MERCY ON ME

The hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) arrive in Cotabato City on May 29, 2008 to conduct its goodwill outreach mission providing humanitarian and civic assistance to the people of Mindanao. This mission reflects the longstanding ties between the United States and the Philippines, as well as our continued commitment to work together to help those in need.

I was one among the many patients of USNS Mercy who underwent a Skin Grafting Surgery on May 31 aboard the ship.

When I heard the news that USNS Mercy would be visiting Mindanao, particularly in Cotabato area, I grabbed the chance to get medical care without expense. I was first screened in Cotabato Regional Medical Center; there I met Cmdr. Trent Douglas, a plastic surgeon. He immediately schedule the operation a day after and it took three hours to finished. Dr. Douglas assisted by anesthesiologist Dr. Hollenbeck, Dr. Green and Dr. Corey releases and cut out the scar tissues that allowed my neck to be extended. He then placed a skin graft over the affected area. After 2 days Dr. Douglas requires me to see Capt. Kathy Goldberg, a physical therapist, I work with her daily together with her staff, US Air Force Vicente, US Navy Thorpe and Ray so that I will learn to move my neck for myself and become independent.

The successful surgery has allowed me to have more head motion for the first time in eighteen years. All my friends and relatives know about the surgery and are happy for me. Thanks to the men & women of USNS Mercy T-AH 19.

The Mercy has already conducted more than 311 medical procedures aboard ship, including surgery, optometry screenings, burn care, preventative medicine, and dental screenings and treatment. On land, in 20 communities across Mindanao, teams of U.S. and Philippine medical practitioners and volunteers have provided free medical treatment of 9,954 patients, free dental care to 2,211 patients, and free veterinary care to 2,052 animals. Engineering teams from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the U.S. military have completed renovation of two health clinics, in Broce and in Datu Piang.

I would like to mention here my heartfelt gratitude and thanks to special people whom i consider friends at Ward 1, USNS Mercy T-AH19 for showing beautiful smile and extra care and attention during my 6 days confinement at Ward 1, they are: My plastic Surgeon Commodore Trent Douglas, my Anesthesiologist Dr. K.J. Hollenbeck, Dr. Corey and Dr. Green, My Nurses US Navy Ensign Lindsay C. Routt, Ensign Andrew S. Grace, Ensign Mark Arizumi, 2nd LT. Rebekah Fry of the Royal Australian Air Force, US Navy Enlisted Personnels Kelly Froelich, Amy Grangers, Joslynn Tellez, Cynthia Sandvice, HN Pelayo, and some men who i've only known them by surenames Fernandez, Donmateo, Aleer, Hooper and Gay.

Many thanks to you, I will never forget you through the rest of my life.