Ali – Guinea Patient Max Fac
Originally uploaded by keith.brinkman

Ali was one of our patients from last year in Monrovia, though he is from Guinea. He made the ten hour journey from his country to Liberia for his maxillo-facial surgery on board. I met him originally in the ward but we were limited in our conversation as he speaks mano and french and I speak english (& spanish). I was in Guinea for the past four days as we did surgical screening there and he remembered me. It was good to see him and how well he is doing following his surgery. I will write soon in my KRB Update about the time in Guinea.

A Walk to Beautiful
Originally uploaded by keith.brinkman

A television presentation about VVF – Vesico Vaginal Fistula – to be aired on May 13th on NOVA – PBS. Please reference my email update, KRB 2123.

Ganta Screening Jonathan 4yr old (4)
Originally uploaded by keith.brinkman

During our surgical screening in Ganta, we saw Jonathan, 3 ½ years old, who had a severe head wound which will require daily dressing changes until he comes with his father James to Monrovia for plastic surgery. Steven, the nurse, did his dressing change for that day and I just sat with Jonathan and kept praying and saying ‘you are a brave boy’ as I could sense that is was very painful – allowing him to squeeze my finger when it hurt, like my Mom did with me when I was young.

Ganta Screening Jean w Sam
Originally uploaded by keith.brinkman

During our surgical screening in Ganta, here is our first patient, Sam being head by my friend Jean Campbell, our healthcare manager. Sam sat quietly on the lap of his young mother with a large cleft lip. He was exactly the patient we were looking for and will be coming next month for surgery here on board the ship.

Ganta Screening
Originally uploaded by keith.brinkman

From our surgical screening in Ganta – Ans, from the Netherlands, is talking with this mother and her daughter who came seeking medical assistance. Both of them will be coming to Monrovia for the daughter’s surgery.

Ganta Driving (7)
Originally uploaded by keith.brinkman

I joined our surgical screening team as we went to the north to the city of Ganta in search for maxillo-facial patients. I got to drive most of the way on roads like this and worst and better.