Dr. Nadia Afridi, Dr. Richard Gillerman, Jose Luis Salazar, Bob Langert at a Press Conference in Quito

Dr. Nadia Afridi, Dr. Richard Gillerman, Jose Luis Salazar, Bob Langert
Originally uploaded by interplast.

Yesterday, Dr. Richard Gillerman and Dr. Nadia Afridi joined our managing director, Jose Luis Salazar, and me, for a press conference at a McDonald’s restaurant in Quito to summarize our wonderful trip. At the press conference, I summarized a couple of my lessons. First, I said if I can return back to my "normal"€ life with just a portion of the humanitarian spirit that this Interplast team of surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses possess, I would be a very fortunate man. I also learned first-hand the difference one individual can make. The financial support for missions like this are vital, but personal involvement is needed, too.

Raise the Bar on Corporate Volunteerism

There are cynics who are suspicious of corporate motivations for philanthropy. My takeaway from this awesome experience is to keep giving—but raise the bar on corporate volunteerism. While keeping the fiscal contributions flowing, the corporate world and its work force can do more to balance the equation. We need half money / half big-hearted people. Beyond what they do in their own communities, employees can get directly involved with causes and nonprofit organizations that their company supports. After all, corporations relish win-win situations. I know the Loja patients like Francisco, Wilma, Angel and Gladys won. I know the Interplast team sure had a winning feeling, including me. Ronald McDonald House Charities wins by making these smart grants where the number of children that are directly and tangibly helped keeps multiplying. Lastly, McDonald’s wins because our business is not just about serving food and fun. Giving back is not a corporate shell game; it is about doing our small part to add to a sustainable society.

Our Last Night in Loja

Dr. Nelson Samaniego
Originally uploaded by interplast.

It is tradition to have a celebratory dinner with those from the hospital and Loja that helped us provide medical care for the children. The grand prize for leadership in their community ought to go to Dr. Nelson and Cora Samaniego, who are the local partners to Interplast that due a myriad of efforts to support, promote and coordinate the mission trip

Cora Samaniego

Cora Samaniego
Originally uploaded by interplast.

Changing Lives

We capped the evening with a surprise song. I wrote the lyrics, and Helena Hellberg sang it to the tune of Amazing Grace. Her voice was as lovely as the entire experience.

CHANGING LIVES

Changing lives
With Interplast.
They bring a smile to all!
And special gifts they bring to bare,
But most of all they care.

Changing lives
Right here in Loja.
Our partners are the best!
The Samaniego’s paved the way,
We wish we all could stay.

Changing lives
Now back home we go,
With lasting memories!
Y queremos a ustedes agradezerles ya,
El ayuda que siempre nos dan.

Interplast Loja Team Picture

group
Originally uploaded by interplast.

Team picture: seated, left to right: Bob Langert, Lisa Gould, Richard Gillerman, Nadia Afridi, Tom Moore, and Jim Mahoney. Standing, left to right: Barb Cummins, Katherine Griffin, Pam St. Louis, Ken Bloome, Dawn Yost, Helena Hellberg, and Steve Parker.