The Toddler Troupe

This year we did the largest number of small children: 7 children under 10 kg. Without a mom sitting continuously by the bedside at post-op, the babies would act like babies and cry. The nurses had a whole slew of tricks to keep them pain-free and comfortable.

When the night comes. . .

The night team is often less recognized, not for the lack of impact or importance, but merely the fact that the sun has set, the moon has risen and quiet has come to the city....everywhere except the ICU. Jeannie Koo, Susan Van Fleet, Diane Yorke and the 3 PICU Docs (yep....that included Gene Freid) keep things going after a long day of activity in the OR and ICU.

Just breathe. . .

In Uganda, the role of the Respiratory Therapist (RT) remains elusive. Despite 3 previous missions, we have not been able to establish a firm partnership between our RT's and their personnel. We have tried physical therapists, nurses, anesthesiologists, etc. Our work remains undone. Fortunately, Lupe Haynes (on her 3rd mission) and Sheila White (a newbie) have taken the task head on. They have provided expert respiratory support to these children from the moment they return from the OR following cardiopulmonary bypass. Miraculously, all children have been spontaneously breathing within minutes of arriving in the ICU (save 1..who was ventilated for about 2 hours). They have been teaching different levels of healthcare providers about basic and advanced respiratory support. Our results would not be what they are without their endless efforts.

(By the way, my favorite song, "Breathe," is on Anna Nalick's album "Wreck of the Day")

The Blue Devil connection

We are so pleased to have Dr. Stacy Peterson Carmichael (former Tar Heel) and Jeannie Koo, RN, PNP, join us on this mission. Both have brought their knowledge and skills from the other end of Tobacco Road on the Road to Uganda. Stacy is staffing the PICU while Jeannie is working the "lobster shift" to keep the kids recovering.

But is the lobster shift in Uganda the day shift in Durham?

Samaritan's Purse leadership visits UNC Project-Uganda

Mr. Kenny Isaacs, VP for Projects at Samaritan's Purse, visited UNC Project-Uganda today. He was accompanied by Associate Director for Projects, Mr. Edward Bensham and Ugandan Country Director, Mr. Chris Blacham. We have worked very closely over the past three years with Ugandan's Doreka Shemsande, Children's Heart Program Project Manager and Samantha Nuwagaba, Children's Heart Program Coordinator (both pictured above). Ms. Cindy Bonsal, based in Boone NC, heads the Children's Heart Program. Her leadership and support has made this program possible.

Samaritan's Purse is a Christian humanitarian aid organization based in Boone, NC with an extremely successful Children's Heart Program. They have arranged for the correction of hundreds of children with heart disease by partnering with U.S. physicians and hospitals. This past spring, six Ugandan children were brought to the U.S. for repair of their defects as part of a larger program co- sponsored by the Gift of Life.

Patrick Kahuma (pictured above), was brought to UNC-Chapel Hill where he underwent a successful balloon valvuloplasty of his pulmonary stenosis and ASD closure with an Amplatzer device. These minimally invasive procedures were performed in the pediatric cardiac catheterization laboratory by Dr. Elman Franz with anesthesia by Dr. Peggy Dietrich.

We let Dr. Freid practice in BOTH the ICU and OR

Views from the PICU

Glad to be back!

Well it's Friday and all the surgeries have gone well. It's been a joy to watch these children transition from very sick children, to awaken to a better chance at living life to the fullest. There are smiles given that just make your heart melt. At times the communication lines are hindered because of language barriers but smiles and hugs say so much to them. I may not be able to speak their language but I can communicate and a better meaningful way. Even though this is my third trip here, I'm always taken back by their appreciation and gratefulness. Things that we define as a hard or difficult way of life for us, is mere richness to them. I'm reminded that I need to thank God for all that he has blessed me with. Whether if it's using my talents or skills to bless others, I dare not waste what has been given to me to help others in need. The staff here at Mulago Hospital are wonderful people who also are thankful for our help. They have grown so much in the past 3 years and are blossoming into confident health care givers. They can help their country and a way that is meaningful to them. For those that read this entry, make sure that giving to others becomes a way of life for you and just know that the return of doing so will bless your life as well.

Lupe Haynes Respiratory Therapist

Views from inside the OR

An update from the "pearl of Africa"

The broken anesthesia machine is now FIXED (at midnight). THANKS, Elizabeth!

Wonderfully six children have been healed. They are recovering and their families are glad. This has not been without challenge. Twenty-four hours a day the team is caring for the children. Twelve hours a day someone is fixing the equipment- and that would be me. The equipment at the Ugandan Heart Institute is quality equipment but has not been without problems. Some functions have needed to be enabled on the devices. Those are the easy problems. Some problems have been typical electronic problems like reseating cables and connectors. Others have been more serious and parts have been replaced by scavenging from defective machines. Yesterday a part was needed to repair a machine. I asked Melad the technician here to call the equipment's service representative here to request the part to be delivered overnight... as if. Unfortunately access to parts are not readily available and other options had to be explored and delivered. The equipment here is supporting great work and great people. My hope and prayer is that it continues.