Carolina Honduras Health Foundation, Inc.

Henry W. Gibson, M.D., President William B. Gillam

Marcus Miller, Vice President Norris Ken Hook, Jr.

Thomas M. Boulware, Esquire, Secretary H. Lucius Laffitte, M.D., ex-officio

Norma Jean Easterling, Treasurer/Adm. Assistant Bruce McAdams

Christine. Zawacki, Recording Sec/Team Coordinator Robert W. Owen, ex-officio

Richard E. Boyles, Jr. M.D. Gail Ness Richardson

Reverend Jerry Brunson Merrell C. Still, Jr. D.M.D.

November 5, 2008

What a great year 2008 turned out to be. Volunteers came from across the United States and Canada to make up the 18 teams that staffed our clinic in Limon Honduras. In numbers, that meant at least 10,000 people who otherwise would not have access to a doctor/dentist, received medical/dental care and were given over 30,000 prescriptions needed to treat their conditions. That is astounding considering each volunteer was responsible for their own expenses and each team provided their medications and supplies. Overall health continues to improve in Limon and surrounding areas while the dental care is skyrocketing. When a dentist and/or hygienist were present, patients were able to have their teeth cleaned, receive fluoride treatments, sealants and both composite and amalgam restorations. It is even possible to do root canals at our clinic now. An Extended Eye-Care Ministry fitted people in need of prescription glasses while other teams distributed reading glasses and sunglasses. Health education classes covered self-breast exams, HIV and AIDS Awareness, and Malaria prevention.

The mission spirit continued beyond the medical/dental aspect of our teams. A church was constructed in Icoteas, in Limon a soup kitchen was built for children without parents, and the high school received a new roof. At the orphanage many teams made repairs, nurtured the children mentally, physically and spiritually and provided uniforms so the children could attend school. Many teams took time to spread the word of God in their own special ways. Books in Spanish continue to be collected for new libraries in several villages. The sewing and woodworking school students benefit from team support. A new school year in Honduras will begin in February. 36 children in Limon and Icotea will have uniforms, supplies and shoes for school. It is very important to get children enrolled in school in the first grade. For more information on school children, contact Gail Richardson, 449 Heathwood, Barnwell SC 29812. A Honduran student is attending college in SC with the help of some very special team members and as soon as a Visa is obtained, a clinic employees’ child will have the opportunity to experience life and education in the US because of a very caring clinic volunteer and his family. Aided by a very persistent and generous doctor who leads one of our teams, a child from Limon was brought to SC for hip surgery. These are just a few examples of the numerous humanitarian deeds of our volunteers.

Our clinic schedule for 2009 is full with a waiting list and 2010 scheduling is in progress. As teams return home and tell their stories of helping these very poor people, team sizes are increasing. To transport all our volunteers in safe reliable vehicles, the foundation purchased a new 16 passenger Toyota van. The salt air of the Caribbean is very corrosive and maintenance and repair are a constant at the clinic. The refrigerator, several ceiling fans and an air conditioner had to be replaced. The pharmacy addition is complete and has proven to be a great asset. The new outside “drop-off / pick-up window” has decreased the congestion dramatically inside the waiting room of the clinic. And it looks like our old school bus that we use to transport patients and teams to and from outlying villages is on its last leg. This will be a major purchase in 2009. If funds are available we hope to enclose the education building with the help of construction teams. This will provide additional sleeping quarters for larger teams.

On my last visit to Limon, I met with local leaders who all expressed their gratitude for the life-saving gift we are providing their people. I saw a mother who walked for 5 hours out of the mountains with her three small, sick children to the village of Icoteas. She heard we were sending the school bus to pick up patients and bring them to the Carolina Health Clinic in Limon. Mama and all three children were diagnosed with malaria and given the medications needed. She thanked me and started on her long journey home knowing she and her children would be ok.

I would like to extend that mother’s “thank you” to you. Only a small percentage of our supporters will ever meet these good people in Honduras but we all can take pride in knowing what a difference we are making in the lives of these very poor individuals. I hope you will continue your much needed support for the Foundation. It is a great way to honor or remember loved ones and friends. An appropriate personal note will be sent to your requested recipient(s). Donations may be sent to the Carolina Honduras Health Foundation, PO Box 528, Barnwell, SC 29812. A contribution/memorial/honor card and mailing label are enclosed for your convenience. In January, you will be sent a tax receipt for your donation. We are a 501(3)(C) organization and your contribution is tax deductible. For more information on the Foundation, go to our web site at www.CarolinaHondurasHealth.org.

Henry W. Gibson, M.D.

President

Carolina Honduras Health Foundation PO Box 528 Barnwell SC 29812 Phone/Fax (803) 259-3513