The drug violence that has wracked Mexico in recent years has caused Boulder Community Hospital to cancel its annual medical mission to Mante.

This February will be the first time since 1990 that a team of volunteers, organized through Boulder Community Hospital, won’t visit the small Mexican city to provide medical care ranging from the repair of cleft palates to the distribution of eyeglasses.

Read More: http://www.dailycamera.com/boulder-county-news/ci_16746569

A few weeks after the BCH Mante Medical Mission team returned home, two drug cartels moved into Mante. The peaceful streets of Mante became battlegrounds as these two cartels fought each other. Bodies were left in the streets. Citizens were forced to change their daily lives to avoid the dangers that were present. Streets were empty after 6 P.M.. The cartels had moved into town, occupying some of the wealthier homes.

In March, a group of teachers traveled from Mante to Boulder as part of the Teacher Exchange Program. At that time we first learned just how dangerous Mante had become. Imagine the Boulder Police Chief advising all citizens not to bother calling 911 after dark, because no officers will respond. The teachers reminded us that these strangers had invaded Mante. Once they leave, Mante will become peaceful once again.

Boulder Community Hospital began monitoring the situation in Mante in early March. Various team members continued to contact friends in Mante for updates. The violence between the two drug cartels continued and seemed to be concentrated in other cities such as Matamoros, Reynosa and Victoria, the state capital. We continued to plan for the 2011 medical mission, hoping that the violence would end.

Finally, on July 26, 2010, David Gehant BCH CEO decided to cancel the 2011 mission. He called Dr. David Rodriguez and explained that he needed to cancel the mission because there was no way to guarantee the safety of the 100 medical personnel that comprise our team. He told Dr. Rodriguez that we intend to return in 2012 or possibly late in 2011 if conditions improved. This was a difficult decision, because our team members voluntarily travel to Mante to provide much needed medical care for thousands of citizens who cannot afford medical care. We know that many of the team members would travel to Mante despite the violence, but sending a large team was too risky.

I don’t know what will happen to Ciudad Mante. A close friend recently emailed his description of life in Mante. “Our daily lives have been affected by all this violence; we don’t go out late at night, we don’t travel at night on highways, etc. We are getting use to the presence of soldiers in town and we learn of incidents now and then; although it was a lot more difficult in Mante about two-three months ago…..Thank you for your concern and blessings. Meanwhile, Dr. David Rodriguez continues to tend to the thousands of people who patiently wait for the return of the medical team.

Our trip has ended. After waiting for 1-1/2 hours at the airport in Tampico for the fog to lift we had a safe, smooth flight Tampico-Houston-Denver. Oh, yes, there was one challenge. How does one convince an employee that one suitcase 3 lbs over 50 averages with one suitcase 3 lbs under 50 and there should be no extra charges? The last day is spent with final surgeries and patients and then (ugh) packing, and labeling, separating those things to bring back to Boulder, and those things to be stored securely in Mante. By 1:30, the last patient was seen, rooms emptied, doors locked, and trucks loaded.

Culture: next year visit the studio of wood-carving artist Sylvestrei Hernandez Perez. Fantastic work.

How poor is poor? Remember on Wednesday we mentioned the twin girl with an extra toe brought for surgery? Her twin also had an extra toe. When Mom was asked why she didn’t bring both girls, she replied she didn’t have enough money. For the free surgery? No, bus fare is charged per person, and she could only afford enough for herself and one daughter.

Michael Jackson was thought of. Anesthesia ran out of propofol (MJs choice of drug) to put surgical patients to sleep. Some good local trading provided what was needed.

PT just knew it would happen. Early in the week, Rosaria came in. With a left bk amputation, she just needed a small right shoe. Lupita and Becky knew something would happen soon. Truly, on Friday, Amanda came in with a right ak amputation. All she needed was a small left shoe. Of course, it fit.

Health education has become a larger focus in our mission. 62yo Pablo is a Type II Diabetic with an ankle ulcer 2”x3”. It has not healed since he came last year. Having no shoes, he borrowed heavy shoes from a friend to come. PT first washed his feet, put on a protective Unna Boot, found shoes and new socks that fit, and instructed Pablo and his family on essential nutrition and skin care.

For 75 years, the Hector Perez Martinez public school has provided studies for 300 kids, grades 1-6. Mante Rotary and Boulder Flatirons Rotary Club have had a supportive relationship for years. Bill and I attended a plaque presentation of appreciation. Balancing boards and collapsible ‘tunnels’ were also given for students to help with early stimulation for young children. In addition, 400+ pair of glasses have been provided. Each child goes to the optician and selects a frame of choice. The optician donates have half the cost, Rotary contributes 40%, and the family pays merely 10%. Around the inner walls of the school is the most fantastic mural depicting the oppression of life without education, and opportunities available for education, employment, health, and culture with education.

The Fiesta is a grand opportunity for Boulder to thank our Mante friends, and for Mante to show their appreciation to us. We provide $2500 for this evening, but DIF provides not only the balance, but all of the work/arrangements, too. BCH is committed to this mission. ?De vera? !De vera! You may be astonished to learn the dollar amount invested in transporting 90 people and our equipment to Mante.

In his thoughtful words at the Fiesta, Dr David Rodriquez mentioned we had nearly 4000 patient contacts (Med, Peds, GYN, PT, Audio, Spch, Nutrition, Lab) and completed almost 300 surgical procedures. ‘We treat all ages from newborns to the very last patient who was 102 years old.’ 2000 years ago, a Greek physician, and mentioned by Christ, said ‘some are born to serve, not to be served. Now with us, we want to serve.’ It has been a pleasure to serve as your reporter….Jean Bedell

Luz Alegria Ostos

Luz paints from her imagination. She’s looking for feedback because she’s unsure of her talents. What do you think?

FLORIAN LOPEZ

Yesterday Chelito drove us to Xicotencatl (“he co ten’ cutl”) to see Florian’s newest mural. He spent six months painting this mural. But first he read. He read the history of the area, from prehistoric to contemporary time. And then he completed basic sketches and began painting.

Wooley Mammoths, saber-tooth tigers and other prehistoric creatures once grazed in this area. One panel depicts the past history with the agriculture, transportation improvements that helped the area grow economically. Food gatherers evolved to farmers, trains soon serve Xicotencatl. Another panel shows the modernization that has transformed Xicotencatl. Ox carts are replaced by mechanized harvesting machines, sugar and corn fields and the sugar mill.

A interesting feature of the mural is the way Florian uses the corner of the panels to create an optical illusion that gives the hotel a three dimensional “corner.”

LUCIO TENORIO

Lucio Tenorio’s mural is found in the computer lab of a Mante elementary school. Like many murals, it depicts the subject matter over time. Here, the arts and sciences. His inspiring images and colors somehow ground the students in Mante’s history as the connect to the world wide web. The signature characteristic in Lucio’s mural is the depiction of the people as Aztecs. The Aztecs’ “head binding” was cultural expression of a select group. Makes tattoos seem mild.

LUCIO RENTERIA

Lucio Renteria’s miniature sculptures have been popular. Half have been sold, so I’ve include some additional photos below.

Here’s the mini-miracle for today. On Monday, Esther 52yo arrived as a left bk amputee because of diabetes. She only needed a small-sized right shoe. Would you believe that today, Clarissa came to PT. She is a right ak amputee. She only needed a small-sized left shoe. It was a perfect combo.

Tuberculosis? It is usually found in the lungs, or bones. But, it can occur anywhere. Jovani, 43yo, saw Valorie with TB of the skin on his left leg. We have no available treatments, but he was referred to Dr David for ongoing treatment. This will be long-term care…perhaps a year.

It is always a pleasue to receive thanks. Karen got a sweet note “Gracias por sus atenciones por haberme para es oportunidad de pasar con me hijo.” (Thanks for taking good care of my son)

A real, and sad, challenge came to Randy. 37yo Julio has multiple squamous cell (probably) tumors on his head. They have invaded his skull. He is a young man, with a poor future. Surgery does not seem an option. Medication to minimize the pain is the option at this time.

For 75 years, the Hector Perez Martinez School is a public school teaching 300 kids in grades 1-6. Through the Mante Rotary Club, Dr Juan Manuel Ramirez has helped provide equipment needed for the elementary schools. Bill and I received a plaque for Flatirons Rotary Club of Boulder for their help. Today Rotary donated items for early childhood stimulation. These included colorful collapsible ‘tunnels’ to crawl through and semi-circular wooden forms to improve balance. Also, they have provided 400-500 pairs of glasses. Each child goes to the optician to choose the most chic frames. The lenses of proper strength were put in, and glasses were distributed to the proper children. Around the school walls are the most fantastic murals. They depict the difference of poverty and oppression without education, and the professional, cultural, hygienic lifestyles for educated persons.

For you animal lovers, Techie is the mascot for one of the tech institutes. Val found this donkey chained. She brought carrots, and some other folks modeled her feedings. The promise is that a new school will be built with room for Techie to prance around unchained.

All teenaged girls want to look pretty. 18yo Karla was in a car crash months ago. There were fatalities. Clarissa survived, but has wicked-looking leg scars. She needs plastic surgery. Hopefully next year will be able to provide help for her.

Peds thinks everyone is a ‘kid’ regardless of age. Margarita of unknown age (70? 75?) brought her grandchild to be seen, and ended up getting a nebulizer treatment herself. And then, a grandmother brought her granddaughter. The child was OK, but grandmother had a gran-mal seizure.

An interesting 13yo Mario came again…each year since he was 4yo. He has a ‘static-like’ speech almost like an aphasic. He uses nouns and verbs, but with few adjectives or connecting words.

Was it a ‘white witch’ or what? Leslie received a prediction for an event 3 months from now. Hmm.

For you text-ers…TQM…see you tomorrow. Keep the news coming…Jean B

February 17, 2010: Miracles do happen.

Virginia is a 32 year-old woman with three children. She’s been deaf for her entire life. Over time she learned to read lips. However, the limits of reading lips meant she couldn’t hear her baby crying in another room. She spent her life finding ways to deal with her limitations. Fortunately, she had a husband who loved her unconditionally. Still, she always hoped that there might come a day when she could hear. That day was today.

Virginia traveled from the city of Leon, far from Mante. How she learned about the medical mission and its team of audiologist is unknown. Marianne examined her and explained that yes, she was severely deaf. However, they could fit her with a powerful and sophisticated hearing aid they had set aside for just the right patient, and she was the one. Virginia burst into tears, sobbing. At first Marianne thought she was crying because she had told her she was deaf, but no, she was crying tears of joy after learning she could soon hear. Virginia was finally fitted with the hearing aid and her smiled filled the room. A smile Marianne will probably remember for many years and a testament to why she came to Mante.

Virginia center

Finally, a couple of follow-up reports on patients mentioned in earlier blogs. Earlier this week I wrote about a man with a growth the size of an egg on his ear. On the day he was scheduled for surgery, Sarvjit learned that the man had left the hospital and was outside pacing on the sidewalk. He asked a translator to bring the man back and learned that the man was terrified of surgery. Sarvjet spent time explaining the operation, assuring him the surgery would be done under a local anesthesia and thus calming the man’s fears. The surgery was successful. Afterwards Sarvjit asked the man what he planned to do now. “I’m going to go find a girlfriend!!“

The boy with a potentially cancerous tumor was examined under anesthesia on Valentines Day. The surgeon discovered that the tumor was not cancerous and removed it safely. The prayers were answered for this young boy and his family.

Like life, not all the stories of the medical mission have miraculous happy endings. But the desire for great outcomes compels everyone to continue each day, to work a few more hours and probably return next year to Mante.

Today is Ash Wednesday. Traditionally folks sacrifice or give up something for the 40 days of Lent. Is it chocolate? Cervesa? Cigars? Complaining about the cold weather? Or nothing this year? Actually, here’s the scoop. Yesterday was Mardi Gras. A party-group spent the evening together hosted by one of our team. They toasted all of us and declared we were absolved of all our sins!

Here’s a new cause/location for a problem. Jeanne reports a young man was in a water skiing accident at Lake Tahoe. He fell. His ear began to bleed. Now he has no hearing in that ear.

The newest truism is “Descubrimos el hilo negro.” (We have just discovered the black thread). It means opportunities or knowledge have always been in plain sight, but we have not noticed them before. Val made a house call on 72yo Rosita. She was curled up in a fetal position with end-stage rheumatoid arthritis. No one had provided any pain relief meds for her or attended to extensive open bed sores. A return visit the next day found Rosita looking better, and possibly trying to get up.

There is a budding romance at the hospital. 10yo Juan has his heart set on Amber, a surgical tech. He has presented her with a flower and other sweet attentions. Is it just by coincidence that Funeral Estrella is across the street from the hospital? No, not here…it is convenient when needed.

Peds has seen some adults to ease the glut of patients for Adult Medicine. The problem for 39yo Pedro was an itching ear. He had tried many cures without relief and thought it might be due to a clogged nose. “And with what have you been irrigating your nose?” “Orina.” “Orina?” “Yes” “Urine?????” “Yes” Suggested treatment: stop the nose irrigation. We don’t know who provided the irrigation solution. “Oh yes, and don’t use it on your ear, either.”

Folks to thank: Amanda Rendon has arranged for host families for years. She maintains a list of 30 families who might be available. This year several families either have moved or are out of town. 19 families are taking care of us. MUCHAS GRACIAS.
Andres Rodriquez arranges for all the translators both in clinic and hospital. This year there are about 40 translators. The concept of volunteerism is less here than in Colorado. Some of these volunteers are able to work with us part time…some for most of the week. MUCHAS GRACIAS
All the host families and translators (plus students and nurses) will be invited to the Friday Fiesta.

Surgery report from Rod includes a 6yo twin girl with an extra toe that was removed. Next year her sister will come for the same procedure. And 5yo Luisa had scar revisions of her left arm from a burn. She was “so brave”, wanted to hop off the table and leave as she awoke. That was a bit too soon to go.

The stats were unbelievably high till I discovered they included distribution of batteries. Even so, in the first three days, Medicine=286, Pediatrics=174, GYN=82, Language=48, Audiology=166,
PT=130, Surgeries=153. We try not to focus on stats…but look with pleasure at the persons served.

Again, Muchas Gracias a todo para su informacion. Hasta Manana…………………Jean Bedell

A mini-real estate market is booming here. Remember Blue Bird and Green Bird? Suddenly in the Internal Medicine department, there is a new, multi-storied pink cage for the birds. They are lovin’ it.

Recycling is such a big thing in Boulder: aluminium, glass, plastic, paper. But, here we even re-cycle wheelchairs. Umberto, 57yo, and double amputee, had a chair with onl one arm. It was hard for him to push himself. He was given a chair with two arms. Along comes Claudia, needing a chair for her husband. She would do all the pushing…she didn’t need a chair with two arms. Voila! Recycle!

Several folks have come needing prostheses. Arturo, 66yo, and a diabetic, had an AK amputation 26 years ago. He supports his family as an auto mechanic. Prostheses are available in Tampico, but not here at this time. In 1-2 months, DIF will have them available here in Mante.

Personnel Question: Who is the ‘cop-on-the-beat’ who has joined us this year? No uniform, billy club, brass badges…but looking great in scrubs and is so helpful.

Fear of the unknown can be terrifying. Manuel, 59yo had a huge cyst behind one ear. He was scheduled for surgery. He became so frightened that he locked himself in a bathroom. It took coaxing and reassurances to bring him out and back to the waiting area. After surgery, under a local, he was joyful and full of thanks that the procedure had been done.

No names, please. But, there was a group of six who went to the Hotel Monterrey for drinks and guacamole. One person left contributing seven pesos for beverage and munchies. What a bargain!

During lunch hour, most of us are munching on fantastic foods including cactus salad, guacamole, chips, rice and beef. Others Googled foods that reduce or increase inflammation. The simple summary is: plant products are great; animal products are less good. That includes caffeine and alcohol. Wait a minute: caffeine is from coffee bean plants, alcohol is from plant grains.

For the first time, the lab is able to test for H. Pylori. Several folks have tested positive for this bacteria-caused problem. It may predispose to ulcers and cancer. It is treatable with antibiotics and acid-reducers.

It took all Michelle’s strength to hold down a screaming, kicking 6yo Andres to lavage his ear. Finally the wax was loosened enough to send him up to audiology. He hopped up, started to run out, and came back to give her a big kiss.

The newest complaint is “I can’t sleep because someone is performing witchcraft on me.” It is a brujeria. It is not unheard of in this area…but was new to our team. How would you treat it?
Another treatment: Yerbabuena (Mint) leaves dipped in water and placed on the temples relieves headaches. And chamomile tea cures sleeplessness, as well as GI distress. These may or may not be covered by Medicare. FOLKS around: Student hair stylists from DIF provide free haircuts.
Mormon Mission men are available for translating. Look for shirts, ties, and black sweaters.
Until tomorrow….hasta luego….Jean

February 15, 2010: One of the most significant benefits of a sister cities relationship is the cultural exchanges that can emerge. The Dairy Center Mural by Florian Lopez was a gift from Mante. Florian is a “muralista” whose talents were recognized at an early age. Florian’s uncle brought him to the opening of the Ramon Cano Gallery in 1973. Florian showed examples of this work to the then curator of the gallery, Lucio Tenorio. Lucio himself was a celebrated muralist, who saw potential in Florian. Although many young artists brought examples of their work to Tenorio in hope that they would be allowed to apprentice with the master, only Florian was chosen. He spent the next seven years studying with Tenorio, growing his skill and learning the dicipline it takes to be a muralist. “First you must read before you paint.” In other words, you must know the subject matter and message before you can depict it. The paintings above were created from memory by Tenorio and capture the beauty of the daily life he experienced as a child harvesting sugar cane. These two paintings hang in the mayors office, a gift to the City. We were taken to a local elementary school where another of Tenorio’s mural graces the computuer lab. He spent time explaining his symbolism and use of colors.

Years later his student, Florian, was commissioned to paint a mural in the Mante municipal building. Parts of this mural are shown below. Florian’s career as a muralist was now beginning to rise. His work is greatly influence by his master, Tenorio who, in turn, was guided by his master Ramon Cano, namesake of the municipal gallery. So goes the path of Mexican muralistas.

The Boulder Art Exposition opened today, providing a glimpse into Boulder’s environment. These “plein air” paintings were painted out doors, on location. The last image is a photo of one of Lucio Renteria’s minature sculptures. Renteria is a Mante artist and this is his first public exhibition of his work, which he describes as both as both a hobby and therapy.

Scott Lancshire

Jeannie DeMarinis

Poppy Copeland

Olga Karpeisky

Lucio Renteria