Sandra Sansoni introduced Jerry Kelley: videographer, MLB scout, member of the Rotary Club of AG who journeyed to Honduras to photograph activities related to the cataract eye surgery project.

            Kelley showed a nine minute video summarizing events that occurred during the project.  Background music was provided by a member of the Rotary Club of El Progresso consisting of a mix of Cuban, Jamaican and Latin American music.  The project was a collaborative effort of the South County Rotary Clubs, District 5240, a matching grant from RI and private in-kind  donations from the medical industry amounting to over $25,000.  Patients ranged in age from 38 to 93; there were 50 surgeries, 30 were legally blind and 24 of the 30 resulted in 20/20 vision or better; the other six had predisposed long term negative conditions. 

            The surgery center where the operations occurred was considered the best in the country and, although adequate, did not compare with those in the USA.  Honduras has a population of 7.8 million, 30% unemployment and an average annual income of $1650.  In addition to the donated surgeries, the team left a new microscope and eye diagnostic equipment; this was a good thing as when they tried out the equipment at the center, they had to switch to equipment brought by the team.  Surgeries require over 100 pieces of equipment, medical stuff, such as bandages, etc., to perform surgeries.  The video was followed by a power point presentation showing team members at their jobs and having relaxing times between surgical days including a visit to the local hospital; somewhat primitive with long waits for examinations and treatments.  Defibrillators purchased, in part, by donations from the Club were sent to the hospital by SLO Rotaract.  Nice show Jerry Kelley; our thanks to you !