La Clinica Movil de Los Samaritanos

January Sams Clinic

2012-01-22T05:49:00.000-08:00

Numbers have nothing to do with success. That concept is totally from corporate America.
Defining success in or clinic is treating everybody who came in the morning asking for help
and some even sleeping in tents in front of clinic waiting for those huge hearted Samaritans
to arrive. This month we were graced with three Flying Samaritan aircraft bringing much
needed care providers to see to the needs of a very humble people. We also were treated
with one aircraft of care providers from Aeromedicos who flew out of Mulege bringing a dentist, dental assistant and a medical doctor to add to the clinic providers for January. I just am so thankful for all of the providers who have put aside the economic pains of the current situation in the U.S. to come and help folks who would not otherwise have any medical care.
As a result this month the Flying Samaritan clinic in Lopez Mateos helped 38 general medicine patients and 11 pediatric along with 10 OBgyn folks. The dental staff miraculously chimed in with 17 general dentistry and 10 folks who walked away with a brighter smile from cleanings. I said miraculously because as of Wednesday past Laurie had not a single dentist scheduled to come on the trip. We also had 10 folks seen by our local eye glasses doc. We had no chiropractors this month. All in all it was a great clinic with a total of 96 folks seen by the care providers who sacrificed so much of their time and money which is getting hard to come by. See you all next month!

Christmas is near

2011-12-18T05:22:00.000-08:00

I'm always extremely impressed when folks take three days out of
the Christmas season to go to the great lengths that our Flying Samaritans
do in order to help people they have never met. I guess you would have to say that they truly understand the reason for the season. Helping those who would not otherwise have. Thank you so much doesn't seem to be the right words but it's all I have at the moment. This clinic saw first time providers as well as some who haven't come in a very long time. We even had some first time local translators. Life is simply full of firsts, which makes it so much fun. As a result of the 6 planes landing in Lopez the Flying Samaritan's clinic saw 85 chiropractic patients and 10 dental cleanings.
General medicine helped 26 folks while OB-gyn saw 5 and pediatric patients accounted for 5 who were seen. We also had a plastic surgeon who helped 5 folks out. I guess that brings the total of patients seen at December clinic to 147 which is just wonderful. Thank you all and Merry Christmas to all.

Mother Nature

2011-11-19T09:02:00.000-08:00

Our November clinic has suffered the results of mother nature.
We had a fair bit of rain just prior to clinic which made the runway
un-usable for aircraft. After speaking with President Dennis and
agreeing that the short days of November would not make it
reasonable to bus providers from the nearest paved runway and
still have enough time on the ground to help folks, we canceled the
November clinic. Far better to be safe and fly another day than to
risk mishaps on a muddy landing strip. See everybody in December!

October Sams Clinic

2011-10-16T08:27:00.000-07:00

July was the last clinic of the 2010-2011 season and I was unable to attend because I was in the midst of cancer treatment myself. Although July did see some 75 folks helped by the few Sams who were able to go to Lopez Mateos.

October is the beginning of our 2011-2012 season and we were so pleased to have four planes come including one on Friday to get things ready for the Saturday clinic. As well as take care of a few dental patients from the local packing plant who supplies our electricity, water, sewage treatment and security. We had a wonderful clinic considering that we didn't have any general medicine or pediatric care providers available for October. Aside from that the group who came was able to attend to 13 OBgyn patients as well as 98 chiropractic adjustments. Our dental department rocked with 36 general dentistry folks seen and 14 dental cleanings completed. We have a fabulous pharmacist now for several months in a row who just keeps filling those prescriptions. Of course I have no way of knowing how many that was. But the numbers for October seem to total up at 161 patients who were able to have medical care that they otherwise would never be able to see. Way to go Flying Samaritans of Arizona!

small but powerful

2011-06-12T04:12:00.000-07:00

June clinic saw 14 providers arrive to Lopez Mateos from Arizona plus one Mexican provider from Ciudad Constitucion. One of the planes needed to land at Constitucion, but with a heavy fog was delayed until about 9:00 to get on the ground. So clinic got a bit of a late start with many of the providers arriving to Constitucion. I Know, a bit long winded as a preamble. But it is part of the story. Hi Hi! Many thanks to those dedicated providers and pilots as well as translators who give so much. This weekends clinic numbers ended up pretty good for only 7 actual caregivers. General medicine was able to attend to 24 patients plus 14 pediatric and 4 OBgyn. Our dental department made 18 repairs or extractions and helped another 10 folks walk away with cleaner smiles. 54 folks were adjusted by our chiropractors and another 20 were attended by our optometrist from Constitucion. That brings our total to 149 patients seen at the June clinic of the Flying Samaritans in Lopez Mateos.
See you all in the Fall!

April to May

2011-05-15T11:47:00.000-07:00

A couple days after the April clinic yours truly went North for Patrick and my routine doctor visits and to collect donated equipment to get into the various small hospitals and clinics that Los Amigos Flying Samaritans support down in Baja. These trips as most of the group know normally are
10 t0 14 days round trip. So we left Lopez the 12th to arrive San Diego for Patrick's dermatology appointment the 15th of April. Today, now one day past our May 14th Flying Samaritan clinic and we still haven't returned to Lopez Mateos. More on that in a moment.

The only information available to me on May 14 clinic numbers I do not believe are complete. But would like to include what we have. There were at least 30 general medicine patients seen along with 12 OBgyn and 13 chiropractic folks helped. Dental took care of at least 26 patients plus some number which I don't have for cleaning. At least 63 folks were helped to walk a little straighter by our chiropractors. That seams to be 144 folks seen by the Arizona Flying Samaritans. But I think that number will need to be corrected once we are able to get all of the clinic data next week. As mentioned above, Patrick and I couldn't be at clinic.

This is because when we arrived to San Diego to see Patrick's dermatology doctor I also had my usual doctor visits. Excepting that for some reason I had been having what appeared to be sinus allergy symptoms for a few months. To shorten a long story, it turns out that what seemed like allergy symptoms was actually "left maxillary sinus squamous cell carcinoma". This stage four sinus cancer was removed surgically the 12th of May by the highly skilled staff at Balboa Naval Medical Center San Diego. I was told I could go home the 13th which doesn't leave enough time to drive to Lopez Mateos for the May 14th Flying Samaritans clinic. Still having some follow-up appointments during the next several days. We'll get the information to correct the Samaritans clinic data before the June clinic.
That's our story and we're sticking to it.

April Madness

2011-04-10T10:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the phrase "April Madness" needs to describe how hard folks work to accomplish so much in such a short amount of time. As was the case for the Flying Samaritans April clinic in Lopez Mateos. With a huge shortage of available aircraft combined with strong winds turning back some to Phoenix while en-route to Mexico our provider list ended quite short as those arriving to Lopez Mateos included one dentist, one hygienist, one medical doctor, one dietitian, one nurse and one translator along with two chiropractors. We added to that one local dentist and one local medical doctor. Of course Kevin came to finish installing our two new dental stations which will greatly help in the future. All of this left our providers working feverishly throughout the day in order to see all the number given out in the morning. Resulting in 28 dental patients seen by our dentists and 14 dental hygiene patients leaving with brighter smiles. Our Chiropractors helped 83 folks walk a little straighter while our diabetic nurse attended to 7 diabetic patients. Along with her efforts our new dietitian was able to help educate some 20 folks on how to better deal with their health issue by changing their habits and eating better. Our two doctors attended to 28 folks leaving the final number of the day at 160 real time consultations. It seems that the less number of those flying angles that come from Arizona the harder they work to help these folks in such great need. Baja can't thank the Flying Samaritans enough for such heart felt generosity.
That's our story of April and we're all looking forward to an ever greater clinic in May. God Bless All of YOUR Efforts Arizona!

March Clinic

2011-03-13T07:09:00.000-07:00

March came in like a lion in Lopez Mateos and the winds took a break for our Flying Samaritan's clinic in Lopez Mateos. Unfortunately the Tsunami in Japan caused many of the local residents to flee the coast in fear of high waves arriving here which lowered the amount of folks arriving for help. Fortunately that didn't deter our wonderful providers coming from Arizona (including providers from Tucson as well) to help those in need. We had a full list of providers staffing every specialty at clinic resulting in 209 patients helped during the clinic day. That breaks down to 32 general medicine patients and 20 OBgyn together with 11 pediatric on the medical front. Our dental team took care of 38 folks while 15 more walked away with cleaner smiles. Our chiropractor department helped 60 patients walk a little straighter and opthalmology saw 25 folks. We had 8 patients helped by our prosthetic specialist and Tucson provided a pharmacist who was kept busy up until the end of clinic. While we're not about numbers but rather quality health care, it seems that a number tally helps to gauge those successes. Way to go Sams! Looking forward to seeing everybody in April.

February Sams

2011-02-12T18:50:00.000-08:00

February 12th began the day before with one Flying Samaritans plane
arriving to prepare dental and organize the Pharmacy. I always have fun
when a plane comes a day early. It gives me a chance to visit with some of the many big hearted friends who keep coming to bring medical help to rural Baja, Mexico. Late lifting fog wouldn't allow the rest of the folks from Phoenix to land until about 10:00 Saturday morning. As usual the late arrival didn't deter attending to 169 LOCAL FOLKS IN NEED OF MEDICAL CARE. That is after all the reason for all the efforts. Some care providers that we haven't seen for a long time were able to come and that's always such a joy. Lunch was graciously provided again by Neli and Guillermo.
The 169 breaks down to 35 general medicine patients seen as well as 22 children and 19 OBgyn folks. The dental area chimed in with 32 general dentistry patients and 17 folks walking away with cleaner smiles after thorough teeth cleanings. We had 4 amputees helped with prosthetics and Chiropractic making up the rest with 40 adjustments including yours truly. Don was kept busy in Pharmacy the whole day. Thank you all for so much.

Movil Clinic Strikes again

2011-01-15T19:05:00.000-08:00

A dear friend has said to me on more than one occasion that
he needs his Baja Fix after missing several clinics. I am now
beginning to understand what he means. The November movil
clinic wet our appetites in Comondu so we were all yearning to
do another rural clinic. Hence, January 15th was our return to San
Luis Gonzaga. The area has no phone or electric service so making
notices to the community didn't work out as well as we had hoped.
But we did load up in Constitucion and arrived to the pueblo around
10:00 am. Our providers were Dr Gustavo Moraila and Dr Teri Moraila.
They did their own triage and I took care of the pharmacy. Not
many folks knew we were coming resulting in 18 consults for the day.
It is obvious that we will need to work on letting folks know we're coming.
The collection of photos taken include both of the doctors as well as
the community eatery where we were served lunch.

2011-01-08T18:10:00.000-08:00

Saturday morning was a bit cooler than most of us are accustomed to so jackets were definitely in order for the 20 knot winds blowing down the runway. But that didn't deter our Flying Samaritans who began arriving about 9:00. Six planes brought enough angles of Phoenix to treat everybody who received a number at 8:00. As a result the day ended with patient statistics of 27 general medicine folks seen along with 15 pediatrics. Our chiropractor attended to 45 and the three dentists working under the hum of construction helped 29 folks. That seems to add up to 116 consultations for January 8th. The pharmacy was kept busy all day filling 94 prescriptions which is the first time we've ever actually had a number for RX. Way to go Sams!

January clinic

2011-01-08T18:00:00.000-08:00

Lunch was served waterside by our friends from Constitucion made up of tomales and burritos. I guess it's safe to say that all that fuel is part of what keeps the crew going and tummies from grumbling. Happy tummies equals happy folks. Kevin and our pilots were able to repair one dental chair and install lights for a couple more. The dental addition is well under way and with any luck will be ready to use within the next month or two. We still need to install new air and vacuum lines to the two new stations before they will be up and running.

December 11th

2010-12-11T18:11:00.000-08:00

December is typically a month of extreme high ocean tides and morning fog in Lopez Mateos. Unfortunately for many the fog didn't lift until eleven o'clock forcing the six Flying Samaritan planes to divert to Constitucion until the fog lifted. Combined with the short days of winter this only gave five hours of the Samaritans on the ground in Lopez Mateos before needing to head back to Mulege. But that didn't dissuade our Los Amigos providers from treating 152 patients today. And we break those numbers down to 16 general medicine and 15 OBgyn followed by 17 pediatric consultations on the medical front. Our local eye doctor helped 15 folks walk away with a better view of the world we live in while our chiropractors helped 58 folks walk a little easier. Our dental team repaired or extracted teeth in 15 patients and another 10 left with brighter smiles. Our prosthetic department attended to 6 additional patients and of course the pharmacy was kept busy the entire 5 hours. This is a huge demonstration of what gets done by those dedicated folks that give up their entire weekend and end up battling the elements of mother nature as well. WAY TO GO SAMS!

November's El Movil

2010-11-20T10:40:00.000-08:00

San Luis Gonzaga rests about 60 km Southeast of Ciudad Constitucion, B.C.Sur, Mexico. Being founded in 1740 by a Jesuit missionary quickly proved that the Church wouldn't have the last word on lands in Mexico.
This Missionary Juan Jacoba Baegert spent 1753 to 1761 building the two steeple temple only to have a Judge transfer it in 1768 to a Soldier named
Felipe Romero who turned it into a cattle ranch. The area remains a farm community to this day with some 100 family farms and ranches within a circle of about 30 km of the mission. There is no commercial electricity in the region so most of the ranches are powered by solar panels feeding lights, refrigeration and water pumps connected to underground springs to irrigate their crops. To arrive here one needs to leave the paved highway and travel 40 km of washboard road winding its way to the foothills of the Baja coastal mountains. Here begins our report of El Movil's activities for today.

El Movil's arrival

2010-11-20T10:39:00.000-08:00

Arriving after a 3 and 1/2 hour drive we found the best place to park and set up clinic was in the shade of the mission ruins themselves. Of course this being our first clinic there were a good number of folks waiting in hopes of seeing a doctor.

More than a few arrived on what we might not consider your more common mode of transportation. But the only thing coming out of this mode of transportation's tailpipe is fertilizer.

Todays crew

2010-11-20T10:38:00.000-08:00

Todays crew was headed by Dr. Teresa Moraila and supported by our nurse Edmundo and yours truly taking on the pharmacy as best as possible.
Our first remote clinic may not have shaken any lottery numbers but we were quite content to be able to attend to 35 patients before the time arrived to begin the 3 and 1/2 hour return drive. We were actually able to see folks for 4 and a half hours and left behind a very happy and smiling pueblo. Thanks again to the Flying Samaritans and our Mexican care providers for making today possible.

Of course we wouldn't want to leave out one of our very content patients from todays photos!

Food of course

2010-10-24T06:37:00.000-07:00

Crayfish taken from the local spring fed water supply. We would not be allowed to leave before dining on local machaca and hand made tortillas.

Getting in the act

2010-10-24T06:14:00.000-07:00

Once installed everybody wants to get in the act by having their blood pressure taken. This is a capability not previously had in the pueblo.

Installation

2010-10-24T05:56:00.000-07:00

Our host "Dr. Moraila" has the final say as to where to install the blood pressure cuff which the Flying Samaritans also provided.

2010-10-24T05:24:00.000-07:00

As one can see, the central health care center is rather sparsely accommodated upon our arrival. The villagers were quick to jump in and help change that. San Luis Gonzaga is home to about 40 permanent residents and is the center for the surrounding family farms of about 100 families. On Monday mornings each of these families bring their k through 9th grade children to the school in the pueblo where these eager young students live until being collected by the parents on Friday afternoon. The three teachers in the school teach besides scholastics, community respect and the responsibilities of getting along with their fellow residents. This is truly back to the basics education. I might also add that this extended farm community is powered by solar panels to provide lighting, refrigeration and irrigation installed at each farm.

2010-10-24T04:55:00.000-07:00

Expecting to see Clint Eastwood, Rooster Cogburn or Pancho Villa coming over the hill anytime, required a quick finger on the camera trigger. This town is very near three hundred years old. The yellow trading post seen in the background was last painted in 1900. I'm just amazed at how well the paint has lasted.

Recon

2010-10-24T04:19:00.000-07:00

In order to add our newly donated dental chairs there is some construction to do. As well, a bit of equipment needs to be relocated. With that in mind, Dr. Moraila requested the next available exam table be given to the health care center in San Luis Gonzaga which is a 300 plus year old mission site about 40 miles Southeast of Constitucion. The Samaritans pretty much all agreed so yesterday was a trip to deliver this piece of equipment to the charming little pueblo. Some 30 km off the paved highway, our route took an hour and 15 minutes driving across the Baja dessert dirt roads. The first thing visible upon entering the pueblo is the little white community clinic.

New Season

2010-10-10T04:52:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a great way to begin the 2010/2011 season of Flying Samaritans clinic in Lopez Mateos. 7 planes made it to Lopez including one on Friday to get the place cleaned and put in order after almost 3 months of being closed up. We saw quite a few new faces climb out of those Saturday landings. As well as some faces we haven't seen in a good while. All of the warm hearted care ended up with 236 consultations of people arriving with the hope of getting help with their health needs. That breaks down to 15 OBgyn, 45 General Medicine and 18 pediatric folks seen on the medical side. 10 dental cleanings and 21 other general dental care as well as 22 consults with our eye doctor. Rounding that out with 105 chiropractic adjustments, who know how many prescriptions filled and some great food served up by our friends from Constitucion. All in all it was simply a great way to start off the new season of 2010/2011. Hopefully we will be able to make some modifications to the building before the next clinic and add two more dental chairs to the clinic.
That's our story and we're sticking to it.

Into Mexico

2010-09-03T11:52:00.000-07:00

Leaving Yuma around 8:00am put us at the Tecate border crossing near 11:00 in the morning. Normally a good time to make this border crossing as it's usually an hour or so of good paved road to Ensanada. We hadn't taken into account that the Mexican government might be in the process of rebuilding the highway. On these detours of 20 or 30 miles across nature paths our arrival to Ensanada didn't happen until 5:00 in the afternoon. A good part of this distance we were actually able to get our speed up to 10 MPH! While it had been our plan to make it to El Rosario Ensanada was about our limit for the day.

On the road again

2010-08-23T10:37:00.000-07:00

Sunday brought an end to a wonderful visit to the Vancouver area. Watching the Columbia river disappear in the mirror El Movil was as full as our hearts over the time spent there. On to a night visiting Dale and Trish from San Bruno, B.C.Sur in Florence, Oregon on the Pacific coast where we had to bring out even warmer clothing. I needed to use the heat in El Movil in the morning before setting off to points further South. Traveling from Florence back towards I-5 brought a few herds of elk in view rather up close and personal. Our goal today was to reach Beale Air Force Base to take advantage of the military RV park on the base which is home to the U2 high altitude plane. I tried to take some pictures of the U2 directly overhead of El Movil but for some reason the plane didn't show up in the digital photography. Go Figure! We stopped to see Mt Shasta from a rest stop en-route and couldn't resist the photo. The little red VW we are taking to Loreto for one of our dental providers/pilots. Now on to San Diego via Lemoore Naval Air Station. A couple days in San Diego for doctor appointments and we're off to Phoenix to load more equipment before crossing the border South again.

Way Cool in all ways

2010-08-21T00:26:00.000-07:00

As more instruments showed up the music moved out on the deck. A fire and warm clothing kept the guests warm and the music was even hotter. Patrick said the cold made it difficult to finger the guitar.

A little relaxing

2010-08-20T23:52:00.000-07:00

It seams that these kind of road trips can actually take quite a bit out of a person. We have such wonderful friends and have met some really cool folks on this trip. John and Eileen have been extremely kind and suggested a pot luck dinner at the floating house as a sort of send off. "Well, maybe send off was my concept but it was a lot of fun in any event. So Friday evening John, Eileen, and 9 or 10 folks who know John from one place or another came to the floating house and we struck up the bar-b-que followed by stricking up a little music.

2010-08-20T15:37:00.000-07:00

A friend of John's is a guy by the name of Brent Baldwin. Brent has several irons in the fire on any given day or night and had a good quantity of exam gloves (over 5000) and disposable exam gowns as well as 12 gallons of Banicide, a case of powder feeding tube product and various other medical supplies to donate to the Flying Samaritans. Added all the other items John and his many friends donated to the Flying Samaritans, Vancouver literally opened their hearts to our friends in Mexico with the Flying Samaritans. WAY TO GO VANCOUVER!

Youth treatment

2010-08-20T13:00:00.000-07:00

The big day has arrived to receive Patrick's new dentures. These were a collaborated effort by Dr. John Griffith of Vancouver, Washington who spent a lot of time with the prep and TENZ therapy in order to get the correct fitting. Scott Alvarez "Owner of Qualident Dental Lab also in Vancouver" donated the dentures and all lab work to make this happen. Because of the short time frame, Scott burned the midnight oil several times during this week allowing us to leave within 7 days of our arrival to Vancouver. Pictured is Scott, John and Patrick in Johns waiting room.
There aren't enough thanks possible in the world for the life these guys improved! Several of our friends have said Patrick looks 20 years younger and I agree! Now if we could find somebody to shave 20 years off me!

Generosity continues

2010-08-19T11:43:00.000-07:00

It's been a trip. Nothing like anything we've experienced before...Nirvana to Graceland to Eden and beyond. Each time, surrounded and touched by warm and caring gentle hearts and souls that have, each time, left us in total awe.
Now at this moment, we are at virtually complete repose in a floating house on the serene banks of the Lewis River, in sight of where it joins the mighty Columbia.
The unswerving generosity of good friends residing in Vancouver, Washington, who have opened not only their hearts, but their home as well, to share with us a piece of heaven that we did not realize could exist.
Their assistance with essential equipment for the Lopez Mateos clinic is going to have a profound impact on the lives of hundreds of people.
Their help with personal services we otherwise would never be able to obtain is going to have a dramatic effect on the rest of my life.
We will never be able to express how truly grateful we are. It takes somebody like Dr. John Griffith to be able to give dentures that will indeed serve the rest of my life. Thanks just doesn't seem to express enough. Patrick Malone

Uncle Dan

2010-08-18T18:46:00.000-07:00

The fellow known as "Uncle Dan" is Vancouver's foremost expert on motorhome and RV systems. Pictured as the jolly fellow with the brilliantly shiny hairdo on top. Dan had offered to donate some time and expertise in getting the leveling jacks functioning on El Movil. All of this because Dr. John felt it ever so important, also pictured above. Dan brought in a bright fellow who has a lot of experience with these type of systems. Pictured both prone and with the cooler of the day. CERVESA! Corona no less! How appropriate! I always find it fun to watch somebody who knows what they are doing go to work. "Four Eyes" or Rick, had the four leveling jacks working like a charm in 'bout 10 minutes. Now, our nurses won't feel as though they are aboard a heeling war ship as they move about during clinic. WAY TO GO VANCOUVER! Our heart felt thanks go out to these pillars of the community. Thanks

More to do!

2010-08-17T09:10:00.000-07:00

One of the things we had hoped to do on this trip is to repair the leveling system on El Movil so our providers won't feel as though they are at sea during clinic. Dr John has arranged an appointment with "Four Eyes" who is the local expert on the BIG FOOT coach leveling system Wednesday afternoon. One more item we will be able to check off our "to do list" So enjoying the Lewis River which empties into the mighty Columbia River is the order of the week for El Movil, Patrick and myself.
That's our story for the moment and we're definitely sticking to it!

Monday Afternoon Aug 16, 2010

2010-08-16T18:05:00.000-07:00

It's a rough job but somebody's got to do it

El Movil's filling up

2010-08-16T11:35:00.000-07:00

It's always amazing to me how much equipment can be loaded and hauled in a platform as large as the hearts of those who donate it.

2010-08-16T10:30:00.000-07:00

Vancouver Dental/TNJ clinic is located atop Grand Blvd under the beautiful tree lined canopy of Southwest Washington. Dr. John Griffith has offered to help Patrick with new dentures after loading the many heartfelt donations to the Flying Samaritans. The generosity of John and Eileen while El Movil visits this region has gone far beyond the extra mile that so many care providers demonstrate. They let us park El Movil in front of their home for several days and shared some of Eileen's skillfully prepared meals. John and Eileen invited Patrick and I to stay at their river home floating on those huge timbers plucked from the Pacific Northwest forests over the years by nature. I cannot say enough about their hospitality. Pearson field "the oldest working airfield in the United States, opening before fixed wing aircraft" is situated adjacent to Historic Fort Vancouver and Dr. John invited me to go up in his Banaza for a tour of the region. Circling the rim of Mt. Saint Helen's was a pure delight as the 50 knot winds blew ash clouds to the Northwest. He shared many of his favorite local sight from the air. I could never turn down a chance to go flying with friends.

The dentures He is donating will take at least three visits to this majestic office and many thousands of dollars worth of services from Dr. John. The American people are truly the most generous folks on this planet.

Vancouver or BUST

2010-08-15T13:13:00.000-07:00

One Dentist who knows how to lift heavy chairs

The Columbia river is an integral part of Washington and Oregon economy would be an understatement at best. We are enjoying the banks of this mighty river through the generosity of John and Eileen Griffith. But their generosity only slightly begins with that statement. When Dr. John donated a chem-clave a couple years ago he told me if we could get it he had a dental chair we could have. Well, time has a way of changing things so Dr. John has donated TWO dental chairs and a heart felt gift of teeth for Patrick. The Flying Samaritans just never stop giving. We'll be enjoying the river for a few days while waiting on the dental lab work as well as additional donations of gloves etc to arrive before heading further South on this trip.

Progress Continues

2010-08-14T06:37:00.000-07:00

Success transferring plates to a less expensive Idaho for El Movil. Of course the chance to visit with grandkids couldn't be passed up while in North Idaho. Now onto Vancouver, Washington to load dental chairs. Traveling to the Pacific coast again is a welcome exercise passing thousands of the Columbia gorge wind generators spinning electricity into many American homes. A night in the Aimsworth State Park demonstrated the generosity of the State of Oregon when the park ranger waived all fees for El Movil to stay the night and connect to power, water and sewage. His remark "good deeds need to be rewarded" was a breath of fresh air from American bureaucrats.
That's our story and we're sticking to it.

Dateline July 28th

2010-08-06T19:20:00.000-07:00

After suffering the Sonora desert heat of Arizona for a week it was time to head to the Arizona mountains and cool off at 7500 feet elevation. What a relief before continuing on. A night at Nellis AFB and then to Silver City, Nevada. It was there that Eco Services Inc. donated and installed solar panels atop El Movil which should provide more ecological power for El Movil's medical electronics during clinic use. The mounts were fabricated by Kenny pictured above. Thanks so much to Kenny and Michelle Kramer for the heart felt donation.

A stop on the way North in Asotin, Washington to load an EKG machine donated by Dr. Elizabeth Black and her husband Kevin from next to Tristate Medial Center in Clarkston, Washington. Next stop, North Idaho to acquire less expensive license plates for the future of El Movil.

Dateline July 16

2010-07-16T06:23:00.000-07:00

El Movil hit the road North on the 12th of July. Of course for pilots and folks who fly it's a matter of hours to get from Baja California Sur to the U.S.
Not quite so when driving. Getting a late start the 12th El Movil ended up parking for the night in a little community on the Sea of Cortez called San Bruno. Thanks to good hearted friends in the area an electrical connection was offered saving wear and tear on the generator to keep us cool. Next day saw the Cuesta del Infierno disappearing in the rear view mirrors on the way back to the Pacific side and up to a little known beach parking spot called Cielito Lindo practically beside the surf gently falling onto the long sand beaches. Day three found the "border crossing 25 lane shuffle", or should we say jigsaw because that's more what it's like maneuvering amongst the thousands of vehicles attempting to traverse Customs and Border Patrol at one of the San Diego area border crossings. A day or two in San Diego is well in order. As there are no donations to be picked up here we'll enjoy a day or two of the cool Pacific before heading East into the Arizona Sanoran heat in order to deliver opthalmology instruments for re-calibration before returning again to Mexico.
On the Road again!

July Samritan clinic

2010-07-11T07:19:00.000-07:00

What a year 2009/2010 has been. Many challenges to the clinic presented themselves from hurricanes to anything but simple logistics, the runway being washed out and the clinics roof pealed off by 130 mile an hour plus winds. As in all previous years the Los Amigos chapter of the Flying Samaritans maintained stellar performance to go along with their huge hearts in bringing much needed and invaluable health care to the remote fishing village of Puerto Adolfo Lopez Mateos located on the Pacific coast of the Baja California peninsula of Mexico. It is roughly a 5 hour flight from the Phoenix area of Arizona to this little fishing village making it the furthest southern clinic of the Flying Samaritans. Without such dedicated pilots none of the many dedicated care providers and translators could ever reach the needs of the rural Mexican population this far South. So thank you, seems such a small thing to say.
As July closes out the 2009/2010 season, four aircraft brought 11 providers/translators including one arriving Friday afternoon. We had two additional Mexican providers from Constitucion join us Saturday bringing the clinic numbers to 176 folks helped with their health care needs. That number breaks down to 24 general medicine consultations as well as 7 pediatric and 7 OBgyn which included three ultrasounds in El Movil. Chiropractic numbers were one short of a hundred leaving 99 folks walking and bending a little easier. Our dental staff took care of 24 general dentistry needs and 15 dental cleanings. What a way to end the season. We are so much looking forward to the 2010/2011 season beginning in October.
As there are many ongoing equipment needs for such a huge endeavor El Movil was lightened up by temporarily removing the exam tables and ultrasound equipment in order to make room to haul additional donated equipment and supplies down to the region. So an El Movil road trip begins tomorrow to gather up already donated items and return them to Mexico. Keep posted to follow this adventure as well as future ones.
That's our story and we're sticking to it!

No June Gloom Here

2010-06-12T18:04:00.000-07:00

June 12th saw crystal clear skies, 60 to 70 degree temps and 10 to 20 knots of pacific breeze as those five birds of humanity arrived to Lopez Mateos. Landing early (9:00 am) gave plenty of time before wheels up to help folks in need. Additionally we saw 5 Mexican providers come to attend patients as well. I am so impressed by the day's outcome. While El Movil was the platform for the diabetic clinic attending to 12 of those enrolled in the program it also served our Mexican OBgyn doctor with its ultrasound machine. So OBgyn was able to attend to 20 ladies (including 3 ultrasounds) while our three providers attending to General Medicine helped 34 patients. Paediatric treated 21 children and our chiropractor made 102 adjustments. Moving away from those specialities we had 20 patients seen by our Mexican Optometry provider. Moving along to dental there were 25 repairs/extractions and 14 brighter smiles after teeth cleanings. Three children who arrived via ambulance from La Paz were helped and I have no way of knowing how many prescriptions were filled but it was plenty. I suppose mathematics would total our patients helped today at 251 folks. WAY TO GO SAMS!!!
That's our story and we're sticking to it.

WHERE IS LOPEZ MATEOS?

2010-05-21T06:31:00.000-07:00

Bahia Magdalena/Magdalena Bay, located on the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur, is for sure where
the visitor will find Puerto San Carlos. However, Puerto Adolfo Lopez Mateos is nowheres to be seen.
At least, not from Mag Bay.
One would have the fun and challenges via motor or sailboat of avoiding all the rolling sandbars
that just refuse to remain in one place in the estuary that separates Isla Magdalena from the Baja
peninsula. Cruisers would be especially amused to find their craft to be riding in on a incoming tide
flowing into Magdalena Bay carrying the craft up this estuary to a point that is known on the
maritime charts as 'Devil's Bend" or "Curva Diablo", where, to their surprise with the change in tidal
flow, an outgoing tide at that point is flowing in two different directions...one south towards
Magdalena Bay as expected with an outgoing tide. However, to the rider's amazement, going
north the waters are flowing not unlike a river gradually building in speed, which can be as much
as a worrisome six to almost seven knots of outflow, eventually to flow out into the Pacific Ocean
at the northern tip of Isla Magdalena through what is called 'Boca Soledad".
En-route to this point the waters flow past a small fishing community which has two separate piers.
At the first a large number of long boats, all white in colour, with powerful motors. One may see other
of these vessels, known as 'pangas' out on the waters moving rapidly about. During the season of
the California Grey Whale migrations, January through April, Experienced and highly knowledgeable
boat operators, called 'launcheros' provide excellent guide services for close-up viewing of grey
whales and on occasion their newborn calves. Calving is one of the predominant reasons for the Grey
Whales migrations from the Arctic waters to the Baja regions annually.
The second, much larger, pier is berthing for the MarEden fishing seiners. When these company
operated vessel complete their fishing expeditions, they return pier side where they are offloaded
mechanically and the catch is processed for market and other endeavours.
This fishing community is known as Puerto Adolfo Lopez Mateos, roughly sixty kilometers north of
Puerto San Carlos by waterways.
Highway One is the Transpeninsular route from the U.S. border to the southernmost tip of Baja.
Travelling south the visitor would cross from the Sea of Cortez to a junction. The turn south would
continue on Highway One to La Paz, Cabo San Lucas and other destinations. Turning north at that
junction, the traveller would proceed through Insurgentes on a four-lane road. Approximately one
kilometer north of Insurgentes, following the signs, the traveller would turn left and follow the two-lane
road 34 kilometers west to Puerto Adolfo Lopez Mateos.
The are various restaurants with excellent seafood menus, very well prepared. Although they may
not be Holiday Inns there are basic accommodations available in the town., clean and comfortable.
Various tiendas would provide for your basic needs. There are very limited basic medical facilities, and a gasoline station .
Diesel is available in Insurgentes as is an ATM. Banking and in-depth shopping can be done in
Ciudad Constitucion, a community of 40,000 that is about an hour's drive from Lopez Mateos.
Puerto Adolfo Lopez Mateos also has a 4900 foot privately owned dirt runway that is owned, maintained
and operated by MarEden, which also operates a processing plant adjacent to the airstrip. The airstrip
is open to all visitors on a daily basis; visitors are required to register with MarEden security on arrival.
This airstrip has also been made available to the Phoenix "Los Amigos" Chapter of the Flying Samaritans,
who operate a non-profit free clinic at Lopez Mateos 10 months of the year on the second
Saturday of each month. That clinic facility,itself, has been built and maintained by the Flying Samaritans
on land donated by MarEden

Hey it's May

2010-05-10T05:53:00.000-07:00

May brings about new flowers and this May brought many new Sams to Lopez Mateos. It is always fun to meet new faces and blend them with the familiar ones. We saw some of the Sams who haven't been to Lopez Mateos in several years and it's always fun to reacquaint. None of this slowed down clinic progress though. With General Medicine attending 36 and OBgyn 17 leaving paediatric 10 for the medical side of the house. Ophthalmology chimed in with 23 patients helped and Chiropractic adjusted 98 folks so they could walk a little straighter. Our dentists cared for 20 folk and another 10 left with cleaner smiles. Prosthetics Was kept busy all day and realised 9 consultations for those in need. I guess that totals up with 223 folks seen at clinic not including our pharmacy since I have no way of knowing how many prescriptions were filled. That's our story and we're sticking to it.

April

2010-04-11T05:50:00.000-07:00

If anything this month, April showered our clinic in Lopez Mateos with an abundance of dentists. We had 4 dentist working plus a hygienist with the 4 chairs we have in operation. Of course they rocked to music with a tune of 27 dental consultations and 11 other folks walking away with brighter smiles. Imagine how much more will be accomplished after we add two more dental chairs this summer! That process will cause us to relocate paediatric across the hall as we knok out another wall at clinic. However, paediatric saw 22 children this month while general medicine treated 44 other folks. 19 ladies saw OBgyn and 11 patients in need of prosthetic limbs were helped. Our chiropractic staff adjusted 117 people. This all brings April's patient count to 251 folks treated for one thing or another. I am so humbled to have a small part in this huge humanitarian effort of the Flying Samaritans.

March Madness

2010-03-14T07:31:00.001-07:00

It seams that mother nature is sympathetic to our Samaritans. During the entire week prior to March 13th clinic of the Flying Samaritans the wind blew in Lopez Mateos relentlessly. 25 to 35 knots 24/7 all the way up to Friday morning when our local volunteers clean the clinic in preparation for the arrival of those flying angles from Arizona. We awoke Friday to clear, calm weather and it stayed thus right through clinic. Saturday afternoon breezes kept the clinic from getting warm and the Sams jumped right into action beginning with handing out numbers at the gate to waiting folks. It was indeed a rare treat having one of our dental crew handing out the fichas, as this is normally done before arrival of the first aircraft. Which arrived shortly thereafter and clinic actually began almost an hour earlier than normal. With 11 aircraft on the ground many folks were treated. To the tune of 46 general medicine, 22 OBgyn and 23 pediatric. Dental cleaning began earlier than usual so 13 folks walked home with brighter smiles and our dentists repaired teeth of 23 patients. I beleive by the end of the day those dentist were in need of neck adjustments. Of course by then our chiropractors had already left but not before helping 135 patients walk straighter and higher. That seams to total 257 patients helped not including medications distributed by our pharmacy. El Movil saw service with 2 EKG's and 3 ultrasounds. Life is truly good in the Baja. On a side note it is only fair to mention that Sunday morning saw the return of those strong Westerly winds here in Lopez Mateos. That's our story and we're sticking to it.

February Fiesta/clinic

2010-02-15T12:37:00.000-08:00

Well, February was our annual Fiesta to thank all of your efforts from the folks of Comondu. We had a lot of fun and good food as will most likely be seen on the Sam's web site with photos. There was a little vandalism at the Constitucion airport and I feel horrible about that. Everybody made it home thankfully.
Clinic was a huge success and El Movil did service with it's ultrasound equipment. The clinic numbers were great. General medicine doctors saw 40 patients and Pediatric saw 24 and OBgyn chimed in with 21. Dental repaired teeth of 31 folks while 12 more walked away with cleaner smiles. Our coveted eye department treated 22 and the chiropractors took care of 84 folks. If my math is not flawed that's 234 folks helped out by our angels from Arizona. Thank you all and we'll see you next time.

New Year's first clinic

2010-01-10T05:20:00.000-08:00

The first clinic of 2010 was a huge success. The entire week before this clinic saw heavy morning fog not burning off before 10:00. But Saturday morning we awoke to clear skies for as far as the eye could see. Somebody was looking down on our little group of angles from Arizona. Eight aircraft brought many familiar faces as well and many new ones from Arizona to Lopez Mateos. El Movil saw service as our diabetic facility where 12 patients were seen and put back on track. It also served as the platform for a few ladies ultrasound and a lab with it's microscope intact. Add to those the Sams treated 30 general medicine patients and 20 children. 8 folks were helped with prosthetic limbs and chiropractic department saw 60 folks. OBgyn treated 20 ladies and our dental staff took care of 22 while 11 folks walked away with cleaner smiles. If my brain can still add, that makes 183 patients seen at the January 9th fly in of the Flying Samaritans clinic in Puerto Adolfo Lopez Mateos. We were all treated to a whale or two out in the water as well as a family or dolphins. Kevin James came and did a great job of getting all of our dental equipment up to par so it was all a great clinic. See all of you at the fiesta in Constitucion next month.

Year's end Clinic

2009-12-13T12:45:00.000-08:00

While December 12th saw only 25 Sam's arrive to treat the folks in need
here in Lopez Mateos it was ok because it was a Mexican holiday with
many families out of town. As it is also the height of shrimp season
a good number of the population were out in the fish camps up and down
the esteros of Magdalena Bay. Meaning only 140 patients came looking
for help. El Movil got into action providing ultrasound function and
standing at the ready if needed to supply electricity because the
village has had several power outages daily during the past week. This
mostly due to heavy early morning fog playing havoc with the power lines.
The clinic results ended up with 17 family medicine patients seen together
with 11 pediatric consults. OBgyn was able to help 14 ladies and our chiropractic
providers chimed in with 75 adjustments. The dental staff either repaired or
extracted teeth of 13 patients and another 10 walked away with cleaner smiles.
For a December clinic it was all good. The pilots also made last minute changes
for Samuel and his mother Jovita to travel to Tucson for follow-up cornea transplant
exams.
Looking forward to 2010 and a great clinic year as well as we are hoping that
El Movil's permit will arrive so that we can begin getting out to the more remote
locations in Baja Sur with care.
Have a Merry Christmas and we'll see you all in 2010!

Success in November

2009-11-15T15:30:00.000-08:00

October was an extremely busy month for our local volunteers. El Movil went to work providing electricity to rebuild houses that were destroyed by Jimena. Olof canceled October's Flying Samaritan clinic by breaking the the dike which was eroded by the hurricane. Clinic roof was repaired, the building mucked out and electricity reinstalled. Many electric circuits were checked out and our wonderful providers were able to arrive one day before November 14th clinic and check out and restored all of the equipment needed to support treating patients on Saturday. A heroic effort by the dental staff cleaning all the instruments before the arrival of dental patients. November's days are much shorter than those of July so clinic was a bit shorter in hours than our providers like. Be that as it may, our angels from Arizona were still able to treat 37 general medicine patients and our new provider from California saw 22 pediatric patients. Obgyn saw 23 and there were 82 chiropractic adjustments. Our diabetic staff saw 18 folks and 18 for were helped by our eye staff. The dental crew repaired teeth of 18 patients and sent 12 folks home with brighter smiles. I believe that totals something like 194 patients seen. The pharmacy didn't slow down from beginning to end. We had a a serious shortage of translators so have huge thanks for our local English speakers who stepped in to fill the voids.

Still have a good bit of repair to complete on the clinic which includes replacing some exterior wood doors with steel doors, rebuilding the pilots lounge/dining area. Which is also part of rebuilding the dike holding the Pacific ocean of the runway and out of the clinic. We also need to rebuild the chain link fence which secures our clinic. All in all it was a great clinic.

Looking forward to December clinic as are the patients who couldn't be seen because sundown was fast approaching. Make plans early for February clinic as that will be the annual fiesta in Constitucion.

October stuff

2009-10-18T14:46:00.000-07:00

Please visit www.lopezmateos.org

September and October have been busy months. While we don't have clinic in August or September, September was the month of hurricane Jimena. And the resulting damages as well as heroic efforts by the Baja Bush Pilots and NORRA as well as many other organizations bringing help to the Mulege and Santa Rosalia region. Yes, they had horrific flooding due to Jimena. Through all that the Pacific coast where Jimena made landfall with 130 MPH winds was pretty much overlooked by many. Through immense efforts of NORRA and their Siri a couple BBP planes brought relief supplies for Lopez Mateos. As well two Flying Samaritan planes brought relief supplies for Lopez Mateos.

Well the urgency past and looking at the damage we began repairs of the Flying Samaritan clinic. A lot of the roof was replaced. Windows and a few exterior doors will be new and we're still waiting for a new transformer to supply electricity to the clinic.
Tropical Storm Olof forced us to cancel our October clinic and shortly after the dike which holds the Pacific off the runway gave way from being weakened by Jimena. That is in the process of being rebuilt. We had to haul in a lot of fill material. Something like 30 dump loads. The runway is now drying out and barring any further interference from mother nature we will have November clinic.

El Movil stepped into action delivering relief supplies and later provided electricity to help reconstruct some homes destroyed by Jimena. Please visit www.lopezmateos.org to see the rebuild efforts in progress in Lopez Mateos.

El Movil Helping Relieve Jimena needs

2009-09-17T06:10:00.000-07:00

With many thanks to the Baja Bush Pilots El Movil steps into action helping
get needed supplies to Jimena affected Lopez Mateos.

Hurrican Jimena

2009-09-04T17:52:00.000-07:00

Hurrican Jimena struck our town of Lopez Mateos, B.C.Sur on September 2nd with cat 2 to cat 2 strength winds. While El Movil suffered no damage as she rode out the blow the same cannot be said for the rest of Lopez Mateos. As is usual there was no media coverage in respect to how hard this disaster struck. Not even in the Mexican press. The carnage left 80 houses completely leveled and as many more destroyed beyond usability. The village isinthe process of digging out and cleaning the tons of debris and removing the rubble that once housed entire families.

2009-07-11T20:18:00.000-07:00

Diabetic lab draws in El Movil throughout the day.

July clinic saw 5 Flying Samaritan planes on the dirt runway of our little fishing village in Puerto Adolfo Lopez Mateos.
Since this will be the last clinic of the summer our wonderful providers stepped into Hyper mode and consulted every person who had received a number at the clinic's gate prior to the aircraft arrivals. El Movil quickly jumped into action with our diabetic provider working all day drawing blood for sugar counts, cholesterol and lipid numbers and educating those patients. Versatility is quickly becoming the bi-word for the Flying Samaritans Mobile Clinic.
As a result of the days efforts "Los Amigos" provided 15 complete diabetic visits complimenting the 30 General Medicine, 10 OBgyn and 6 Pediatric consultations. Our Chiropractors made 55 adjustments and the dental department helped 22 patients with either repairs or extractions. Add to those, 10 dental cleanings and July's clinic ended up with 148 folks seen and treated. Our pharmacy was kept extremely busy since the patients won't be able to refill medications at the clinic again until October when the Fall season begins. Make your plans well in advance for the October clinic as that is when our hosts in Ciudad Constitucion go the extra mile to make all of the Flying Samaritans feel like they are truly part of the community.
We're still waiting for El Movil's permit from the State Secretary of Health before our local providers can begin taking the Flying Samaritan's unique brand of free medical care further into the remote areas of Baja California Sur's Southwest desert communities.
Special thanks also go to Grupo Procaquama for sending 3 translators to help with our shortage of translators. They made a huge difference in the time it took for all of the care given today.
"Grupo Procaquama" is a worldwide organization dedicated to
protection and preservation of sea turtles. We deeply appreciate
these fine young people for volunteering their time to assist
us today.
That's our story and we're sticking to it.

Branded

2009-06-24T03:13:00.000-07:00

From last September until now is the amount of time which was needed in order to give El Movil new makeup. And new makeup is exactly what was needed as the final stage of morphing the rig from womens health care in Arizona to free general health care in Mexico.

Dr Moraila is in the process of acquiring a permanent mobile health clinic permit from the State Secretary of Health. Once we have that little item posted on the inside of El Movil we can begin reaching out into the really small communities which don't have airstrips on weekends other than our scheduled clinics in Lopez Mateos.

Our Mexico medical partners from Constitucion are very excited with the idea of bringing free medical visits to these outlining areas of the Municipality of Comondu. They have already created a waiting list for providers wishing to travel the back communities helping those in need and those who cannot travel to the Flying Samaritan Clinic in Lopez Mateos. Check back often to see the new adventures of El Movil.

El Movil's first clinic in Mexico

2009-06-14T07:42:00.000-07:00

June 13th arrived soon enough bringing the first time for El Movil getting into action as a part of the Flying Samaritans in Puerto Adolfo Lopez Mateos. As we had a small clinic with only 6 planes bringing 2 dentists and 3 medical providers along with the pilots who brought them and the translators, helpers and triage personnel it was a great beginning. Added to those who arrived in planes we had Oscar from Constitucion helping with dentures. Dr. Villaseñor from Constitucion came as well as his brother Dr. Villaseñor who who spent 18 hours on a bus from Turtle Bay to come and help out. We also had Dr. Rego Roberto "trauma surgeon" from Constitucion as a first time provider. Count 'em up, that's three local doctors getting involved with the Flying Samaritans on a regular basis. The twin doctors began coming last December and have been regular.
All this resulted in El Movil providing 4 ultrasounds which would not have been otherwise done. So the June clinic numbers ended up with the Flying Samaritans treating 38 General Medicine, 12 Pediatric, 21 OBgyn, 23 Eye patients, 70 Chiropractic and a whopping 28 dental patients. We did not have Hygiene providers this month and the Prosthetic department was unable to come. That seems to total 192 consultations provided during the June clinic. Naturally I have no way of knowing how many prescriptions were filled but the pharmacy line was steady from the time the first plane landed until we closed the front gate.
This is our story and we're sticking to it. Hi Hi!

Getting close to clinic now!

2009-06-01T15:41:00.000-07:00

What a difference a few weeks make.
In about a month we'll need to do
some silicone work which won't stick
well to fresh paint. As well as logo stickers
which will come down for the June Clinic.
El Movil is ready for the Flying Samaritans
to begin treating folks in Baja Sur, Mexico.
GOOD JOB SAMS!

2009-05-31T16:11:00.000-07:00

Patrick has been spending a good bit of time removing 8 years of interior notes from El Movil. As such he has left a word to the wise.

Whilst the exterior of the medical van which in future days will
be referred to as EL MOVIL has taken on a new life for its exterior
presence, much remains to be done (actually not that much) in the
interior.
Howsomever comma in the process of cleaning I have made a Clear And
Present Dangerous decision. There will be unusually severe consequences
for any medical staff member, be it physician, dental engineer or
technician, volunteer, or even visitor that makes the grave mistake
of bringing, carrying, disguising, attempting to disguise, thinking of
attempting to disguise, Scotch tape into El Movil.

Not necessarily in the following sequence, violators may expect to be:
spayed, neutered, skinned and deboned, properly grilled, mortar filled
cast out, plagerized, condemned, expelled, repelled, rebelled,
extolled, untold, probably sold, denied, decried, innards placed outside
in a proper and finely honed manner ready for placing on a formal
presentation plaque as a reminder to all whosoever come there after
with the same considerations.

Bring the blue painters tape instead. All may leave with all body parts
fully intact and operational.
Appropriately stated this date
the Second day of June
Year of Our Lord
Two Thousand and Nine
by the hand of
the Janitor
also known proudly as
Me and the MaMa Bear

Progress

2009-05-25T12:25:00.000-07:00

Progress is time consuming but always moving forward.
Surprising how much body repair gets done before painting.

Making it the Sam's

2009-05-18T10:03:00.000-07:00

Now on to the body shop.
For body repair and new paint.
Will take about 3 weeks to complete.

Brenda Janeth

2009-04-28T10:09:00.000-07:00

El Movil isn't even painted yet and it is already changing lives
in Mexico. See what all the folks who have given with such big
hearts are doing for people they will never even meet.

Happy Dr Moraila

2009-04-25T10:32:00.000-07:00

Many know Dr Moraila's sense of humor. It was so much fun
seeing him so touched and without words as all these supplies
and equipment became unloaded. These donations are truly
items which have not been available for his arsenal of tools
to help so many patients without means. It is Dr Moraila who
keeps our clinic out of the political schemes when it comes to
the legalities of our clinic in Mexico.

Unloading

2009-04-25T09:20:00.000-07:00

Planks purchased from Home Depot in Arizona prove invaluable when it came time to unload the 200 pound plus wheelchairs.

Constitucion Arrival

2009-04-25T08:04:00.000-07:00

April 25, 2009 Time to begin unloading all this stuff. Dr. Moraila will be pretty much in charge of the task once arrived to Constitucion.

The trip

2009-04-24T23:20:00.000-07:00

April 18, 2009 found Pheonix in the rear view mirror. The next 280 or so miles was a chance to get to know the driving peculiarities of this odd looking greyhound bus while on those nice and wide divided freeways that the U.S. had spent so many years and so much of it's citizens hard earned money building. Learning how much play is in the steering, what speed is the most economical and how much room is needed for safe braking. All of the understanding of the rig needed before plying the narrow, poorly marked Baja highways with no shoulder and few places to pull off if needed. Each stop brought better understanding of the various systems as well as discovering what they each do. Of course once in California you cannot park a rig this size just anyplace. So careful planning is becoming the Norm.

April 19, 2009 the MoMobile crossed the border into Mexico at Tecate bound for it's new home in Baja Caifornia Sur. With a full tank and about six hours to arrive in the first stop of El Rosario. How appropriate as this is where the Flying Samaritans had their humble beginnings. With 60 MPH winds the six hour trip was a white knuckle affair on the narrow highways of Baja's trans-peninsular route. The MoMobile's first night in Mexico had been long awaited. This is where we might inject that the locals refer to the vehicle as"El Movil" Hence we have fondly dubbed it so.

April 20, 2009 saw little traffic leaving El Rosario at 4:00am. Armed with a fresh pot of coffee brewed aboard El Movil and burritos cooked in her microwave, leaving early helped greatly in the next section of Mexico #1. At that hour little to no traffic snakes through the national park which extends from El Rosario to just North of Gurrero Negro some 224 miles. This is the home of the Cirio trees which look much like a Rat's tail rising 20 plus feet from the desert floor. Watching these unique wonders of nature as the sun peaks over the hills brings a feeling of calm over the soul. These magnificent example of evolution grow nowhere else on earth. This is also the section of the trip where the first Southbound military checkpoint is located. I have always enjoyed chatting with these young soldiers as they look through all vehicles in search of illegal weapons and evidence of illegal activity. With strong gusty winds pounding the side I gripped especially well of the steering wheel, including each time a semi truck passed the opposite direction. In these moments of passing Semi's the outside tires of El Movil and the Semi would most always reach past the edges of the asphalt while barely breathing between the two vehicles. The Santa Rosalia grade, also known well as "Questa del Infierno" (hell's grade), often requires one of the passing rigs to stop short of each curve because there is simply not enough clearance for two big rigs to be on the curves at the same moment. Sleeping while parked among the cactus is normal in the Baja so passing Mulege, Loreto and up the Liui grade brought El Movil peacefully to Lopez Mateos April 21st.

Loaded and Southbound

2009-04-15T16:43:00.000-07:00

After April 11th clinic Alicia returned North with the Samaritans. The process of loading all the items to be donated begins once the last of the new tires are installed and license plates are attached.

Travel Preps

2009-04-07T14:55:00.000-07:00

Flying Samaritans
Board of Directors Meeting
March 30, 2009

Motorized wheelchairs: Don Downey and Gail Brown picked up 9
wheelchairs from Barrow’s Institute they donated to the Flying
Samaritan’s. Don has 3 currently working. Dr. Moralias would
like a couple for loaners for the hospital. We will send the wheel
chairs down in the Momobile. Don Downey will put on new
batteries on the wheelchairs.

Forward Progress

2009-03-07T14:45:00.000-08:00

Flying Samaritans
Board of Directors Meeting
March 2, 2009

What is Status of Momobile: Leave unpainted to cross border. Bob Jackson will get
roll sticker with Flying Sam’s logo. Will bring paint along and Alicia will have painted
in Mexico.

unwrapped

2009-02-12T14:38:00.000-08:00

Flying Samaritans
Board of Directors Meeting
February 2, 2009

What is status of Momobile: Don Downey states it is
unwrapped. Kevin Collins made a motion to allow Don
Downey to paint and whatever else is deemed necessary to
get it across the border. Seconded by Rick Koril.

What Next?

2009-01-10T14:30:00.000-08:00

Flying Samaritans
Board of Directors Meeting
January 5, 2009

MoMobile: Don Downey getting new battery, getting quotes on
overhauling motors on generators and unwrapping and possibly painting.
Then smog testing and licensing

Received

2008-12-05T14:21:00.000-08:00

Flying Samaritan's
Board of Directors Meeting
December 1, 2008

What is status of MoMobile?: The MoMobile is now in Don’s possession. Bob will send a “Thank-you” to St. Joseph’s Hospital. The MoMobile will probably be registered under Alicia’s name with the Flying Samaritans as lienholder. This should make it easier getting it into Mexico.

The Beginning

2008-11-05T13:48:00.000-08:00

Flying Samaritans
Minutes Board of Directors Meeting
November 3, 2008

Old MOM Mobile is ours! What is the plan for it: Don Downey and
Gail Brown will get it off the loading dock. Plan is to get it licensed,,
insured and get Alisha to take it into Mexico.