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Relationships
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Relationships The success of a mission is the personal relationships that grow from the work. Sue Ellen Ruggles and Luis Felipe Grahan Zapata, the Medical Director of Hospital del Nino, forged a relationship in 1996 and as a result of both their work, over 200 children have had life changing surgery. "In 1996, in May or June, Sue Ellen came to the hospital because she met the state Minister of Health Lucio Lastra Escudero called me about Sue Ellen and asked me if I could receive Sue Ellen in my office. I talked with her about what we do in the hospital. She asked me about the nurses, doctors, equipment, the operation rooms," tells Luis Felipe.
"She asked me about how many beds and what kinds of patients we're receiving, where they come from. I responded that we receive kids from all of south Mexico; kids who don't have money." As a result of their conversation, Ruggles asked Luis Felipe if he was interested in exchange and started talking about Operation Rainbow. "Back in the days of faxes and phone calls only," Ruggles said, so the conversations were sometimes slow, but the first mission took place in Early 1997. "The real core of what I do is develop relationships. The office work and the paperwork is necessary, but without the carefully nurtured relationships, our missions wouldn't happen." Ruggles told. "The relationship with Luis, the relationship with my doctors, my nurses and my team make it possible to do miracles for the most important relationship: my kids." Luis Felipe describes the experience of the first mission, "For me, it was the first time for people from another country to make these kinds of operations. We know there are generous people-- We liked the people who come because they spend time to come to Mexico, leaving their family and their job," Luis Felipe proudly added, "We wanted to show the hospital to make the best impression" Luis Felipe adds that the people in his hospital benefit as much as the patients. "Not everybody has a chance to meet people from the United States. And people from Operation Rainbow never came to Mexico. They feel different after they meet. A lot of people only know about the news and the movies. We've started a good friendship." "This week is very special because we are together, working together for the same thing, it's about kids. We learn about how you work and how you see your life. It's important for people from Canada, California, Houston . Now everyone can know about the the hospital via Internet." Luis Felipe said. Luis Felipe was also very appreciative of the non-medical volunteers on the trip. "When you work in the hospital, you know what happens in the hospital. Volunteers can come here and listen to the histories about the kids. People coming here with 3 or 4 babies without food or only eating once a day. The volunteers are very important." When asked about his goals for the future of Hospital del Nino and Operation Rainbow, Luis Felipe talked about what happens when his term as Medical Director ends this December. "I want to finish my period this year -- I end in December -- and I want this program to continue." He went on to explain that the programs begun here are designed to continue after his departure. He is noticeably proud as he walks among his staff and the volunteers in the hospital. He talks freely about his memories and favorite times with the group. "I enjoy all days every day. We like to make friends. The people here are different. They want to make friends."
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Day
Six
