Why Mexico?
Well, for a number of reasons.
First, there is an enormous need for good, qualified dentists in Mexico. Most of the smaller towns don’t even have one dentist let alone enough to handle their population. Of course that means that most of the people in the smaller towns have less than adequate dental health. Surely we should be able to assist people less fortunate than we are.
Secondly, most of the people in the small towns are very poor. I guess that’s why we call them Third-World – because they have less (of most everything) than we do. So, if I can offer my services for free to these local people wouldn’t that be a tremendous blessing for them? Of course it would. I’d love to be able to do that; however, there’s only one catch. I simply cannot afford to do this on my own. That’s why I’m asking for your help to make this project succeed.
Finally, I’d like to do this project for my own edification. Yes, I’d like to feel as though I’ve really accomplished something in my life. I’d like to feel as though I’ve reached out to those less fortunate and been able to help them with one of my skills. It would be wonderful if you could join me in this venture. I will keep this blog alive to let the digital world know exactly what we are doing.
What is the community like?
The community that I’ve targeted for my initial trip is about 3,300 miles from my home in Wisconsin. It’s a small town of 2,500 people and there is no dentist. However, there is a clinic there that is owned by the Rotary Club. I will be able to practice there in a very clean and supportive environment where we will be able to help an appreciative community.
Most of the townsfolk occupy themselves with farming, fishing or running the support facilities associated with a small town. Since I’ve been living in rural Wisconsin for the past fourteen years I ought to fit in quite well. Of course, my High School Spanish will have to improve, but I don’t feel that will be much of a problem.
When are we going?
We plan to leave Wisconsin on or about the 19th of December 2011. I’m going to drive my old beater Suburban down there and figure it will take nearly two weeks to make the trip. I’ll be taking plenty of camping gear, cooking equipment, minimal clothing, a kayak, some photo equipment, a few books and a laptop. That ought to just about fill up the Suburban.
How long will we stay?
Plans have been established to have me occupy the dental clinic during January and February of 2012. As I mentioned, I’ll be leaving Wisconsin mid-December. I’ll probably remain at the clinic a little longer than the necessary two months so I can help out with other aspects of running a free-clinic. All being said, I hope to be able to stay through the month of March. With another couple of weeks to make it back to Wisconsin – I’d say the trip will probably be about four or five months long.
What are the costs?
To get to the little Mexican town will probably cost me about $1,000 for gas, $1,000 for food and lodging on the way and about $250 for Mexican auto insurance.
Once there I’ll be staying in a little motel with daily linen changes and a small breakfast for about $300/month. Most of the monthly amenities shouldn’t run me any more than $300 to $400/month. That would be food, drink, toiletries and fishing bait 
There will probably be an occasional trip for local sightseeing and just for getting to know the surrounding area and the people.
The trip home will probably cost about the same as the trip down; about $2,000.
So, the grand total for the four to five months will probably cost in the neighborhood of $5,000 (about $1,000/month). That is my goal right now.
How can you help?
Your financial support would be greatly appreciated. I deeply understand that every time we turn around someone is standing there with his or her hand out asking for money. If it isn’t the local Sheriff it’s the disabled Vets. If it isn’t the Special Olympics it’s some fool who wants to go to Mexico and offer his dental services to the population of a small town. I would also like to borrow a 4′ x 6′ fully enclosed, lockable trailer for transporting supplies. It would be returned at the conclusion of the trip.
All I can say is I really think this is a worthwhile service that could benefit quite a few people who ordinarily would never have this opportunity. I’ve set up a link through PayPal where it’s possible to donate using credit cards, your own PayPal account or even eChecks from your own bank. You don’t even need to have a PayPal account to use this service. It’s all automatic, very secure and would be greatly appreciate. Since we are a 501(c)(3) organization your contribution is undoubtedly deductible.
We’ll be keeping the site updated with the total amount donated. We’re not going to list anyone’s name/amount (that would be silly). This will just be between you and the Guild. Here’s hoping you can assist us with our little dream of helping out a few people less fortunate than we are.
Actually, I’ve been rethinking the last statement. I believe I will offer a “Sponsors’ Ad” for any businesses that would like to donate and have a link to their own website. Contact me if you are interested.
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