Project delivery: pediatric dialysis machine

On Thursday 10/10, we had the privilege of participating in a delivery for a project that was started many months ago. It involved the donation of a pediatric dialysis machine to the Hospital Posadas, one of the largest hospitals in the country. Argentina has a nationalized medicine system, so this public hospital has quite a large mission. We were told it serves as many as 7 million potential patients in many of its specialties, and has a large pediatric ward.

Hospital Posadas, Buenos Aires

This project began when one of the doctors at the hospital, who is also a bishop in the Church, noted the need for this particular piece of equipment. He started the process of investigating a possible donation from Latter-day Saint Charities.  Our predecessors in this missionary calling, Troy and Wendy Powelson, helped develop this project proposal and obtain the funding. It took some time to get the equipment ordered, shipped, and delivered; but now it's ready to be put to work.

The Argentina people apparently have great appreciation for ceremony; they love to play up events such as this with considerable pizzazz. There were lots of "speeches" from both sides celebrating the donation. Those who spoke on behalf of the Church were particularly clear to emphasize that we're not a wealthy group; but as a Church we are committed to serving those in need, as the Savior counseled us. From the hospital's side, there were great expressions of gratitude on behalf of the employees who would use the machine and the patients who would benefit from it.

Far right is the new dialysis machine. At the rear on the left is the LDS doctor
who spearheaded the project. Right rear is the local LDS bishop who helped
represent the Church; to my right is Guido Lucas, the Area Welfare Specialist
who helps direct our efforts. The rest are doctors and nurses from the hospital.

It was fascinating to us to be able to have the experience of touring the pediatric portion of the hospital. It's heart-rending to see infants and toddlers with a variety of medical challenges in this kind of setting. Knowing that a donation like this can help relieve some of that suffering is a wonderful feeling. It was explained to us that the methods of dialysis for children with kidney failure currently in use are slower and more painful; and in some cases, where the child has other issues like cancer, not an option at all. But this machine will make that process easier, less painful, and more successful for more of the children.

The day after the visit, we were distressed to see this image as the lead photo on the hospital's release about the event.

From the Hospital Posada's announcement of the donation.
Shaking hands with the hospital's national executive director,
Dr. Pablo Bertoldi Hepburn.

We had nothing to do with this project, other than arriving in the country in time to show up for the delivery, and it was very uncomfortable to be at the center of attention at the "celebration" of the donation. But we quickly realized that it was not about us; it was about the fact that we were the most visible representatives of the Church, being newly arrived from the USA, speaking minimal Spanish, wearing official-looking nametags, etc. We were just the most ready image of the great organization behind Latter-day Saint Charities that made this gift possible.

We will certainly have many more situations like this in the coming 18 months. It was good to have this reminder right at the beginning, when it might have been easiest to put it in proper perspective. During our mission, we will be so fortunate to help coordinate the wonderful efforts that result from all who donate resources to Humanitarian funds or fast offerings. While we will be present at the projects, the real credit belongs to the Church that has the vision of serving "even the least of these" who are in need, and to the Savior who taught that message to us. What a blessing it is to be able to use those gifts to reach out to the world and bless lives—including the precious little children of Argentina.