Volume 19, Issue 1 April 2017Carolina Medical Mission

BETTERMENT FOR ALLBy John StevensonAs a decades-long diehard traveler, I thought I had seen it all.

I had been across the Atlantic a dozen times each way, clambered up the inside passageway of Egypt's Great Pyramid, strolled around Red Square in Moscow and passed through Berlin's Checkpoint Charlie when it was still an active checkpoint, before the wall came down.

More than a dozen Caribbean escapades had taken me from Cuba to Aruba and many points in between.

But it took the outwardly unpreposessing little city of Tanauan in Batangas Province, the Philippines, to really touch me at the core of my being. That's where I had the privilege in January of joining the Carolina Medical Mission for the first time.

A journalist with no health-care training whatsoever, I needed a not-too-technical duty assignment. So I wound up assisting my wife, dietician Dee Stevenson, in her job of referring patients to appropriate treatment resources within the medical mission. I also aided in the distribution of 5,000 to 6,000 children's vitamin tablets, moving them from jumbo containers into 30-count baggies so that undernourished youngsters would have a month's supply.

At times I worried that my efforts didn't count for much, and I wished I could do something that mattered more.

Then an elderly gentleman came my way, his forehead and cheeks deeply furrowed and his eyes appearing glazed, attesting most

likely to more than age. It occurred to me that years of inadequate health care were stamped on the man's worn face. Fortunately, and even though I don't speak Tagalog, I was able to steer him toward a long-overdue physical checkup.

His demeanor changed instantly, his previously dull eyes flashing to life. His toothless smile was as broad as the heavens as he pumped my hand demonstratively. And he uttered some normally commonplace little words that will tease my memory forever, words that made me realize my work really did matter, that everyone's work mattered.

"Thank you, Pop," said the old-timer before hobbling away.

And let's not forget a cute little Filipina with pigtails, probably about 7. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught her staring at me with boundless

CMM 2017 STATISTICS TANAUAN, BATANGAS

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 TotalPEDIATRICS 195 274 281 228 978ADULT MEDICINE 219 344 543 483 1589DENTAL 85 138 224 272 719SURGICAL MINOR 16 29 28 23 96SURGICAL MAJOR 13 9 9 8 39

528 794 1085 1014 3421

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COORDINATOR’S CORNER By Emma Dempsey“Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain.”

CMM has weathered many storms in our 24 years. From last minute changes in medical and hospital venues; to last minute changes in hotel accommodations; to the less than warm reception from local nurses and doctors. Yes, CMM has risen above the storms, learning to dance in the rain. Indeed, we have learned from these experiences good and bad. We are still learning. Thanks to the tenacity, flexibility, compassion, and dedication of our volunteers, patrons and sponsors who have partnered and collaborated with us through the years we are able to forge ahead. This year’s mission to Tanauan, Batangas with the leadership of Ed & Bing Panganiban was a huge success. For the record, CMM 2017 had our largest number of volunteers ever. This is certainly a reflection of Ed’s leadership as a community leader, both in the Triangle Area of NC and in Batangas. Local Philippine coordinator, Imelda Johansson, was one of the best we’ve ever had. She is a very passionate leader devoted to the people of Tanauan. We also appreciate the support of Ed’s alumni friends from Tanauan Institute High School Batch `74 CHANGE IN CMM LEADERSHIP: “Every intersection in the road of life is an opportunity to make a decision- Duke Ellington

Two of our leaders have reached this intersection in their lives. Dr. Arturo de Leon, who has functioned as our medical director since its inception in 1993 has decided to step down. Dr. Robert Turner has graciously accepted the role as his successor. Dr. Turner, a retired internist from Greenville, NC, has been with CMM for over 20 years. Likewise, Dr. Fred Ng, our surgical director has also decided to step down. He has recommended Dr. Benjamin Yu as his replacement. CMM is very fortunate to have Benji and Rob on board as leaders. Fred and Art plan to continue volunteering. Join me in thanking them for their many years of service! Finally, CMM 2018 will be held in Dinalupihan, Bataan on February 4-10, 2018. Rusty Aujero will serve as the US Coordinator.

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CMM SCHEDULE 2018 FEBRUARY 4-10, 2018 CMM 2018 JOINT MISSION

DINALUPIHAN, BATAAN

CMM 2017 medical venue at the President JP Laurel Sr. Memorial Gymnasium.

CMM volunteers repacking children’s vitamins.

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curiosity, almost as if she thought I might be a creature from another planet. What could I do but smile and wave at her? With that, she took my hand and bowed her forehead gently onto my arm, tugging at my heartstrings in the process.

From my perspective, many tiresome hours of flying across the Pacific were rendered worthwhile simply by that child's precious gesture and the elderly gentleman's expansive thank you, making me want to come back again and again.

The Carolina Medical Mission betters not only the patients it serves but also the volunteers who participate, bringing them priceless fulfillment and enriching their lives in ways I never could have imagined.

A BEAUTIFUL TEAM EFFORTBy Gabriel Villena, DDS When asked to write about my first experience with the Carolina Medical Mission trip, I was hesitant at first, because I definitely did not want to call any attention whatsoever to self, or any good that we do.

Reflecting back on the trip, however, I wanted to highlight three positives from the mission: 1) What a tremendously fun and fulfilling experience it was to serve our fellow kababayan, 2) How well organized the team leaders of the mission trip were, and 3) How much the local coordinators wanted us to experience the local foods, natural beauty, and culture of Batangas.

Going on this year's trip to Tanauan, Batangas allowed me to return to the Philippines to take part in many family reunions and school homecoming celebrations. I really enjoyed the beautiful landscape of Mount Makiling, Mount Malaryat, and the beaches of Nasugbu. I also enjoyed sampling the delectable Batangas delicacies like tulingan, kaldereta, and Kapeng Barako.

Mission trips, for me, have offered countless opportunities to extend humanitarian aid to others who are in need of help, and also for evangelistic outreach to become the practical hands and feet of God in our actions, and in our words of comfort and encouragement. These are practical ways we may serve our fellowmen, reflect God's light and glorify our Father in heaven, as it says in the Bible in the book of Matthew 5:16.

Friends from the States and locals alike really pulled together in the spirit of cooperation, hard work, and joy. It was a beautiful team effort to witness. There were volunteers that counted and dispensed medication and others that offered to fit patients for corrective eyeglasses. The people of Tanauan had the opportunity to receive medical consultations, dental procedures, and surgical care for free.

This year's coordinator, Ed Panganiban and his classmates from his high school batch proved tireless and selfless in taking care of logistics for patient care and feeding the many CMM volunteers. This was a truly rewarding experience that I would recommend to others in the future. Mabuhay ang PAANC and CMM!

CMM: A CONTINUED BLESSING By Art de Leon, MDThe 24th CMM in Tanauan Batangas was definitely one of the best. Ed Panganiban our Batangas coordinator made us feel at home. His high school class really went out of their way. Their hospitality was enjoyed by all. We are also grateful for Mayor Tony Halili for the warm welcome. It made us feel a part of Tanauan.

CMM 24th is just a pasakalye or a prelude to CMM’s Silver Anniversary in Bataan. Let us help Rusty and Mau Aujero make our “Back to Bataan” mission a success.

CMM has been blest to have reached 200,000 patients and maybe more. It is proof that God is with CMM and with Him nothing is impossible. He showed us that we can do it, if He is with us.

CMM REMEMBERS Sergio Q. Cuison, MD passed away January 30, 2017 at the age

of 81. He first joined the Carolina Medical Mission in 1997 on invitation from his cousin Eva Lagasca. He was a devoted CMM volunteer. He was preceded in death by his wife Navora Gapas Cuison, MD on August 28, 2013. Both were long time CMM

volunteer anesthesiologists. Serg will be remembered by fellow volunteers as a compassionate man with a wonderful sense of humor. He is survived by his 2 children: Dr. Maryvic Cuison, a CMM volunteer in 2010; Sergio E. Cuison; and eight grandchildren.

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CMM NEWS• Thank you, Americares for donating isoflurane, sevoflurane

anesthesia, and seven pulse oximeters. Two units were donated to Laurel Memorial District Hospital and Two units were given for CMM 2018 Bataan. Oximeters were given to Pinamalayan Doctor’s Hospital, Tanauan rural health outreach, and the final unit is being used by the CMM anesthesia team.

• Thank you, Kingsway Charities for the invaluable assistance with CMM in obtaining low cost and free medicines for this year’s mission.

• CMM Surgical Mission Nueva Ecija, Feb. 8-12. 2017 Minor Cases: Cabanatuan City 38 patients, Cabanatuan City 29 patients, Bgy. Barlis, Cabanatuan City 29 patients. Surgeons: Sida Yu- Gascon, MD; Paolo Gascon, MD; Fred Ng, MD; Benji Yu, MD; Anesthesiologist: Nimfa Yu, MD; Logistics & Supplies: Anita Ng; Nurses: Annie dela Cruz and Imelda So

• CMM Surgical Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro, Feb. 14, 2017 Cases: 4 major; 11 minor (This is an on-going surgical mission) Antonio Ng, MD; Pinamalayan Doctors’ Hospital OR Staff

CMM 2017 volunteers in Tanauan, Batangas.

CMM Coordinators Ed and Bing Panganiban

Pulse Oximeters donated by Americares

Sergio and Navora Cuison 2007

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THE CAROLINA MEDICAL MISSION: SERVICE TO THE FILIPINO PEOPLE SINCE 1993We thank all our benefactors and sponsors, past and present, for their invaluable support of our outreach.

CORPORATE BENEFACTORSAmericaresBlessings InternationalBlue Cross-Blue ShieldDuke Raleigh HospitalEthiconFidelity CharitableFil-Am of the Lower Cafe FearGlaxoSmithKlineC.M. Herndon FoundationKingsway CharitiesMAP InternationalMicrosoft/BenevityNovo Nordisk/Network for GoodOriental Store of RaleighPAANC, Inc.Priory of St. Thomas Aquinas Realo PharmacyRex Hospital

INDIVIDUAL BENEFACTORLois AdionRusty & Mau Aujero, RNChing BarrettoFrances & Kenneth BluhmBrian CareyHannah CareyCarmen Castaneda, MDCorina CastilloLita CastilloClaro ChuaTessie & Jose Chua, Jr.Stephen ChuaPeggie ColemanRafael & Naomi Corpus, CLSIIUlda DatilesRosemary & Art de Leon, MD ***Herminia & Joel de LeonRuth de Leon, ASCPEmma DempseyMa. Tess FerrerBen Galang, CRNAMa. Imelda Garcia, RNCarol & Ken HornGloria & Donald James, Jr.Kyong Lee & Peter Ng, MD ***Msgr. Gerald Lewis***Hai & Ernest Madarang, MDTita Madarang, RNRudy & Mila Maningas, RNAnn & James MarshallNancy MasseyAnn MaynardEdita Extra-Mendoza, MDFred Mendoza, MDCarmen & Harry MosherCindy Ng ***Glennie & Alex Ng ***Anita & Godofredo Ng, MDOnelia Jose & Joseph Ng***Rosario & Santos OcampoWilliam OlivitoZenaida Espino-Ostman, MDRevelina & Ed Panganiban

Arlene Sena, MDMargaret SmithRodrigo SoberanoJosie SpontakDalisay & John StevensonKristine TurnerRobert Turner, MDEstrella Ventura, CRNAGabriel Villena, DDSLeilani So-Wiltz, MDLinda Zaballero, RN

SPONSORSMila & Fabian AguilarMelissa Anastacio, MDEstrella Ang, PhDMercy & Ed AshfordStephanie AshfordGloria & Robert Bannister Perlita & David Barrow ****Beverly BaquiranTeresa & Francis BaylonSuzette BernabeSusan & Mrinmay BiswasBelen & William BrattainAnn BuettnerEvelyn BuettnerCarmelita BumanglagRosie & Ely CadawasLinda CampagnaErnie CandelariaEstrella & Romeo CasugaBenedicta & Romeo CasupananJudith & Enemuel CelemenArlene Chua, MDArlet & Ricky Chua ***James ChuaLi Wong Tan & Eddie Chua ***Wyda & Loree Chua ***Clay Franklin Church, MDCarol & James CloonanMary ColomboFlorilla & Rawland Crosby, Jr.Francisco Cruz+Lorena CruzRose & George DariaPertlita DatinguinooHannah & Arthur de Leon****Rosemary & Art de Leon, MD*Rosemary de Leon, MD**Emma Dempsey*Julia DempseySheryl & Jay DimanligAsuncion & Frankline DominnoEsper & Johnny EmperadorMichael EstiraLourdes & Henry EstradaDea & Emily Ewing***James Featherston, JrHelen & Arnel FebreMargaret & Jim Fleischhauer, JrBrian Fulcher, RPhFoxcroft Women’s ClubMandy Francisco

Nelcar Gadrinab, MDVicky & Louis GadrinabAdelina & Fidel GarciaCandida & Perico GatchalianCharito & Ronaldo GeneblazoMary & Richard GlickCecile GrantAmelia Gregorio, RNEvelyn & Windsor Holt, MDH.H. House Angelita Ng & Chris Huff ***Remedios InsongVioleta & Larry JanolinoSony & Francis Jao ***Grace & Stanley KasperAngelina & John KlotskoEllen & Peter KramerEva & Jaime LagascaGing & Rudy LamesDigna & Lawrence LardizabalNoeme Ann & Levi LarrozaMonina Lee, RNFrances LewisAsuncion Ng-Libago ***Muck Libago ***Alice & Fermin LontocImelda & John LossingAdora LuckEvelyn & Conrad MagtalasRosario & Juan MangosingGlo & Haryo MarsosudiroSonia Martinez, MDPatricia & Jeffrey MasseyEli MemitaAmy & Wency MendozaEvelyn & Luisito MendozaLoida MorenoNelle Strozier-Moseley, MDJudith MuellerFaustino Naldoza, Jr.,MDAnita & Fred Ng*Evella & Lieu NguyenTherry & Rodolfo NuguidAgnes & Reginald OandasanMelissa Obillo ***Avelita & Edwin OcampoErlinda PacisDiana & John PallinJocelyn & Alan PalomaresMerly & Luisito Pascual, RNJoan PerryJames PesarCharles PittmanRichard QuinlanMinerva & Juan SantiagoMary Ann & Don SchmittNorma & Dario SenaMa. Dorina Sevilla, MDJeannette & Ted SinoMarie Blanche Siy, RNResurreccion SurellEvelyn & Brigido TahopAnita & Tony TanEliza & J.D. Teodoro, MD

Anita Chua-Tolentino, MDSonia Uy***Terestita & Danny VillaminPriscilla Wiggins Marge WoodAdelaida Wylie, RNMina & Patrick Yang ***

*in memory of Frank Cruz** in memory of Dana Draper**in memory of Flordelino Obillo***in honor of Fred Ng****in honor of Rose & Art de Leon

CMM BATAAN 2018 (Feb. 4-10, 2018)BENEFACTORMark Aujero Olivia & James LindsayEdward Myers, OPSandra & William MyersPriory of St. Thomas AquinasNovo Nordisk/Network for Good

SPONSORSSheila & Gerard BrillanteCarmelita Salvador CarriganDelphine & Fred Cordero Mayah CurtisCathy & Renel EbroRoselle & Larry EnriquezArlene & Nell EscabasIda Mae FlemingJosefina GordonMary Catherine HuffinesMary & Gary KimballChristina MalataJennifer & Joseph MartizanoJohn MyersLiezl & Rouel PadreSharon & Renel PinatFlorence Poff Ma. Theresa RamosAlice & Johnny TanJanet & Gary YoungJuanita & Richard YoungKristine Young

FERRER-TURNER WEDDING FUTURE CMM MISSION Corazon & Eduardo Alejandro Mercedita & Edward Ashford Suellen & Paul Biel Antonia & Wayne Brazier Cynthia & Martin Brekas Margaret Cassidy Maria Ceniza Kay & John Clark Cindy & Jay Collie Rosemary & Arturo de Leon Emma Dempsey Zenaida & Jeffrey Derry Robert Dobbins Linda Doolittle

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Please help us continue serving the less-fortunate in the Philippines.

SERVING BATAAN IN 2018

“There is no expiration date on hope!”FERRER-TURNER WEDDING FUTURE CMM MISSION cont’d Josie Driver Susie Elks Prabhavatthi & Michael Fernandez Irish Ferrer Mylene & Jose Ferrer Sean Mark Ferrer Florence & Alfie Fidelino Anita Francisco Nieva & Gary Geigel Janet Hofstetter Ronela Ferrer & Harold Huskins, Jr Marsha Jones Peri & Ronald Kerr

Sara Klawitter Christine Pire-Knoche Elena & Peter Kramer Eva & James Lagasca Jesse Lee Trish Lese Teresita & Orlando Madarang Heidi & Brian Marks Clarice & Floyd Mattheis Elena Mayo Theresa McAskill Carmen & Harry Mosher Phyllis & Luther Myers Emmeline & Andy Neri Anita & Godofredo Ng Glerda Nischan

Toby Ritterhoff & David Oldach Maria & Guido Panes Sherry Charmaine Panes Revelina & Eduardo Panganiban Elaine & Terry Paul Smruti & Pankaj Patel Charlene & Jim Peden Margarita & Fermin Placino Tanya Lane-Pringle Lisa Reardon Emma Sanchez Nina & Graham Saunders Drusilla L. Scott Ellen & Jeffrey Segar Norma & Dario Sena Susan Serna

Pamela & John Soma Aurora Sprague Sarah Stoenner Salvacion Stromberg Nora & Benedict Tapales Donna & David Taylor Marcia & Jon Tingelstad Francisca & Lee Trent Estrella Ventura Erlinda Zaballero List as of April 25, 2017. We apologize for any inadvertent errors or omission of donors.

Dear CMM Volunteers and Supporters, My name is Rusty Aujero, I am a retired nurse from Durham, NC. I am the US Coordinator for CMM 2018. I first volunteered with the Carolina Medical Mission in 2003 when the joint mission was held in my hometown of Dinalupihan, Bataan. We were able to serve over 5,000 patients during the four day mission. I am proud and excited to announce that CMM 2018 will return to Bataan. We are scheduled to serve my townmates of Dinalupihan on February 4-8, 2018.

During my February 2017 visit to my town, I felt the tremendous support of the municipality leaders. They are excited and are anticipating CMM’s return. My entire family is prepared and motivated to help out in any way they can. They view CMM’s humanitarian work as a form of stewardship in sharing God’s given gift of time, talent, and treasure in service to the underprivileged in the Philippines. The “smiles” and “thank-yous” from our kababayan (our fellow Filipinos) are our foremost rewards! This will be CMM’s 25th year of community outreach to the Philippines. This is my first experience as the main US coordinator. I am inspired and overjoyed to coordinate CMM’s return to my hometown. I am fully aware of the patience and sacrifices needed for a successful mission. I am ready to face the many challenges of coordinating a free medical, surgical, and dental mission. My personal motto that I firmly believe in is that “God always provides” for a noble cause, especially with His favorite people, “the poor”.

My husband, Mau and I have already started the crucial task of fundraising. We are learning that it is not an easy job. We are blessed to have gotten off to a fairly good start. However, we are still far from our goal of raising the necessary funds to support a four day mission trip. A financial gift from you will be a big help in reaching our fundraising goal for CMM 2018 in DInalupihan, Bataan. Thank you in advanced for your generosity.

I invite all medical and non-medical volunteers to come and join us next year for the silver anniversary of CMM. I look forward to sharing the historical and cultural treasures that my hometown and province have to offer. All of you have an important part and we are all one body in serving the poor with love for the glory of our own CREATOR!

Finally, an early congratulations to the Carolina Medical Mission on their upcoming 25th year of service! More power to all committed volunteers and to the CMM leaders who serve with humility.

Sincerely, Rusty Aujero, RNUS CoordinatorCMM 2018 Dinualupihan, Bataan

Mail your tax-deductible contribution to:Carolina Medical Mission-PAANC

1309 Spring Forest RoadRaleigh, NC 27615

TheCarolinaMedicalMissionisahumanitarianprojectofthenon-profit Philippine American Association of North Carolina, Inc. (PAANC)

ataxexemptnon-profit501(c)(3)organization.

To learn more visit www.CarolinaMedicalMission.com