Day 9.2: M.E.M.O.'s Heart Recipient and Award Ceremony

In addition to the final rotation of the hospital rotation program, 7G goers were able to meet one the three recipients of M.E.M.O. sponsorship of the heart program. This year, there were three sponsorships for the heart program. This meant that three children who have congenital heart disease would be able to have a second chance at living a normal life.

7G goers await patiently for the recipient of the M.E.M.O. sponsorship of the heart program.

While patiently waiting for heart patient, the team leaders, Ben (UCI), Mai Anh, Kelly, and Amy play pictionary to pass the time.

Upon arrival, the heart recipient and his mom are greeted by the 7G goers.

Although shy at first, the heart recipient has a heart valve defect that needs cardiac surgery as soon as possible.

The 7G team and the heart recipient.

Although there was a language barrier at first, all of the 7G goers listened to the heart recipient's story. The heart recipient, a little over two years old, has a heart valve defect that requires cardiac surgery. He and his mom traveled over five hours to come to the hospital in Saigon. They are actually from the rural areas in the highlands, so health care is scarce. In order to save his life, he and his mom had to travel all the way to the University Medical Center in order to get the necessary care as soon as possible. With the help of M.E.M.O., we provided the means for the heart recipient to get a second chance at life.

After the heart patient left, the award ceremony commenced. The ceremony celebrated the efforts and dedications of the 7G goers in our medical mission trip. In completion of the hospital's rotation program, each 7G member was rewarded for the continual efforts for health care in the global community. Led by Anh Phúc, the ceremony consisted of calling each member up in their recognition of the completion of the hospital program and their dedication on this mission trip.

Anh Phúc leads the award ceremony by calling each member up in recognition of their hard work. 

Ngan smiles as she gets her award.

Alisha and her award.

Ben gives Anh Phúc a hand shake in acceptance of his award.

Jessica holds her award proudly.

Katy and her award. It seems like graduation all over again.

Mai Anh accepts her award from Anh Phúc.

Spencer smiles in the acceptance of his award.

Relieved that she is not called last, Trang smiles in the acceptance of her award.

Lindy accepting her award from Anh Phúc.

The graduating class of 7G!!!

David's certificate from Dr. Vo Tan Son, Director of the University Medical Center.

The award ceremony followed with "graduation pictures."

The officers of 7G! 

Say what?!

Officers and the team leaders. Cheers to a successful leadership!

Even the leadership can have some fun now and then.

Team Hawkeye shooting their arrows into the sky. Sky's the limit!

Team Hulk holding it strong. Fist bump!

Team Ironman and their signature pose. Don't mess!

Team Thor! All they need now is a hammer. 

Time to celebrate!

Outside of the hospital, everyone greeted each other hugs. We made it!

Hugs all around! With any graduation, it only means smiles and memories from all of the hard work so far!

In addition to the award ceremony, 7G goers were also presented with a gift by the hospital:

On the bus, Alex eagerly opens up the gift that the hospital has given us.

The first box.

The box within the box.

The award presented by the hospital to M.E.M.O.

Overall, the award ceremony marked the end of the hospital rotation program. As the graduating class of 7G celebrated their efforts, there was still a lot to be done before the journey would end. Next stop: clinic part 2 in Tien Giang province.

Written by Johnson. All photos were taken by David.