We are ecstatic to announce that at the moment that I am writing this, Presli has arrived at the clinic in La Oroya, Peru, and is in the process of getting registered and settled in for his week’s stay.
I have spoken with Ely just a few minutes ago and all is well. She will keep me posted on the progress of his treatment. They have made the trip with the social worker of the orphanage who will stay the entire week, leaving Ely free to return to her own organization’s 5 school programs near Chupaca. She will return to her home tomorrow and, if needed, will go back to Oroya on Friday to stay the weekend.
We can’t thank her enough for all her efforts over the last eight months as she has done a ton of legwork and gone to see the judge and orphanage director many times on our behalf. We are so blessed to have her on our team.
Meanwhile, arrangements for our second benefit concert are underway, with the fliers expected out of the shoot any day now. If you are on O’ahu, please join us on September 1 at Don Ho’s Island Grill at 9:30 PM. The party will be four-fold:
- Benefit concert to continue to support “Project Presli” and “Mission Merardo,”
- Celebration of Presli’s visit with the surgical team and perhaps some correction of his lips and eyelid,
- The 808 Scene Zine’s “Dock Sessions” first birthday, and
- Release party for our compilation CD featuring local rock and ska bands who have supported us in our efforts to raise funds (by Pass Out Records).
A few months ago Ely told us about a family of five who all have varying degrees of cleft palate. Since they are very poor, we told her that PeruDonations will pay for their transportation to the clinic as well, since the round trip is only about $7 apiece for the 2.5 hour trip! Dr. Capozzi assured me that since the main thing they do is repair this deformity, that the family is welcome and will have a place to stay during their treatment (all patients are being provided housing by Doe Run Company, who are well known in that region). Ely was not able to inform the family before she left today, but on her return she will give them the good news and hopefully they will be able to get surgeries as well!
We thank our supporters who have made these miracles possible. We truly could not have done any of this without the help and encouragement of our family and friends.
More to come later – including photos of Presli’s voyage!
Lisa and Sherrill Sturm
