FYI - FW: Seeking Prosthetist for Oct/02 mission to Kerala, India

FYI - FW: Seeking Prosthetist for Oct/02 mission to Kerala, India

Jeff Reznick

6/25/2002

Members of the O&P Community,

The correspondence below was received by OPAF this morning, and we are
pleased to pass it along here for your information.

If you or someone you know is interested in the international
opportunity described here, please contact Mr. David Kelley, VP and
Mission Director of Manny's Caring Hands, directly via email at:
<mailto:<Email Address Redacted>> <Email Address Redacted>


Thanks very much.

Sincerely and with all best wishes to everyone, and especially to
Manny's and their project team -

Jeff

---

Jeffrey S. Reznick, Ph.D.
Director and Senior Research Fellow
Orthotic & Prosthetic Assistance Fund, Inc. (OPAF)
330 John Carlyle Street, Suite 200
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Tel 571.431.0818
eFax 415.534.1857
Email <Email Address Redacted>
Web www.opfund.org

-----Original Message-----
From: Dave Kelley [mailto:<Email Address Redacted>]
Sent: Tuesday, June 25, 2002 11:15 AM
To: <Email Address Redacted> ; <Email Address Redacted> ; <Email Address Redacted>
Cc: <Email Address Redacted>
Subject: Seeking Prosthetist for Oct/02 mission to Kerala, India

Sir/Madam:

(I noticed everyone has the same physical address as email addressees,
so I apologize for any duplication if these end up in the same lap)

Manny's Caring Hands (MCH), a 501(c)(3) organization located in
Virginia, is actively seeking a Prosthetist to accompany a team of
medical and other health care professionals in an October 2002 trip to
Kerala, India to benefit disabled children. Do you or your organization
know of a Prosthetist willing to volunteer 10-14 days of his or her time
and expertise in support of this effort? Travel expenses will be
covered by MCH.

Dr. Michael Reing, a noted DC Metro Area Orthopedic Surgeon, had
originally arranged for several of his staff, including one specializing
in prosthetics, to join the team, but the unexpected loss of a key staff
member left him shorthanded, and unable to provide the support.

Background:

A team of 5 MCH personnel conducted a general medical assessment (by
invitation) of disabled children cared for by the diocese of
Irinjalakuda, Kerala, India in July, 2001. Of the 500+ children seen,
many exhibited physical disabilities which compromised their ability to
function to the best of their abilities, let alone ambulate. Many of
these children also could obviously benefit by a visit by a prosthetist,
in conjunction with an Orthopedic Surgeon, and use of modern prostheses,
which are not available to these children. (Current prostheses consists
of several shared, preWW-II style leather and steel, one-size-fits-all
crutches). Specialized medical care in the area is very limited.

The goals of the October 2002 team are: (1) perform specialized case
work, by individual child, in order to enhance comfort and
functionality; and (2) train local medical and other professional
personnel in new/modern techniques for treating and caring for children
with orthopedic and related disorders. We have the full support of the
diocese of Irinjalakuda, as well as the director and staff of St. James
Hospital, who are coordinating in-country logistics & support.

Kerala is located in the extreme SW coastal section of India, and
somewhat isolated from the effects of political events currently
involving India and Pakistan over Kashmir. In that light, please rest
assured that we will travel in October only if there is no risk to MCH
team members or the local populace.

For more information in considering this request, please visit our
website: <URL Redacted>
< <URL Redacted>> (Manny's Mission to India link).
We also have a general medical assessment report and pictorial essay
available for those personnel seriously considering joining the team.

Thank you for your consideration, & I hope to hear from you soon!

Sincerely,
Dave Kelley
VP & Mission Director