Friday, November 30, 2007

The Best Christmas Present

I heard from Vanessa today that we have been given an incredible gift. A doctor named from Philadelphia has been talking with us about providing surgery for a number of Haitian children with Hydrocephalus (excess water on the brain). He is an accomplished neurosurgeon who has actually worked in various parts of the world and has pioneered a shunt-less technique to provide relief for children in developing countries. This doctor is interested in working with AMH and now has two hospitals, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia and duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, that have agreed to provide free care for these children. With this assistance, we hope to be able to provide much needed medical care for up to 20 Haitian children suffering from hydrocephaly! This is just awesome and we have prayed for such a hero. We are so excited to be working with him!

From our trips to Haiti this year, we have already identified a number of children who need this surgery. In fact, we saw no less than six children just in October with various stages of this condition. The worst case we saw was a little girl with a head circumference of almost 38 inches. The amazing thing was that this little one was alert and very interested in her surroundings. She tracked our movements and listened as we talked with her mother. She ever turned her own body & head over to get her mother's attention at one point.

There are many children in Haiti and a number of medical missions have been trying to help. We pray that we are able to raise the funds to bring these children to the US this year for this life-saving surgery. We know that it is in God's hands and it is through his providence that we have the opportunity to partner with so many incredible medical professionals and institutions. Please consider helping our mission in some way. Host families will be needed in Philadelphia and Wilmington. We will need to raise quite a bit of money to pay for the necessary expenses involved in getting each child a visa and for all the travel expenses as well.

Achemine (Mia) had her surgery last Spring in Roanoke, Virginia. She is doing wonderfully now. Mia is happy, alert and developing in all areas. Her father and mother are so thankful to have her back home.Time is ticking by quickly for some of these children and they don't have the luxury of waiting long. duPont Hospital for Children and the doctors are ready to get moving and so are we! As always, prayers are needed and much appreciated!

Happy Holidays,


Fran

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Home for Christmas

We are so happy to let everyone know that two of our little ones will be going home in time to spend Christmas with their families! Anna Noah and Berny will both be traveling with Vanessa on Sunday to Haiti. You may remember that Berny has been here since the summertime when he mysteriously came down with Guillan-Barre Syndrome. We were so worried that we wouldn't get him another visa to return to the US before the virus stopped his breathing. Fortunately, Vanessa and some quick working doctors arranged for his care in Roanoke, Virginia and he traveled back with Vanessa within a few days. He immediately went into the PICU and stayed there for some time. As they had never seen this virus stike someone so young, they weren't sure the prognosis for Berny. Thankfully, the progression of the disease stopped short of compromising his breathing, but little Berny did have to learn to use his arms and his legs all over again. He has worked hard this fall and now considers himself Superman (see his pose below)! So do we, Berny!! He has some further rehabiliation to go, but all concerned, including the docs, consider him a medical miracle. A big thanks to everyone who has helped get this little man back on his feet and on his way home to his Papa Bernard and Mama Suzie!
Anna Noah has been here in the US several times now and this was a short trip to get her mouth piece repaired. She has had both her cleft lip and palette repaired, but unfortunately, the doctors have not been able to close the hole in the roof of her mouth completely. A wonderful doctor who Anna calls Dr. Olivia in SC made a small, removable guard that covers the hole making it easier for Anna Noah to talk and safer for her to eat & drink. With new mouth guard in hand, Anna is now ready to return to Haiti and meet her brand new little brother who was born while she has here! Her family will be so happy to have her back in time for the holiday.
Please keep Vanessa and the children in mind while they are traveling to Haiti next week. We have other exciting news to share soon about our mission to start at least one, possibly two medical clinics for our children and their families in Haiti. When we get all the details together, I'll be sure to share more!
Blessings,
Fran

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Puppies for Christmas!

Well, Vanessa and her sister have a whole bunch of beautiful, sweet puppies that they are selling once again to raise money for Angel Missions. These little ones are just adorable and they are all purebred Maltese. They are ready to go or Vanessa is willing to hold on to any puppy (that has been paid for) until Christmas if that is what you need. Please take a look at these sweet faces and consider giving someone you love a wonderful companion & friend for Christmas!

Meet the Little Girls!
Angel; born 9/16/07

Bell has a new home!

Faith; born 8/9/07

Noel; born 9/16/07



Hope; born 8/9/07



Snow has a new home!



Grace has a new home!
Meet the Little Boys!


St. Nick; 8/9/07

Snowball; born 9/16/07

The cost for the females is $1,000 and males $800 with all profits going to fund medical care for the children in our mission. All puppies come with a health guarantee and are kennel & paper trained. They have their first shots, are vet checked and have papers. Mother 7 to 8 pounds. Father -5- 6 pounds. All are purebred maltese. She will keep any puppy till Christmas that is paid in full. Puppies reside in Ohio and Virginia. Delivery can be arranged.