Dennis has been visiting us from British Columbia for over ten years.  He is involved in marketing and communications for a group called RESTOR International, a non-profit humanitarian organization that provides free reconstructive surgery to disadvantaged children and adults in developing countries. RESTOR started in 2004 and has sent teams around the world every other year. The teams include reconstructive plastic surgeons with special training in cleft care, pediatricians, nurses, pediatric anesthesiologists, surgeons of other disciplines as needed (i.e., gynecologists) as well as dentists and orthodontists if needed. They also give on-the-ground training for local medical personnel. RESTOR works in partnership with Rotary Clubs and Rotarian volunteers (like our guest Tim Cowan) at home and at mission sites.

The last trip was to Ethiopia and the teams operated on 53 burn victims with over 115 surgery hours.  All team members travel as volunteers.  Some other missions have been to China and Haiti. 

A team goes out first to access the need and viability of the facility.  The goal is to raise enough money to be sustaining and with the help of The Penguin Foundation, this is becoming a reality. 

If you are interested in more information, use this link to go to the RESTOR website.