THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, May 24, 1996 TAG: 9605240001
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A18 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: 51 lines
Hampton Roads is famous for its naval installations. But the area is fast acquiring an international reputation for something else: It is the base for at least three medical-mission organizations.
Together, Operation Blessing, Operation Smile and Physicians for Peace have treated tens of thousands of patients and reached almost every corner of the Earth in pursuit of their admirable humanitarian goals.
Earlier this week, Operation Blessing unveiled its magnificent flying hospital. With it, the 18-year-old organization will be able to soar around the world performing ``life changing'' medical procedures - such as cleft-palate corrections and eye and dental surgery. Founded by religious broadcaster Pat Robertson and initially supported by viewers of the ``700 Club,'' Operation Blessing has visited 18 countries and treated about 20,000 patients.
Blessing's $25 million refurbished Lockheed L-1011 wide-body jet is stunning, with its trio of operating areas, recovery rooms, classroom and dental and minor-surgery suites.
Hampton Roads is also home to Operation Smile, founded in 1982 by Dr. Bill Magee and his wife, Kathy. In addition to treating more than 17,500 patients - mostly children - in 14 countries, Operation Smile has administered free medical and dental care to 21,000 American children.
Most of Smile's patients are treated for cleft palates, facial and orthopedic deformities and burns. Several weeks ago, Operation Smile was the recipient of the Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian prize - a $1 million boost for this wonderful charity.
Physicians for Peace, lesser known than its counterparts, is headquartered in Norfolk and was founded by Dr. Charles Horton of Eastern Virginia Medical School in 1983 to ``promote international friendship and peace through medicine.''
Like the other groups, Physicians for Peace travels the world, performing surgery where needed. It has organized about 100 missions so far. But the main focus of Physicians for Peace is less on performing surgery and more on the education of local doctors.
``We're all a little bit different,'' says Gail Kelley, medical-programs director for Physicians for Peace, of the three organizations. ``But different is good. We fill different niches.''
The selfless doctors and staff members who work with these three groups - and all who support their work financially - are putting Hampton Roads on the map for a very good cause. And they also set a superb example for young people in our area.
We wish them well as they travel the world dispensing medical care and good will. by CNB