The numbers are staggering. In sub-Sahara Africa, more than 1.000,000  children have been diagnosed with rheumatic heart disease, but remain untreated. For the approximately 10 million people in Rwanda, there are only 400 physicians, 3000 nurses and only ONE Cardiologist. One of every 5 children is an orphan due to the Genocide of 1994.  In April 2008 a team of BWH clinicians began a decade-long mission to bring heart surgery to Rwanda through service and education. Partners In Health has worked with the Rwandan Ministry of Health since 2005 to provide healthcare in a country previously torn by genocide, and with their help performed 11 life-saving surgeries during that initial visit. Ultimately, the hope is to help Rwanda establish an independent cardiac surgery program through educating local physicians, nurses and healthcare workers, while providing direct care during annual visits. This is possible with your support.

In April of 2009, I am thrilled to be joining approximately 40 other health care professionals from both within Partners and other outside facilities on the 2nd medical mission to Rwanda. In this two week period (on the 15th anniversity of the Rwandan Genocide), our goal is to operate on 20 young patients suffering from failing hearts while acting as teachers and mentors to the small number of physicians and nurses presently in Rwanda. I am humbled to have been asked to join this incredible venture, and look forward with great eagerness to the challenges ahead.

The money raised here will support nursing travel. All participants pay their own way (about $2500.00) and donate vacation time, which they are pleased to do. For some individuals, the travel costs are a challenge, especially in these hard economic times. Your support is crucial to having expert nurses as part of this project.

Team Heart Rwanda is asking for your help as our April 2009 trip rapidly approaches. Thank you for visiting my Fundraising Page. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to make a contribution to my fundraising efforts. Many thanks for your support - and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!

If you'd prefer, you can also send a check directly to my home at:

74 Hilburn Street  Roslindale, MA  02131

Affectionately,

Terry Nearhos

For more about our 2008 trip and details of our program, please visit

http://teamheart.blogspot.com

March update!!!

The fundraiser was an overwhelming success! I thank everyone who attended despite the inclement weather and brought friends and family with them. The music was outstanding, the food and wine everflowing, and the fun continuous! I have met my goal for donations. Anything else raised will go toward hidden costs and the travel expenses of the other nurses having a harder time in their fundraising. I am so blessed to have so many generous friends, new and old and I thank each one of you from the deepest part of my heart! God bless you all.