Rotary Club South celebrates with International Hospital for Children

The Rotary Club of St.Vincent and the Grenadines South and the International Hospital for Children have celebrated another significant milestone.{{more}}

On Saturday, May 8, 2010, under the auspices of the Governor General, His Excellency Sir Frederick Ballantyne, a cocktail reception was held at Government House to mark the occasion of life saving surgical intervention to the 100th Vincentian child on the programme, Kaleb Delpesche. Delpesche was slated to leave the state during the week to have surgery in the United States.

Sir Frederick said the initiative started with fewer than five key persons but this has mushroomed into a huge organization.

He urged that those who laid the ground work must not be forgotten.

“This is one of the most important initiatives to the people of St.Vincent and the Grenadines,” said Sir Frederick.

Reginald Thomas, a former President of the Rotary Club, expressed that the partnership between the Rotary Club of St.Vincent and the Grenadines South and the International Hospital for Children is about touching hearts.

The initiative was born in 2002 when Past President Albert Porter met Rotarian Dr. Russel Jones in a pharmacy and exchanged Rotary greetings.

“We never thought that this evening on the 8th of May, 2010, what started then would mushroom into what we would hear it is now,” said Thomas.

Jackie King, representing the International Hospital for Children, in her remarks, acknowledged that sending the 100th child off to the US is a significant milestone.

King pointed out the importance of having quality care for children.

She said St.Vincent and the Grenadines has become an important hub for children of the other islands desirous of accessing health care through the programme. So far 22 families have journeyed to St.Vincent and the Grenadines.

President of the Rotary Club of St.Vincent and the Grenadines South Delia McDowall stated it was a momentous occasion to be celebrating the 100th child to receive health care through the programme.

She said Delpesche will get an opportunity to smile, to walk, and to live.

McDowall stated the club had to overcome many challenges to get to this point.

She used the opportunity to announce that a Pediatric Centre of Excellency will be built here by the club.

Dr. Bharati Datta, a Pediatrician who has worked with all the 100 children, said she could not have done it without the help of others.

She said the programme does not do medical consults, treat cancers or do transplants.

Datta, however, stated, while its unfortunate that assistance cannot be given to everyone, a big difference has been made in the lives of those who have received help. (HN)