Rotaplast International Presentation
Kathy Kruger--Rotaplast: Rotaplast International, Inc. was started in 1992 by the San Francisco Rotary Club to facilitate short-term surgical programs in developing countries to treat children and adults with cleft lips and palate anomalies who would otherwise not receive surgical treatment. A typical mission spans ten days to two weeks, consists of about thirty members comprised of physicians, dentists, nurses and non-health care personnel who volunteer their services. Approximately one hundred patients are treated on each mission. Kathy, a nurse and a member of the Pleasant Valley Rotary Club, volunteered on a Rotaplast mission to the Philippines. She shared with us through stories and photographs her experiences in treating the patients on her mission, and also discussing how a mission operates and is funded. Rotaplast through donations has the financial capabilities to fund about fifteen missions per year, and since its founding has treated about 17,000 people. To learn more about Rotaplast and to make a donation please contact Kathy at nydkruger@aol.com.