Images of hundreds of children worldwide flashed on the screen at Canoe Brook Country Club recently at the Healing The Children New Jersey’s Annual Gala. While they were of many ages, sizes and hues, they all had one thing in common. They had had a physical abnormality that was adversely affecting their lives, and were fortunate enough to have met up with teams of doctors, nurses and administrators from the New Jersey area who volunteered to help them this past year. These volunteers, organized by Healing The Children New Jersey, traveled on medical missions to different countries to donate their services to children in need. They have traveled to dozens of countries worldwide since their founding 35 years ago, caring for more than 36,000 children. All pay their own expenses and donate their services for a week at a time.
Teams are formed of about 20 health care providers and can perform up to 120 surgeries in a week depending on the complexity of the cases. Surgeries include orthopedic (for club feet), ophthalmologic (strabismus, or crossed-eyes, ptosis, and pediatric cataracts), plastic surgery (cleft lips/palates and burn resections), urologic, and ear, nose and throat surgeries. These surgeries often make a profound difference in the life of the child, enabling most to become fully functioning members of society. In the words of one patient’s parent, “I have no words to thank you for what you have done for my daughter and all of these children. Your good hearts fulfill many dreams, above all the dreams of innocent children. Remember that in Guayaquil (Ecuador), there are many grateful hearts. Please return soon. Thank you Mr. U.S.A”.
Healing The Children New Jersey’s 500-plus active volunteers also serve children in two other ways. First, they support children throughout the world who come to the U.S. for donated medical care when the child is unable to obtain care in their own country.
Missy Oplinger of Summit received the Sergio Award at the Gala for her dedication, time and compassion that have changed the life of the children she and her family have hosted. Volunteer host families, health care professionals and hospitals ‘make miracles happen’ for these children. Executive Director Karen Mackie states that volunteer host families are currently being recruited for children that are awaiting placement at homes here in New Jersey. Second, Healing The Children New Jersey also helps New Jersey children who have complex medical diagnoses and developmental disabilities. They assist these children with special-needs therapy, care and programs, as well as specialized equipment.
It is a special privilege to take part in significantly improving the life of a child. They welcome you to assist them as either a volunteer or supporter. Contact Healing The Children New Jersey at 973-949-5034 or at www.htcnj.org.
(above) Missy Oplinger of Summit receiving award from Healing The Children New Jersey for her dedication, time and compassion that have changed the lives of the children she and her family have hosted.
