Shriner's Outreach Clinic at Veteran's Hospital Children born "damaged" with legs that don't work, organs where they don't belong and a mind that understands pain too well but not why it is so constant in their life. Children that often don't grow up and even when they do are subjected to stares, challenges and hardships a child should never know. In addition to the children to whom everyone's heart goes out to, we have the parents. Parents that often do not have the financial means to give their child the medical attention they need, that do not know enough about birth defects to understand what's happening to their child until it's already happened and of course parents with the constant "what if?" wondering if what is happening is somehow their fault.
For those who are unaware of what birth defects are and how they affect the Puerto Rican population, here are the statistics from the Department of Health: -Link-. Birth defects are present all over the world but combine that with the fact the Puerto Rico is designated a medically underserved area (MUA) -Link- and the end result is hundreds of babies and children that are left behind.To my knowledge there are three main organizations that are working towards this cause on the island:
It is clear where these organizations fall short... What happens to the middle class parents who do not qualify for extended stay and treatment of their children in Hospital del Niño? Who is attending these children between biannual visits? Prevention is highly important but what happens after the deed is done?
With the intention of helping this cause, with money and time I would create the Mockingbirds foundation that would focus on ongoing treatment for babies and children affected by congenital birth defects with a special effort of support groups for the parents of the affected children.
Mission
Provide prevention education and ongoing treatment at little or no out of pocket cost to children with congenital defects in Puerto Rico, having a stable clinic in the metropolitan area with monthly outreach clinics to the different municipalities on the island. In addition have various support groups for parents and family members of the children.
Vision
Mockingbirds foundation would become the model for children healthcare focusing on prevention, treatment and support for the child and family members alike.
From the moment she finds out she's pregnant, to that first sonogram, to the contractions that let her know that her baby is on the way a scared mother hopes for nothing else than a healthy and successful delivery. It turns into a nightmare when at any point a doctor gives her news that her baby is unhealthy and will require surgeries, treatments and medication to survive.
No child should bear so much pain. No mother should have to think of her newborns death.
And no one should have to face this situation alone.
For those who are unaware of what birth defects are and how they affect the Puerto Rican population, here are the statistics from the Department of Health: -Link-. Birth defects are present all over the world but combine that with the fact the Puerto Rico is designated a medically underserved area (MUA) -Link- and the end result is hundreds of babies and children that are left behind.To my knowledge there are three main organizations that are working towards this cause on the island:
- Hospital de Niño - rehabilitation center for children referred by the Family Department of parents who are abusing them or are financially unable to meet their medical needs.
- Shriner's Outreach Clinics - an extension of the Shriner's Hospital for Children that hold a biannual activity where various doctors, physical therapists and such come to the island to attend children with orthopedic defects.
- Quality of Life Office - focuses on distribution of statistical information and educates the public on the importance of folic acid use for prevention of congenital birth defects.
It is clear where these organizations fall short... What happens to the middle class parents who do not qualify for extended stay and treatment of their children in Hospital del Niño? Who is attending these children between biannual visits? Prevention is highly important but what happens after the deed is done?
With the intention of helping this cause, with money and time I would create the Mockingbirds foundation that would focus on ongoing treatment for babies and children affected by congenital birth defects with a special effort of support groups for the parents of the affected children.
Mission
Provide prevention education and ongoing treatment at little or no out of pocket cost to children with congenital defects in Puerto Rico, having a stable clinic in the metropolitan area with monthly outreach clinics to the different municipalities on the island. In addition have various support groups for parents and family members of the children.
Vision
Mockingbirds foundation would become the model for children healthcare focusing on prevention, treatment and support for the child and family members alike.
From the moment she finds out she's pregnant, to that first sonogram, to the contractions that let her know that her baby is on the way a scared mother hopes for nothing else than a healthy and successful delivery. It turns into a nightmare when at any point a doctor gives her news that her baby is unhealthy and will require surgeries, treatments and medication to survive.
No child should bear so much pain. No mother should have to think of her newborns death.
And no one should have to face this situation alone.
 |  |
RSS Feed