Thank you for your gifts to PazSalud!  These stories tell you how much those gifts are needed.

Rosita first met the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace in the 1980s when she received care from Sister Eleanor while being fitted for prostheses (both her legs were amputated below the knee).  She now lives with three children in a house in the countryside that was built with help from donors at the PeaceHealth System Office.  Rosita also receives regular donations from the System Office Snack and Pop fund - these help her to feed and school her children.

Rosita with her children.

Walter and his family.

A group of PeaceHealth volunteers in our Panchimalco mission (2008) were impressed by Walter, a health promoter in his community and a caring volunteer during our mission week.  As they talked to him, they learned that he dreamed of going to college, but that was something his family could never afford. They decided to make it possible, and set up a scholarship fund. Walter is now in his second year at a University in San Salvador, studying math and engineering.  This photo shows him with his family.

Our general medical mission in Comasagua (2009) was held in the local health clinic.  The doctor who directs the clinic called our attention to this young girl, Nubia, who comes from an extremely poor family, and was working to help her mother support them.  Sister Susan and some of her friends decided to provide some regular help to Nubia's mother so that Nubia can go to school, and the family doesn't go hungry.  Also, thanks to our great team of optometrists, Nubia has new glasses made just for her.

Nutrition Center

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These patients received cataract surgery during our 2009 surgical mission at Hospital San Rafael.  They were identified during the general medical mission in Comasagua.  The cost of the surgical mission is covered by PeaceHealth and SEE, Intl.  This year we had several patients who needed additional laser surgery after the mission, and that was supplied by a local ophthalmologist - and paid for by some very generous donations.  We are always glad to get unrestricted donations that help us meet needs like these.

One of our surgeons from the 2009 Eye Surgery Mission, Dr. Robert Rea, came back to El Salvador in July to teach Salvadoran doctors a new technique for cataract surgery.  While he was here, Bob visited two of his patients - the ones with greatest challenges and complications - at their homes for a free checkup.  Both were doing well!  Bob even gave us a donation to cover the expenses of his house calls!

Happy recipients of new glasses.

Dr. Bob Rea (right) makes a house call.