Rotary Club, Pardee partner to bring teen to area for much-needed surgery

A young woman will be arriving in Hendersonville from the Philippines next month to have reconstructive surgery done on much of her body.

Suzanne Aman, 14, has suffered severe burns on her face and upper arms.

The injuries drastically limited the use of her hand, fingers, wrist, elbow, forearm and chest.

The Brevard Rotary Club is partnering with Pardee Hospital to provide the critical medical care to the girl through the Gift of Life Program. Rotarian Florence Allbaugh spearheaded efforts in getting Aman and her mother to the United States.

Allbaugh is also the director of the Gift of Life Program in Hendersonville, an international program that seeks out children from around the world who are in serious need of medical treatment not available in their country.

Three years ago, she went to the Philippines to visit another patient from the Gift of Life when she was introduced to Aman.

Allbaugh decided she would have to bring the girl to the United States for help.

"It is worth it to save as many children as possible, even if it is one child at a time," Allbaugh said.

The plan was set into motion.

One child

Allbaugh began coordinating Aman's surgery two years ago. Now, the plan has come together.

Aman has her passport and is waiting for her visa to be processed, which would allow her passage into America.

Pardee Hospital in Hendersonville is donating the use of its facilities for the several surgeries Aman will undergo.

The procedures could take up to six months.

Pardee will also provide radiology, laboratory tests and other services.

"Pardee Hospital is truly honored to have the opportunity to participate in such a worthy international program," said Kris Hoce, CEO of Pardee Hospital. "We look forward to partnering with Rotary to provide Suzanne with critical, life-changing medical care, and appreciate the opportunity to help make a difference in the life of this special child and her family."

Pardee Hospital-affiliated physicians William L. Overstreet III, M.D., a plastic surgeon with Blue Ridge Plastic Surgery, and David C. Napoli, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon with Blue Ridge Bone & Joint, will perform the surgeries at Pardee Hospital.

The surgeries are free for Aman.

"When Rotary asked me to participate in the Gift of Life program and I learned more about Suzanne and her family, I knew immediately that I wanted to play a part in giving this special child a fresh start in life," Overstreet said.

He added, "In partnership with Pardee Hospital, David Napoli, M.D., and pediatrician Ora Wells, M.D., we are committed to providing a continuum of high quality medical care for Suzanne while she is here in our community."

Rotary Club reaches out

The Brevard Rotary Club will pay for transportation and the costs of food, clothing and other expenses for Aman and her mother.

Philippines Airlines will fly the mother and daughter to the west coast for free. Once they arrive in the United States, Childspring and Angel Flight, companies that specialize in medical flights, will bring them to North Carolina.

Aman and her mother will stay in the homes of local Rotary and community members for four to six months.

Allbaugh, who heads the Looking Glass Montessori School, plans to introduce Aman to her school while she is recovering from surgery.

"It takes a community to provide this service and to introduce her to our culture, then be able to take what she has learned back home," Allbaugh said. "It's like a ripple in a pond."

Brevard Rotary is selling raffle tickets to raise the money needed for transportation and other expenses. Tickets are being sold for $20 each for a chance to win $500 and a two day, three night stay in Gatlinburg, Tenn.

Raffle tickets are available from any Brevard Rotary member, at Love's Jewelry & Gifts, 33 E. Main St., Brevard, or by calling (828) 885-2906. The raffle ticket drawing will be held April 1.

Pardee affiliated physician groups Pathologists Medical Laboratory, PA, Hendersonville Radiological Consultants and Piedmont-Hendersonville Anesthesia Consultants have also agreed to provide services at no cost to Aman.

For information about the Gift of Life program or to make a donation, visit www.brevardrotary.org.