Cape Regional Nurse Volunteers in Haitian Clinic

CAPE MAY – Anne Marie Patton, a Wildwood Catholic High School graduate and operating room nurse at Cape Regional Medical Center, just returned from a surgical mission to Haiti. Patton volunteers with the Blue Sky Surgical Mission, a volunteer group from the tri-state area performing surgeries for people in need.
Patton traveled with 25 others including doctors, interpreters, and logistics workers to perform surgeries for those unable to get medical treatment.
Each member of the team provides their own airfare, room, and board. The team works with hospitals which donate medical supplies, and it works diligently to collect supplies needed for the mission.
The team spent a week, Feb. 20-24 at the Double Harvest Clinic where it performed 96 surgeries, mostly on children.  
The Blue Sky Surgical Team primarily performs pediatric surgeries. It is one of the only pediatric teams that visits the clinic, making some patients wait nearly a year for treatment.
The clinic located in Croix des Bouquettes, a suburb of Port-au-Prince, is 100 percent volunteer based. Different volunteer teams visit the clinic providing their services throughout the year. 
Patton explained this was her fifth or sixth mission to Haiti. 
The team tries to go once a year, but sometimes situations out of their control hinder the mission. 
The clinic suffered a loss during an armed robbery and had had some issues with the clinic location. These setbacks only remind Patton and her team of the dire need for not only the patients but for the community as a whole. 
Patton explained, “I was always interested in doing a mission.” Her dedication seemed evident. 
She uses her vacation from Cape Regional Medical Center for the mission.
On top of the expenses for the trip, Patton buys toys and gifts to give to the children during recovery. “It’s very rewarding making a difference in someone’s life.” 
For information and to learn ways to get involved and/or donate, email jhovik@cmcherald.com.