Message from the Executive Director

Aloha,

The holidays are a busy time for us all. But let's not lose sight of the true meaning of the holiday season. It's important to spend quality time with family and friends and give thanks for the things that have made the past year so meaningful.

The Aloha Medical Mission is blessed with many volunteers, staff and board members, and donors who support our mission of providing medical care to the needy and underserved in Hawaii and abroad. Together, we have accomplished much this year. We welcomed Robert Koerner, M.D., as the new medical director at the Palama clinic. We were also fortunate to expand the Palama clinic's dental services by hiring a part-time dentist and new dental assistant, thus allowing us to expand the clinic's operational

USNS MERCY welcome reception

hours. This year also saw the administrative office's move to the Palama clinic, allowing more space and convenient access to our health clinic operations.

This year, AMM conducted 9 overseas missions. A total of 138 AMM medical volunteers treated more than 6,425 patients, performed more than 912 surgeries, provided consultation and training to medical professionals, and distributed much needed medical supplies to some of the poorest areas of the Asia-Pacific region. One of those missions was our first-ever trip to Myanmar (Burma) led by veteran AMM volunteer, Dr. Carl Lum.  The mission was a success and, therefore, we were invited to return for another mission.

Looking ahead at 2007, plans are already underway to establish new clinics overseas and to participate in our first-ever partnership with the Hokule'a for a mission to Micronesia. Through it all, AMM has remained financially sound due to the contributions of our many generous donors.  However, our requests for donations are ongoing and, therefore, ask for your continued financial support to make sure the underserved in our community and overseas continue receiving necessary health care.  We are also planning another benefit concert in August 18, 2007 to strengthen our fundraising base.

Mahalo for all your good work in improving the health care of so many people.  You've put smiles on their faces and gave them hope. We look forward to another great year with your continued support.

Have a very safe and happy holiday, and the very best in the new year!

Butch V. Dela Cruz
Executive Director
Aloha Medical Mission