Our work continues
Our supporters have been asking: How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected our patients and the important work that our staff in Montero does every day? Here is an update from our small corner of the world as we continue to serve our patients and their families.
First of all, we at the Rosa Vera Fund send a big, strong, virtual hug to our patients, Bolivian colleagues and supporters around the world during this challenging time. The effects of this pandemic have been truly devastating, but they have not dampened the spirits or the resolve of our team. Now more than ever, we are determined to make sure our families are getting the support they need. We are working with our families by collaborating with our specialists via live video conference, home visits, and in-person therapy at La Escuelita, with many precautions taken. In addition, since a portion of our regular RVF programming takes place in the child’s home environment, parents and caregivers are able to continue speech and physical therapy goals on a daily basis. During this time of social distancing, we are thankful our patients can continue learning to speak, to control their hands, to gain muscle strength, and to stabilize themselves so they may walk on their own. Your support makes this happen! We are happy to report that all of our patients have remained healthy throughout the pandemic thus far.
Given that the parents and other caregivers cannot work for the time being, we are offering nutrition security to the families by delivering essentials to each home. We are also providing diapers and other necessities for the children.
Our latest fundraising goal is to provide La Escuelita with upgraded technology so that virtual visits can continue. Even before the pandemic, the time and logistics it took to get to a specialist more than an hour away were often prohibitive. A true telemedicine center could help our patients get that specialist care they need, now and in the future.
We continue to move forward undaunted!