Hardin-Simmons students, faculty work in Piedras Negras children’s home_51704

Posted: 5/14/04

Hardin-Simmons students, faculty
work in Piedras Negras children's home

Several Hardin-Simmons University physical therapy students and four faculty members traveled to the recently flooded area of Piedras Negras, Mexico to minister to people there.

They worked in Casa Bethesda, a home for indigent and abandoned children, many of whom have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, autism or Down's syndrome. They also worked the Clinica Bethesda, a medical facility.

Marsha Rutland, instructor of physical therapy at Hardin-Simmons University, and students Alex Griffin and Kathy Tilson work with children at the Clinica Bethesda in Piedras Negras, Mexico.

Physical therapy faculty who attended were Dennis O'Connell, Janelle O'Connell and Marsha Rutland. Teresia Taylor, a Spanish professor, went with the group to help with translation.

The volunteers accomplished a great deal in a short time, Mrs. O'Connell noted. In less than four days, they installed a new plumbing line for the clinic and covered an old outdoor toilet system with concrete.

They built a concrete wall for the facility, cleared away debris, set up a swing set for children and mowed grass.

The missions volunteers provided care for patients at the clinic and spent extended time with the orphaned children, Mrs. O'Connell said. The children were excited to receive the special one-on-one attention they were able to give them, she added. The group also delivered a trailer full of donated medical supplies to the clinic.