Surgery Week Yen Bai Province- 2025

This week was our first surgery week for 2025 in Yen Bai Province.  Yen Bai is 3 hours north of Hanoi and famous for its amazing views of the rice fields.   For me this trip was an amazing home coming from the moment we arrived.    Being warmly greeted by the families, doctors and staff I had met last year.  Receiving so many thanks from the 167 children and families who arrived on Monday to receive their surgeries.   

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

Being warmly welcomed by the entire surgical staff nurses and doctors most of whom remembered me from last year.   Being invited to the homes of the doctors and staff for dinner with her family.   Being a special guest with the Hospital Director for an extra celebration for the children for National Children's Day.    As many of you know I love Pickleball.    Since my visit last year they have installed 5 pickleball courts next to the hospital.   Once they found out I play pickleball the Hosp Director, Doctors and Nurses all asked me to play.   So that became a nightly event after surgery to play a few games of PB with the staff.    If you can't tell, I am feeling like the most blessed person in the world after this week in Yen Bai.    Seeing the joy in the parents eyes that we are able to provide a better future for their children to being so warmly welcomed like family by the entire staff, 


Here is a group photo of some of our patients this week after surgery.   Here is the Google photo link to many photos of this memorable week in Yen Bai.   https://photos.app.goo.gl/kiWcubULx8mGxprS8

In closing I want to recognize Dr. Lan Anh, Hospital Director Yen Bai Province.   Dr. Lan Anh is the most dedicated director I have ever met.   She has true passion, love and dedication for every patient and staff that come to her hospital.    Her positive energy and passion for the patient resonates throughout the hospital.    That's true leadership.  

Dr. Lan Anh is always thanking me for helping the people in her province and please come back again next.   So I committed to Dr. Lan Anh that "Yes" Team USA will continue to support the people of her province.   And "Yes", I can't wait to return next year to Yen Bai.  Their warmth is amazing and welcomes me like family.   And 'Yes" I will bring my own pickleball paddle next year so she does not have to lend me hers.

Bob McGarry

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