Over the past three years it has been transformed into an 88-bed children’s shelter, housing homeless children of the surrounding area. Included in this construction are showers, kitchen, school facility, water purification, greenhouses, a dairy, and six apartments for visiting interns and caregivers.

The property, once owned by Guillermo and Victoria Gavancho, was initially intended to be the inheritance of their children. Now, it is a living legacy that can provide a new beginning for children who once roamed the streets. The Gavancho family became an immediate asset and a major part of the complex in the care of the children.

In June of 2005 the land was a mere dusty patch of soil when my husband, Bob, and I joined the first humanitarian group to break ground. For eight days we dug the footings for the foundation, built a greenhouse and dedicated the property for its humanitarian use. Guillermo and Victoria, along with their children, were present for the dedicatory event and honored for their contribution to this cause.

	The Wings World Wide Logo can go here. Also, extend caption box by one line.Wings World Wide–The Air Medical Foundation is a 501c3, not for profit charitable foundation. All donated funds go toward providing medical and dental care for those in need around the world. Visit airmedical.org.

During this humanitarian expedition, Bob and I, representing Wings World Wide–The Air Medical Foundation, discussed the possibility of furnishing a medical and dental clinic. These clinics would serve both the children at Sunflower and the surrounding communities. Lastly, Wings offered to take on the responsibility for the care, security and staffing of the dental and medical clinics. This agreement was finalized over the summer of 2005. The Sunflower Children’s Shelter, including the clinics and apartments, is now functional. The initial portable medical/dental equipment has been purchased and placed. Annual humanitarian expeditions are being planned.

Visits have included the local villages of Santana, Patacancha, Moray, Maras, Kaq’llaraqay, Pampacorral and Raqcchi, all small Kechuan villages high in the Andes. Many in these villages have never had contact with any kind of medical treatment, let alone dental care. Oral hygiene is not a part of daily life as they know it. Feet are crusted with dirt, birth defects have gone unattended, and bathing is nonexistent as they have no bathroom or shower facilities. Inoculation from typical diseases such as tetanus and TB has never been accomplished. The decay and overall general condition of their teeth is appalling by comparison to our standards.

However, they are stoic people and tend to take even the most obvious discomfort in stride. Many have lived with pain so long they have come to expect pain as a standard way of life. Not until they are treated do they realize there is a difference. One must be impressed with the women, especially the older women. They are industrious and resourceful, and because of this they command respect. They literally hold down the house while the men are gone, sometimes for days, tending flocks in the hills and working in a daily routine focused on survival. Pain, though, is a great equalizer as we saw even the most revered stand in line waiting their turn. It would be nice to say that all who come our way are treated, but nightfall and the dangers of travel over 17,000-foot passes, down winding switchback roads in the dark, necessitate that we close our doors at dusk until the next trip. Of the hundreds that are seen, many still await our return for treatment.

In addition to the work at Sunflower, other excursions include visiting and caring for the residents of the Floating Isle of Uros on Lake Titicaca. On the largest and highest navigable lake in the world (at 12,500 ft.), participating dental professionals practice without electricity. Everyone finds it fascinating what can be accomplished in dental care without electrical conveniences.

Meeting the people of Peru is an experience in and of itself. Grateful, kind and sharing are about the three best adjectives to describe them. Language is a barrier easily overcome. We translate from English to Spanish to Kechuan and back, via phonetic phrased verses on a blackboard or through interpreters. Making an effort to communicate in their language and trying to understand their culture goes a long way in building a lasting relationship of trust.

Wings has seen life changing and life altering experiences on each “mini-mission,” by both the caregiver and the recipient. Many will not get to go again, but will always remember the new-born training and hygiene instructions that they taught while clinics were going on in another part of the village.

Wings works to create a seamless humanitarian expedition, understanding that time away from an office is a significant factor. The general itinerary is to leave on a Saturday morning and return a week from the following Tuesday. Wings coordinates all air and ground transportation as well as lodging and tours. Meals are provided when in clinic.

There is a strict effort to maintain a one-dentist-to-every-four-students ratio on each expedition. The size of the expedition is totally dependent upon finding worthwhile tasks for each participant. You do not have to be a dentist or a hygienist, but must be willing to take on jobs such as sterilization, patient flow control, charting, as well as dental and hygiene education and newborn care. For some there are also construction projects.

This is certainly one positive way to give back to your profession in both time and talent. Wings World Wide–The Air Medical Foundation invites you to join in blessing the people of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This is not only helping them, but preserving a truly special culture.