2010: Cape Coast

The Medical Team (Dr. Mendy Markowitz, Dr. Ed Reda, Dr. Justin Steele, RN Claire Reda, Dr. Mo Rabah, Dr. Jim Masiello, Dr. Avi Markowitz, Dr. Steven Zaretsky and 37th military hospital resident: Dr. Ben) worked vigorously- often staying at the hospital until midnight to ensure that cases were carried out. They succeeded in roughly 65 successful surgical procedures and were immensely appreciated throughout the area as dedicated, respectful and diligent. They performed highly sophisticated surgeries including, maxillofacial, pediatric urology and general surgery. They successfully removed ameleoblastoma tumors, lymphomas, repaired adult and pediatric hernias, performed jaw resuscitation and reconstruction and have used advanced techniques to reconstruct male genitalia and cure various orthopedic defects. All of these surgeries have been life changing for most patients and have removed and addressed ailments and defects that many patients have had for over 10 years. The team has also been teaching Ghanaian residents in hopes that they can learn new surgery techniques that will vastly improve their patient care. Due to a lack of staff at the Cape Coast hospital there was often collaboration between the HHAF Medical Team and The Humanitarian Team. Both teams were very successful in their endeavors.

The Humanitarian team was successful in overseeing the recently implemented feeding program at Buduburam in which 350 malnourished children and their families will be supplied with meal supplements for 1 year. The team was thrilled to see that the 150,00 meals donated last year are still being distributed and HHAF was able to donate another 150,000 to sustain the program. This wouldnt have been possible without the organization, Feed My Starving Children. They also ran orthopedic and wound care clinics at Buduburam and various orphanages in the western region. Dr. Zaretsky debreaved deep wounds and performed minor surgical procedures. The team (Jane Zaretsky, Laura Cassidy, Palmer Thornton, Akua Graff, Lindsay Cheu-Chen, David Chen, Sammy Arthur and Elizabeth Gross) also utilized braces and splints to treat muscular and skeletal deformities. 4-5 adult hernia cases were evaluated and transported to the care of the HHAF Medical team in Cape Coast to be operated on later in the week.

The Humanitarian team also visited 5 Orphanages in the central and western regions of Ghana in which they were able to donate baby formulas, medicines, bottles, shoes, books, toilet paper, J&J baby hygiene kits, toys and various other well-needed supplies. Jane Zaretsky met with social services and assessed these and other orphanages for the possible implementation of the Feeding Program and the particular needs of each orphanage. When the team traveled to Cape Coast to reconnect with the HHAF medical team, they ran the same orthopedic and wound care clinics in Cape Coast Hospital. They treated another 30 patients.

The HHAF team was sad to say goodbye to Ghana and are greatly looking forward to preparing for next years trip. HHAF would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our generous contributors who made this trip possible.