Helping
Hands in Honduras
Recently, my wife and I
had the opportunity to go to Honduras with
a non-profit charity organization called “Kindness
In Action” to provide dental treatment
for those who are less fortunate. It was an
experience I will always treasure. Dr. Fairbanks
and I plan on making this an annual event.
Dentistry has provided me
with a lot of joy. It is rewarding to be involved
in a profession that can change people's lives
and make them smile. I feel fortunate to able
to give something back.
Our group worked very hard
under challenging circumstances, but also
managed to have a lot of fun. It was hot,
we were sweaty, and we used school tables
as dental chairs, head lamps for light and
no suction. We worked together as a team to
accomplish some amazing things and make a
real difference in so many lives. The people
were very grateful and the kids were fun to
teach oral health. They lead simple lives,
and have a very real happiness that radiates
in all they do.
We have committed to help
a group in Honduras establish an oral health
program as well as medical and pharmaceutical
programs. This organization has representatives
on a Board to provide input for their community.
We are also sponsoring several
students to get a higher education on a condition
they return to their community to share their
education and further develop these programs.
We also raised some money
through a charity golf tournament last summer
to purchase some dental equipment to leave
in Honduras for a local dentist.
The people in these communities
contribute a small amount back to the Honduran
organization to receive care, which allows
them to feel that they are not being given
a hand-out, but rather a hand-up.
Life always seems better
when you are serving others, and I was able
to feel some of that radiating Honduran happiness.
If anyone would like to
be involved in such a program, please
contact me, I would be happy to point
you in the right direction.
Sincerely,
Dr. Troy Michelson
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