Dear Friends

Click here to download a "Help Us Help" tri-fold brochure.  

We suggest printing the brochure from your printer back-to-back.

Give copies of the brochure to your friends.  They may also want to help us help.

As you will be able to tell by the pictures, this is no longer a handsome man.   His name is Manuel.  The Flying Samaritans met Manuel 2004  when he came to our all-volunteer free clinic in Lopez Matoes, Baja Mexico.    Manuel had cancer and, although his body was "cured", he started bleeding in his face and head.  The doctors in Mexico used radiation therapy.   Evidently the disease was very resistant and he was irradiated for 7 years. 

Now, his looks prevent him from holding a job and his wife must work to support the family.  He hasn't eaten solid food in  over 7 years.   All of his nourishment comes through a straw after being processed with a blender. Manuel has no teeth on the upper left, no jaw and he cannot close his eye.  What he does have is a surgically implanted chain which goes under the skin from his nose up to his forehead, across and down his face to the apex of his chin.  Since the jaw is not attached, the chain has pulled his chin and entire jaw to the left, giving him a receding jaw appearance.  Whenever Manuel leaves his home he wears a mask so he will not frighten the public.

The Flying Samaritans brought Manuel to Phoenix in 2005 to see a  reconstructive surgeon.  The doctor said that he would donate the 18-hour operation, but all the hospitals we checked with wanted $250,000 or more. 

The Flying Samaritans is a totally volunteer organization.  In the past, the generous donations of our members and friends have made it possible for us to provide the clinic in Lopez Mateos with supplies and medications.  Unfortunately, $250,000 is far beyond our limited resources.  Luckily, one of our members found an article about a hospital in Cleveland, Ohio that specializes in facial work.  After a lot of information had passed back and forth, the hospital agreed to see and treat Manuel in April of that year at a substantially reduced rate.   

We raised $25,000 and feel the $250,000  is something we can accomplish, with your help.    Already  donors have come forward and offered to match dollar for dollar any amount we raise, up to $12,500, for Manuel’s surgery.

The Flying Samaritans are a 501(c)3 charitable organization. In exchange for your donation, which is tax deductible, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that your contribution will help to make a real difference in the life of this man.   

If you can help us help, please make your check payable to The Flying Samaritans. Indicate on the check -- Patient Care.

Send your check to:

 The Flying Samaritans
 PO Box 13513
 Mesa, AZ 85216

or

For your convenience, donations

may be made by credit card through PayPal ®

Just click on the Donation button on the Help Us Help

page of this website and follow the instructions

For more information regarding PayPal go to:  http://www.paypal.com

Postscript:  Thanks to your generous donations we were able to raise the money for Manuel's surgery.  He spent many, many months in the hospital in Ohio, but is now home.  His condition has much improved, but unfortunately, he is not the handsome man he once was.  He is, however, able to eat and does not feel the need to hide his face in public.  Thanks to you for all your help.

We frequently run into situations where we need your help to finance medical needs for the people in Baja.  We are always looking for donations.  Please help if you can.  Thank you.

Thank You