My name is Patrick Kearns and my wife Liz and I are currently long-term missionaries in San Lucas Tolimán, Guatemala. In our missionary work we have found that there is a tremendous need for diabetes treatment and education especially in the small towns and villages surrounding Lake Atitlán.
Over the past decade the disease has skyrocketed in the mountain regions of
Guatemala due to changing food consumption, cultural changes, and numerous other
reasons. Many of the indigenous Mayan people suffer greatly from the effects of
the disease and have no resources for treatment nor have they received sufficient
education about the disease. There are no formal diabetes clinics in the rural
areas.
After witnessing firsthand the sufferings of many people and identifying
the tremendous unmet need, along with my thirty years of experience as a
Registered Nurse, we feel called and inspired to open a simple clinic (Clínica
Para Diabéticos) that can provide at no cost:
1. In-clinic blood sugar testing / Diabetes screening
2. Comprehensive diabetes education
3. Assistance with obtaining hyperglycemic medication
1. In-clinic blood sugar testing / Diabetes screening
2. Comprehensive diabetes education
3. Assistance with obtaining hyperglycemic medication
We have already secured a clinic site and a building and we
are now looking for people and organizations willing to help sponsor this much
needed project. We are currently in need of supplies, medication, and a small
amount of funds to purchase a few pieces of simple office furniture. Some of
the needed supplies are:
1. Glucometers and testing strips
2. Alcohol pads
3. Cotton balls
4. Band-Aids
5. (Spanish) Diabetic education supplies, posters, handouts, etc
6. Hyperglycemic medications (May be expired) Metformin / Glucophage, and Others
1. Glucometers and testing strips
2. Alcohol pads
3. Cotton balls
4. Band-Aids
5. (Spanish) Diabetic education supplies, posters, handouts, etc
6. Hyperglycemic medications (May be expired) Metformin / Glucophage, and Others
To make communication and answering questions easier we have
a project partner in the U.S., Alex Strieff, LVN. She can be reached at by email at AlexandraStrieff@yahoo.com to directly answer any questions
that you might have and/or to help facilitate a donation. If you prefer, I am
also available in Guatemala and can be reached by
email at DeaconKearns@gmail.com.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and I pray
that you might be able to help us help others.
Sincerely,
Deacon Patrick Kearns, RN-BC, BSN, PHN
Clinic Director / Founder
