Thursday and Friday, January 22 and 23rd
On Thursday, the team worked their last day at Bugando Hospital. Because this was the teams last day, the goal was to take a step back and allow the Tanzanian doctors to take control and preform the procedures. We were super impressed with how much the Tanzanian staff learned and are happy to announce they were able to preform the procedures with little help from the team. Yesterday, the team also preformed the first stem cell transplant in Bugando Hospital. This is such a huge accomplishment as this is a relatively simple and non-invasive surgery that will be able to serve a huge number of patients. Some local news outlets even came in to report on this new breakthrough arthroscopic surgery and interviewed Gayle and a few doctors. After clinic and surgery, the team was invited by the Bugando Hospital team for dinner. It was amazing to have dinner with the team and reflect on such a wonderful week of surgeries together.
Today Dr. Alex, Mama Gayle and Dr. Goswami went to the hospital early in the morning and had an evaluation with the team they worked with all week. The team discussed what went well, what didn’t go so well, and what needs to be improved on in the future. The Bugando team reiterated many times how impactful the work Hope Ministries was and expressed they wished the team could stay longer. The team also went and visited post-op patients with all the doctors and residents to evaluate how the procedures went. One case that specifically stuck out to the team involved a young man who has had several surgeries and was introduced to Mama Gayle last year. The patient repeatedly reiterated that he was so thankful for Dr. Alex and the rest of the team who was able to provide him with life changing treatment. The patient expressed he was unable to work due to his condition and was unable to care for his family. The gratitude expressed by the patient was so moving that the team was brought to tears. Another patient the team visited was a little boy who was operated on by Dr. Ayan. The little boy is now able to flex his foot thanks to the work of Hope Ministries. This child will now be able to live a normal life and walk like everyone else. As always, thank you so much to the donors who allow us to change the lives for these patients in need.
After clinic, the team said their heartfelt goodbyes to the staff and departed to the airport where they flew back to Arusha. The team was able to do some shopping and even bought some beautiful tanzanite jewelry. The team cannot believe this trip is almost over and is filled with love and gratitude for all the amazing work that they were able to be apart of.