’s important. You have to do the right thing. It may not be in your power and may not be in your time that there’ll be any fruit. But that doesn’t mean you stop doing the right thing. You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be no result. — M. Gandhi
PS: we are loving your messages to the team and they are all being relayed. I’ve officially designated Dr. Carlye to read them out to the team as I turn into a blubbering mess when I try to read them. Surprise, surprise.
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2015 Health Team Updates
Nyamboi, Nov 10
Carpenter, Nov 9
Carpenter, Nov 8
Accra, Nov 7
Toronto, Nov 6
Suky says
What an amazing adventure. Congrats to you all on doing such amazing work and helping so many people. I love sharing and reading these updates to Mel. She says hi and gives a big hug to Sheetal auntie.
We’ll see you soon!
Kelly Bruce says
You guys are doing such an amazing work!!! The stories are both inspiring and heartbreaking!!! I love reading the blogs and can picture you all so clearly!! I’m another one that wishes I was with you but I am certainly being inspired for another time!!! The wonderful blogs also help me to know how to pray for you!! A big hello and hug for: Jenn, Joanie, Sherri, Carlye, Michael, Susan, Marion, and Kyle!!! Blessings also to David , Brenda and Gene!!!! You are all in my prayers!!
Pearl says
Wow, what an amazing job you guys are doing. I knew u guys were in Ghana but didn’t even know there was a blog until my coworker Cherie shared it. And the stories are amazing. They gave me the chills as I read them. This is where I come from. However, I was fortunate enough to have a dad who travelled to canada years ago and happened to bring me when I was done middle school. I have never been to the northern part of Ghana, always been in the city when I visit . You guys rock. And the people of Ghana can not thank you enough. Your reward will come from above. May the good Lord be with you , give you strength to do what you are doing. And may peace be your portion. Be safe
Paul & Jean Haughn says
Amazing how small the world becomes when the medical team is in Ghana!! Praying for each of you and reading the updates keeps us all involved in the healing that is taking place. Please tell Marion (Mim) and Liza that yesterday afternoon we prayed with mother Florence and sister
Jean for them and the team, it was a blessed, joy filled time for each of us. Praising the Lord for all He is doing.
Meagan says
Hello Ghana Health Team 2015!
We have been reading the updates and praying for the team everyday! I have to admit that I’m a little shy writing this message knowing that it will be read out loud at breakfast tomorrow but we needed to let nurse Joan AKA Mama know how much she is missed, loved, prayed for!
Each morning at breakfast I read the updates to the boys. Today there were tears of joy celebrating miraculous healing followed by tears of sadness reading about Lydia.
I just wanted to encourage everyone that not only are you doing a massive work for the people you serve in Ghana you are doing a massive work on our hearts!
Mom I’ve been wearing the bracelet you gave me a few years ago as a reminder to pray! not only does it serve to be in solidarity with you it’s also this fantastic way to talk about you, the health team and GRID/NEA when people ask me about it.
I’ll leave you with these words from Noah’s prayers tonight. “be with Mama, Dr. Jenn and The team. Dr. Martin and his lasers and that the dentist team doesn’t get rained on anymore. Would you help them to heal
many people and not let anyone else die.” Keep pressing on doing the good you all are doing from the overflow of your hearts!
With loads of love xoxo
Chris Rambi says
Thanks for sharing your great deeds and stories, a very big bear hug for mom!
Chris, Besa & Eni says
Our day is brightened by such inspirational stories! We wish all team members the very best in this courageous journey of hope, love and compassion.
“Neither fire, nor wind, birth nor death, can erase our good deeds”
Ben W says
Hi Daddy (Dr.WU)!
I miss you. Are you having a fun time in Ghana? I hope you all have a wonderful time meeting all the patients.
From Ben (P.S. for Dr.Wu xoxoxoxoxoxox)
Joseph Chong says
Dear Jennifer and the team,
Wow! Thank you for keeping us updated on your adventures. I love the daily news, it makes us feel a little bit like we are there with you.
I’m really sad in not there to help out this year. However I’m happily sitting in air conditioned comfort reading about your ambient temperature issues 😉
Keep doing your important work and know that back home we love and support all of you.
Stay safe.
Dr Joe in rainy Vancouver
Misti ollier says
It’s so great to read about how fantastic you are all doing out there. I have great admiration for you all, as I’m sure all the patients attending do aswell. I’m posting a hello to the surgical team led by Mr Hanafy who are out there carrying out operation hernia. An extra special hello to my best friend Helen Goodall who I’m missing dearly, but extremely proud of her and the team. Keep up the good work. You are missed love Misti and the team at Leighton hospital xx
Zoya says
What an awesome team!
Thank you Jenn for your stories and keeping us updated. They are truly inspirational, informative and with humor. You all have done so much and helped so many people in such a short time, it’s amazing!
A special hello to my daughter Inessa! We miss you, we love you and hope you are keeping well!
Much Love,hugs and prayers to you all !!!!
Sara Austin says
What an inspirational team you are and what wonderful work you all do. I read this blog out to my children every day – it is humbling and emotional to get a window into your days and the lives of the Ghanian villagers. I’m so proud of you Dr Jo – you and your colleagues are making such a difference while you are there. Lots of love, Sara xxx
penny says
I am truly humbled by you all. It is a selfless job to go and do what you all are doing and witnessing things that you are.
And Carly remember you like the heat.
Amy says
My heart is with you in Ghana, as you serve, and with those who are serving. As the song says, greater things are yet to come, and greater things are still to be done here. What a roller coaster of emotion.
Mom & Lisa–love you lots. Dad may not comment but be aware that he’s regularly checking his email when he’s home and prints off the updates to share as he gets them.
Rob Hicks says
Ok – if this is a competition, then you lives saved must trump my day at the vascular society talking nonsense
I spent the afternoon with Jodie and Nicky
(Op hernia 2013). I have a picture but can’t send it
We did all we could to recreate our Ghana experience. Heating on full. Switched the light off every half an hour and shouted “generator” but with only 5 cases on the list it was never going to feel the same.
Your blog is being read and shared on Facebook – you are all an inspiration to all of those you left behind
So proud of Dr Jo – not just a Super-Mum – someone must have given her and Linda extra haribou
Remember the famous Ghanain phrase-
A yam a day helps you work rest and play
Love to you all
Rob, Ted Charlie and Elsa x
Carly Patry says
I just want to say it is truly amazing reading about all the wonderful things everyone is doing over there! I look forward to checking my email for updates. I want to let my mom Laurie Patry know I’m so proud of her and miss her!
Love Bubble Butt xoxo
Jo-Anne Gray says
What an inspiration you all are. Keep up the good work Jennifer & team. As I read your blog today the loss of young Lydia hit close to home and brought tears to my eyes. I know you must have done everything possible once she made it to your clinic and for that, I’m sure her family is grateful. Take care, be well and continue to share your amazing journey.
Kate says
Hi Joanne
What amazing work you are all doing, under difficult circumstances at times .
Lovely to hear the many stories on the blog . We prayed for you and all the team in Home Group this week . All well here
Love Mum and Dad xxx
Charlie Hicks says
Hello mum,
You are doing really well. I hope you are saving many lives and taking lots of photos. Everything is good here and I just got my new cast in fracture clinic, did you get the picture?
Lots of love, see you soon.
From Charlie
Debbie says
..speaking of being a blubbering mess……!
Brian Feddery says
The Lavatory man is a classic in our family. brought a tear to my eye. Keep up the great work.
Shelagh says
There are tears in my coffee each morning as I read the updates. The beautiful and haunting images bring to life the necessity of what you are doing in the heart (and heat) of Ghana. The mother in me can`t resist…Elena, make sure you are drinking lots of water!
Caro - Claire Wiles says
Just got a chance to read the latest update.
It is very emotional and overwhelming for us to read and we can only image how your team reacts to the events that take place every day for you.
We are continuing to pray for daily strength and wisdom for each member and for those who come to the clinics that they would be helped by the treatments you are providing for them. Sent with hugs and much love
Cindy S. says
Dr. Jenn,
your blog is truly amazing. I can’t wait to receive them and hear about the days events. I find myself laughing and crying at the same time and am humbled by the truly great work the entire team is doing.
You must all be incredibly hot and exhausted yet truly content at the end of each knowing what you have all accomplished together.
And, if Dr, Anthony at the end of the day is making his coffee I know all is well.
Francesco says
Thank you for this touching story, unnecessary deaths cannnot happens. I will help foundrising.
Good job with the strangulated hernia.
I hope the children liked the footballs! 🙂
Keep on the good job.
Besos to Natacha from Francesco and Elena.
Rakhi Mitra says
What an amazing team!! You all have done so much and have helped so many people in such a short time, it’s truly remarkable. A special hello to my friend Sheetal, I hope you are keeping well. Miss you.
Betsy Convery says
Jennifer,thanks, for your updates on what the Ghana Team is experiencing daily. Makes me feel like
I am there with you. Many prayers and good wishes to your continued success. And keep Michael strumming!LOL.
Floyd Fockler says
I look forward every morning to hearing the latest news from Northern Ghana good or bad.
What a team effort! Nice to hear Gene is out and about inspecting all that is going on.
Signi says
I don’t know where you find the time to write these reports. They are truly inspirational, informative and with humour. Keep them coming. And I’m happy to hear you have a bit of time to unwind with music and one another — glad to know you took your guitar along, Michael — keep strumming.
Keep safe and cool!
Alex says
I read your messages to the kids every day…they have started asking for them……” mom did you get the update yet?”
Yesterday, Heath asked if we could pray for all of you and your patients at the remembrance day service….and we did.
Your work over there sure is bringing perspective to our life here.
xo
A.
Lisa R says
What wonderful stories, about loving care by wonderful people. And thanks for the laugh, Dr. Tom….you keep us entertained even from a great distance!!!
Jess says
Wow.
I get so overwhelmed reading these posts.
You guys are truly doing such an awesome thing. You still have so a many days left to save more lives!
Thinking of all of you.
Jenn when I see you talk about the team members I can’t help but think of their names from that game. Big Ass Bill. Haha! My favourite!!!
Can’t wait until the next post!!
Keep well everyone!
Sarah Mitchell says
What an amazing team! Thank you so much for keeping us updated Jenn! We miss you here Mom. Hope you were able to eat the mushroom soup! Maybe you will come back liking mushroom now.. Much love to everyone!
Susan says
What an awesome team! Thank you for your stories – it’s wonderful to be able to picture the events of your days. Much love, hugs and prayers to you all.
Jamie goodall says
Keep up the great work it sounds amazing I was very happy to get a text message out of the blue from my wife helen as she had a Small amount of reception on her phone and apparently she was a bit embarrassed when my message was read out saying how proud I am of her …so …I’d just like to add that I am still hugely proud of her for joining in such a brilliant cause and that me and “phil” our dog are missing her loads …oh and I’ve finished decorating the bathroom…well done everyone keep going
Trevor says
Great blog Dr. Jenn, truly inspirational. On a lighter note, I don’t suppose Jane now likes mushrooms and talapia as we ll as fried plantain? I live in hope!!!