GreatStories

Antonio
It was Christmas 2005, when Antonio, a local 36 year old man, was struck by a
car while crossing the highway in downtown Bucerias. Miraculously, he suffered
no broken bones but had a severe concussion and, after lying in a coma for
several days in a local Puerto Vallarta hospital, was transported to Guadalajara
for further treatment. Once his head injury was no longer considered life
threatening, he was released into the care of his mother - he was unable to walk,
talk and was in diapers. His mother and father, both elderly, are still working in
order to live. Although Antonio’s direct medical expenses are covered under
Mexico’s medical insurance program, his parents did not have the financial
means to assume the additional costs of items that Antonio required. We
provided funds for the purchase of a bed and a supply of hygienic products.
It was extremely gratifying when Antonio and his mother stopped by to see us
earlier this Summer, while they were in our area to finalize some paper work
connected with his ongoing medical care. Antonio will likely never be able to work
again but he can walk, with the aid of a walker, and his speech has almost totally
returned. Antonio and his mother are very appreciative of the help they received
and we pass on their thanks and gratitude to you.

Pati
A young mother, with three children, receives a chilling diagnosis - cervical
cancer. Immediate treatment is imperative but the family hasn’t enough money to
cover the cost. A quick check with the doctor confirmed the information we had
been given and, when we assured the doctor that we would provide the required
funding, this young mother received the necessary treatment. After a period of
recuperation, this lady has now returned to work as a maid.
This family is extremely grateful for the help they received, thanks to you.

Sarahi
On the subject of cancer, you may recall a story from a couple of seasons ago,
about Sarahi, 10 year old child from San Juan de Abajo who had undergone
extensive treatment for cervical cancer. We are happy to report that she is doing
well and we continue to provide financial assistance to the family for her periodic
checkups in Guadalajara.

Rafael
A current medical assistance situation we are helping with involves Rafael, a
baby less than a year old, being treated in hospital in Guadalajara. The mother
must stay with the baby and the father, who works as a gardener here in
Bucerias, travels each weekend to provide some assistance and relief to the
mother - a 5 hour bus trip each way. The family has three other children residing
and being cared for locally, ensuring that they are fed, dressed and attending
school. With their small income, this family does not have the financial resources
to cope with this extended medical situation. Once again, thanks to your past
support, we are able to provide this family with financial assistance as they cope
with their baby’s medical situation.
We are sad to report that his illness has claimed the life of this young
child.

Helping cancer patients in St. Louis, MO
How in the world did the Bottom Feeders get connected with a cancer treatment
centre in St Louis, MO. I’ll let Bob explain it to you ---
“My wife, Sue, and I are from St. Louis, Mo. We were fortunate enough to catch
your season’s last show on April 4, 2006 in Bucerias. Wow, it was so much fun.
Truthfully, it was our favorite day out of our 3 weeks in Mexico. We got into it and
bought t-shirts and CD’s - I’ve been playing them all the time.
Sue and I are nurses in the bone marrow transplant unit at Barnes Hospital in St.
Louis. Our patients usually spend a month in the hospital for their transplant.
Other than reading and TV there is no entertainment. You guys have inspired
me to do something about that. I am in the final stage of putting together a 45
minute comedy / musical routine. I think it will bring a lot of smiles to the faces of
some people who have had to deal with life-threatening and lifestyle altering
situations. As we speak, the nurses are putting a dance routine together for
Trailer Park Women complete with hair curlers and furry slippers.”

And how was this effort received by the audience - well, Bob and his co-workers
have put on two shows - his report on these -
June 2006: The program for our patients went really well. We had about thirty in
attendance and about that many more trying to fit in. Our show included the
colorectal surgeon bit, the farting nun and our trailer park women, along with two
professional belly dancers and me, in my red dress, doing Pour Me Another
Tequila. I think we had as much fun doing the show as the audience did
watching.

August 2006: Last Sunday we had our second program for the patients - where
we entertained about 50 people.
We added more comedy since the first group’s feedback was that it really felt
good for them to laugh - it had been quite a while since most laughed. Thanks
again for your inspiration.

To Bob, Sue and all those concerned at Barnes Hospital, the Bottom Feeders
salute and thank you for this wonderful thing you are doing to help people cope
during this very difficult time in their lives.