Hearts Alive Recipient Goes Home!

Casa Corazón excitedly reports that our first Hearts Alive Recipient, Axel is ready to travel back to Honduras to his family. Axel, a 1 year old boy from Honduras, came to The United States for life saving heart surgery January 17, 2009. Surgery on February 9, 2009 gave his heart the "energy lift" it required to provide a healthy life for Axel. After 2 days in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Axel was ecstatic to be back with his host family who has graciously nursed him through his post-op phase. A Special Thank-You to Dale and Sharon Hess and family, New Oxford, PA who have opened up their home and hearts to lovingly care for Axel, Hershey Medical Center, Dr. Clark, Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon, Dr. Pauliks, Pediatric Cardiologist, Penny Porter, and Warren Smith, Cardiac Social Worker. What an amazing blessing to participate in giving the gift of life to a child! For Photos of Axel and more information on the Hearts Alive Project, please refer to the Projects and Initiatives Section of the Casa Web Site.

Neurosurgery Team Operates In Honduras

Casa Corazón's first neurosurgery brigade just returned from Honduras! During the week-long brigade, the team worked with local Neurosurgeons, Dra. Miller, Dr. Velasquez, and Dr. Mancias to help patients suffering from Spine fractures, brain tumors, brain aneurysms, congenital deformities, and hydrocephalus. Casa's team consisted of Dr. Joel Winer, Neurosurgeon, Missy Gillis, RN, Prudence Martin, RN, Megan Fingleton, Photographer, and Jodi Gemmell, RN. Casa Corazón wishes to thank the wonderful pediatric and OR staff at Hospital Mario Catarino Rivas, SPS for their generosity and hospitality in working together with us to change lives and offer hope. A special thank-you to the ladies from Fundacion Ayuda for helping us with travel arrangements and other details to make the trip run smoothly. A heart-felt thank-you goes to the members of the brigade for donating their time, talents, and rising to the challenge of caring for patients in a difficult environment. Stay tuned to our website for upcoming photos and thought from the brigade.