A Thank-you from the Heart
by Rome Rotary PP Glen Bahr

The Rotary Gift of Life Program has offered life-saving medical care to thousands of poor children from around the world. In October of '98, District 7150 whisked their latest child and mother across the vast expanse of China and the Pacific Ocean to America's University Hospital in Syracuse. Here's a thank-you letter you'll enjoy.

"Dear Mr. Glen Bahr,
During the month of October 1998, Lei Lei and I came to America and my boy underwent a successful operation in a well-known hospital as arranged by the Rotary Club earlier. Only because of your great benevolence and beneficial support, we were able to have Lei Lei's medical expenses taken care of.

We returned to China on 22 of November 1998 with new life for Lei Lei. A few weeks after return from America, Lei Lei went back to Beijing hospital for a physical checkup and the doctor determined that Lei Lei's operation was very successful and a complete recovery. It has given life to Lei Lei. The appearance of the healthy and robust Lei Lei won the admiration of the whole Chinese community. All of us family folks, relatives, and friends consider your great act of endowement and love symbolize the greatest of the world savior (a life-giver.) We salute you with deep reverence and appreciation.

Thanks a million and God Bless America. Our three generations convey heartfelt and profound gratitude to all of you. Lei Lei and I were interviewed by the national youth and Beijing newspaper about your organization and were asked whether we would join the Rotary Club to serve the Community of China. My answer is that we would be more than willing if we qualify. This is just a small step to reciprocate all the efforts your group has shown and wish we all together continue our humanitarian effort to save more unfortunate lives around the world. Our family wishes you all a big thank you, and a Happy New Year. Sincerely yours, Mrs. Zhi Hong"

How This Child Came About

The Beijing Rotarians is a group of forty some Rotarians from some twenty countries from every contenient on earth except Africa. At present the Beijing group is an expension of the Rotary Club of Hong Kong.

Don Schlueter reports that the group is not permited by law to meet, and the China World Trade Center by law is not allowed to rent its facilities to the Rotarians for the purpose of meeting. Our meetings are reported to the government every week. The Beijing Rotarians meet with the Ministry of Civil Affairs on an as needed basis to advance varius projects such as the the District's "Gift of Life" program.

The Beijing group has numerous projects, indivdually and jointly, with Rotary Clubs throughout the world. Working with the Hong Kong Rotary Club, the Beijing Rotarians raised the equivalent of 5,000USD for earthquake relief and similar amounts for flood relief to build and install water collection systems in the west and northern drought stricken areas. The Beijing Rotarians worked with a Rotary Club from Germany to purchase air conditioners for a childrens hospital. Separately, the Beijing group purchased a dental chair for the same Hospital. The list goes on and on. In three years this group of Rotarians have accomplished a very impressive list of projects and are considering others.

The needs of China are overwhelming and the projects are endless and way beyond the capability of the Beijing group to meet. The short term challenge for the Beijing Rotarians is the retention of members. The typical job assignment in Beijing is three years so there is a constant turnover of members. Until Rotary is legally reconized in China, Chinese nationals are not eligible for membership in Rotary.

Don Schlueter goes on to say, "Should clubs in the District want to assist the Beijing Rotarians, there are things they could do to support their efforts. I would be pleased to discuss these opportunities with interested Rotary Clubs".

Life Continues On

Dr. Bentley Brandt III performed the surgery on Lei-Lei as he has done for the other 26 Gift of Life cases financed by area Rotary clubs. The local Rotary District, which takes in the Utica, Rome, and Syracuse areas, has paid for surgery for 27 children from around the world.

Gift of Life Engines

Mike and Donna Occhipinti of Rome, who coordinate the Gift of Life program in Central New York, are already thinking ahead to their next young visitor. The Syracuse Rotary Club recently presented them with the Goldstein Award, part of which read, "Mike and Donna are the engines that make the Gift of Life run."

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