Ruel Foundation

Once a decision is made, there is no use wasting time, and we haven't been messing about. Expansion into Romblon Full Steam AHEAD!.

Last week I went to Romblon with a few small objectives in mind.

• Plan and prepare a Cleft Lip and Palate surgical outreach
• Meet with the local Mayor and try and get him on board with our plans
• Meet with the Governor of Romblon and win him over
• Wine and dine the hospital chief, the Minister of Health and the Department of Social Welfare staff

Oh, and I also wanted to find a property that would be suitable for the Ruel Foundation

It was a very successful trip. Right from the beginning I was made so very welcome, particularly by the new Mayor.

She took me to meet her father, who just so happens to be the Governor! During our meeting I explained who we are, and that we would like to do a Cleft Lip and Palate outreach on his Island.

To say he was excited was an understatement, he immediately rang his son, who just so happens to be a plastic surgeon.

His son offered to operate at the up coming outreach for no charge, and in addition to that, also to come back to Romblon each month and do additional corrective surgeries! Things were working out well so far....

My next stop was the hospital chief. Turns out he's just built a brand new hospital which will open this July. We talked and he loves what the Ruel Foundation is doing - he's given us the use of his brand new operating theatre and hostpital facilites free of charge!

The house hunting was exhausting, but eventually found a property that is perfect for the Ruel Foundation! It is spacious, in a beautiful location, furnished and also very well built. Fortunately the rent is only $500 per month (which includes a caretaker!).

We'll use the facility as a halfway-house for kids that are being placed for adoption before transporting them back to Ruel House in Calapan.

Thank you very much for your ongoing support, I am excited to share the vision and growth of The Ruel Foundation!

 

Pauline Curits-Smith
Philippines National Director