NEWS
October 2024
Dear Friends and Helpers,
Even though we cannot physically return to Ecuador due to cartels and crime, we are still able to support our Missions at Damien House in Guayaquil and Una Sola Fuerza in Duran.
Our annual Pasta Dinner was on April 29th at St. Brigid Parish Hall. It was a success financially and all enjoyed the food, fun, music, friends and dancing. We received 70 scholarships at $250 each for the students of Una Sola Fuerza!!! Music was provided by Mike Torre and band who play in memory of Bandleader Rey Vinole. Rey offered to provide the music for our first dinner, and the band came over 16 years. Thank you all.
May 1st one of our long-time Board members, Robert Mulcahy, passed away. We loved his insight and support and sense of humor and we miss him. Rest in Peace Robert. Robert’s beloved wife joined him on September 9th.
Msgr. Ray Kirk led a group on a mission trip to Ecuador in September 2003 that Betty Matteson and Katie Brown were on. That trip ignited our mission passion and FRIENDS & HELPERS OF MADRE BERENICE is the result. Father Ray was our cheerleader and support all of these years. God called him home on July 1, 2024. Rest in Peace, Father. We miss you and thank you for bringing us to the missionary life.
Student Update
We have been helping former Hansen’s patient Mariuxi with her higher education. Covid disrupted her education, but now she and her oldest nephew, Marco, 19, are both taking the Nurse’s Aide program. She is now fulfilling her dream to be in Healthcare. We are so proud of her! We have received scholarship money for Marco’s education. Our hope is that they will both help in their community, especially by learning wound care so they can work with the Sisters in Babahoyo on their rounds.
Report from Damien House
Many thanks to all the benefactors of FHMB for their financial support that funds our needs. The medical brigades to the countryside of Loja and beyond, conducted in conjunction with the Ministry of Health medical personnel, have been very successful. Our Dr. Martinez and RN Carlos are teaching the personnel how to identify, test, and start treatment for Hansen’s Disease. They are treating 79 new Hansen’s patients and now they are monitoring 258 patients who might have Hansen’s. Each of the first three brigades have brought food, medicine, and cleaning supplies for all the patients. Since some have to wait a while to see the Doctors, a meal is also provided. Our support to Damien House is making these medical clinics possible.
Recently, a group came to visit Damien House, and an ophthalmologist was among them. He has since come back and done cataract surgeries—fourteen so far. The patients are thrilled to be able to see! We are helping to make a difference.
A new 50-year-old resident at Damien House, just referred by the Infectious Hospital, has been overwhelmed by the kindness and care he received on arrival at Damien and the dignity with which he was treated, receiving a clean shower, new clean clothes, a bed with clean sheets in a room next to the bathroom. He said he was at peace for the first time in four years, as none of the clinics he went to could help him.
Our friend Carlos, 53, has been diagnosed with lung and prostate cancer. Carlos made the wooden crosses for years before his hands became too arthritic and contracted. Funds from our fundraiser helped pay for Carlos’ hospital stay, a new wheelchair and now the fentanyl patches needed for pain.
Report from Una Sola Fuerza, Duran
Sisters Gladys and Fanny continue their outreach to the elderly with regular volunteer home visits, food and medicine. Our main support for this community has been over 70 scholarships for the students, at $250 each, in the little school. We paid for all the books and supplies, teachers’ salaries, uniforms and the meal kits sent home daily. We receive regular thank you notes and pictures for the “padrinos” from the children. These children are so thankful to be able to go to school. Right now, Duran is a very high crime area due to the cartels, so, please pray for their safety.
Due to the generous support of our donors year-round, FHMB Board plans to send more financial assistance to both of these missions for food and medicines and maybe another medical brigade to an under-served area where Hansen’s Disease is prevalent.
We just learned that the sewing program is thriving, with the third group of women receiving their certificates of completion of the sewing classes. The graduation included testimonies from former graduates being thankful that they now have jobs to help support their families. One woman is now an instructor in another sewing school!
Sisters Fanny and Gladys truly live the Gospel message to love one another and reach out to the poor.
We are happy to support them.
THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT FOR FHMB! YOU ARE TRULY MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF THE POOREST OF THE POOR!
In love and gratitude,
Betty Matteson, Katie Brown, and the Board of Directors of FHMB.
Board of Directors
Katie Brown Kathy MacCarthy Julie Mishleh
Patrick Burke Mike MacCarthy Megan Rose Donovan
Jerry Legare Betty Matteson Cindy Holm
Deacon Patrick McCay
Inspired by the teaching of Jesus and the call to have a preferential love of the poor, Friends & Helpers of Madre Berenice was organized to provide help and support to the missionaries of Ecuador. Assistance is given by acquiring healthcare and educational supplies, clothing, and funds to supplement selected education and health services. Members witness to the love of God by visiting and getting to know and serve the people personally.
We are a charitable organization under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3)
Tax ID 20-8115700
FHMB, PO Box 9739, San Diego, CA 92169