TWECS 2012: TONDO, MANILA

TWECS 2012: TONDO, MANILA
Third World Eye Care Society’s mission to Tondo, Manila in Philippines from November 8th to November 25th, 2012 during which an optometric clinic will be set up to conduct eye examinations and dispense glasses. Total registrations were 4046, total glasses dispensed were 3,865 and total referred for cataract operations were 164
A NATURAL LEADER WHO HAS SHOWN A WILL AND A WAY...WE THANK YOU!
A great mission cannot be successful without a strong team leader! Our latest TWECS mission to the Philippines is indicative proof. The 13 team members ranging from ages 22 to 65, coming from a wide variety of backgrounds and areas throughout Canada were led by Dr. Marina Roma-March. Although we were all different in so many ways we all shared a common goal of providing eye care to the poorest of the poor. Marina’s dedication and passion for this cause kept team spirits high while enduring pressure to get as much accomplished in spite of extreme difficulties.
Mission 2012 was difficult in several ways. Severe working conditions at the Smokey Mountain clinic, just steps away from Manila’s infamous garbage dumps were a tough challenge as we worked with patients living in extreme poverty. One of the first residents I registered reported her occupation as “scavenger”, digging through piles of rubbish to find whatever piece of trash may prove to be of any value to trade for a crumb of food. Marina informed everyone on the team about the risk of foreigners coming to this area and made the safety of her team a priority. She worked closely with the vice-mayor’s office to secure the aid of an amazing group of volunteers who became a key part to the mission’s success.
In addition, throughout the mission, Marina continued her work on the dream of her and husband Derrick to establish a permanent sustainable clinic in Manila so her cause will go on after missions are over and so many people in need are left behind. This clinic has come a few steps closer as Marina continues to nourish relationships with like-minded fellow Filipinos.
This amazing woman, wife, mother of twins, running her own optometry clinic in Vancouver, has dedicated her life to the work of TWECS, the charity she and Derrick first began in 1995. Marina captured the highest respect from all team members and volunteers, new and old who accompanied her on this amazing journey showing that a leader can be humble, passionate and sincere during the most trying moments with her never ending energy.
Thank you Marina for being our leader and our friend, an invaluable combination.
Brenda Tosoff
TWECS Director / Team Member

THANK YOU!
Imagine putting a pair of glasses on a 7-year-old girl who had been forced to stop school because she could not see the blackboard. She has never worn glasses before and I held in my hand a pair of -8.50 (with a little bit of cylinder for astigmatism). I put the glasses on her face and first there was silence. She turned her head and looked around for what had seemed like a lifetime. She turned to her mother, and then she turned to me. I smiled at her, hoping that she would reciprocate, and slowly, her lips curled upwards; my heart melted. As we checked her visual acuity again with the glasses on, I gazed over to her mother, who looked like she was ready to cry. This little girl was now able to see, and she can return back to school.
That was my glory story on this trip, and that was the point where I fully understood why we were there. In my opinion, this trip was a success. I had laughed more in the past two and a half weeks than I normally would in two months. I would love to thank the entire team for being there for me throughout this life-changing trip. Most of all I would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Marina Roma-March for being the best leader I have ever worked with. Dr. Roma-March’s passion and dedication to TWECS cannot be described with words; we were all infected with her contagious compassion for the poorest of the poor. I will definitely be returning to future projects, as I am sitting here in Vancouver, having withdrawal symptoms already. Thank you again for all those who have followed the blog. I hope you got a taste of what we had experienced half way across the world, and hope that you can join the experience in future projects.
Jessica Tu
TWECS Team Member

ARRIVAL AT VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Tally Vatankhah

DAY 16 - LAST TWECS TEAM BANQUET
Christina Dawson,
TWECS Team Member


DAY 15 - CHECK IN AT THE NEW WORLD HOTEL
Today, the team checks in at New World Hotel Makati, 5 miles away from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

DAY 14 - LAST CLINIC DAY FOR 2012!!!!!
Jessica
TWECS Team Member









DAY 13 - SECOND LAST CLINIC DAY

Linda Dawson,
TWECS Team Member



One thing about the Philippines that I have found interesting are the extremes. There is extreme poverty only a block or two from 5 star hotels and highrise condominiums. There is beauty next to desolation. But one thing that is constant is that the people are very friendly everywhere we go. I look forward to coming back again in the future.Thanks for reading,
Michael Langenberger







