We are very proud of our pediatric audiology medical mission that took place September 25-29th, 2023. It has been 6 years as well since our beloved Dr. Debbie Venkateh (audiologist) came to volunteer at Clinica Fara, to Matagalpa and Jinotega giving hearing exams and hearing aids to the hearing impaired children (and some adults).
In every mission Dr. Venkateh brought a group of assistants and students to volunteer with her. In every single one of her missions, there was Gladys Diaz-Garcia, she never missed one.
A couple of years ago we were heartbroken when we heard Dr. Venkatesh had retired. We were so happy for her and so very grateful for the many children who were able to hear thanks to her labor of love, dedication and generosity in time and resources. Little we knew that the wonderful assistant Gladys would one day fit in the big shoes left behind by Dr. Debbie.
The week went by very fast and the wonderful team of Gladys Diaz Garcia, Reynita Sagon-Alcisto (audiology doctor), Isabel Valdovinos Martinez (audiology student) and Erin O´Donnell (mission coordinator), was not only doing all the hearing tests but they were also adjusting and fitting hearing aids on site to all of the patients that needed them, free of charge. We had a total of 89 patients seen, 98 hearing aids and 536 packages of batteries given, 3 head bands for patients without ears or hearing canal that are worth more than 7,000 dollars each.
We would like to acknowledge our wonderful donors that made this possible; The House Institute Foundation; Widex, Oticon, Resound (Manufacturers for the device donations). Those who donated for international trips in general: Widex, Oticon, Resound. Additional donations on this trip specifically: Resound, Oticon and Debbie Venkatesh that sent some of her old ear molds, BAHAs, and hearing aids.
We are most grateful for all the many lives that were forever changed thanks to the kindness and generosity of these two fantastic groups and those who helped them make it possible. We are so very blessed to have been witnesses and collaborators in both of these medical missions.
Génesis is Isaura’s granddaughter, who is a worker at Santa Rita one of FARA farms and we watched her hear for the first time this evening!
She was so excited and nervous. She is a shy girl but you can hardly hear her pronounce her first words
Dra. Gladys is showing Isaura how to get the hearing aids on and off and they are even making an extra set for her!
