Recognizing the Contributions of the Chiapas MIssion for Sight

RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE CHIAPAS MISSION FOR SIGHT -- (House of Representatives - July 21, 2004)

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) is
recognized for 5 minutes.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you this evening in recognition of the extraordinary work and tireless efforts
of Dr. Tracey Lewis, Dr. Judith Simon and the Chiapas Mission for Sight.

Dr. Tracey Lewis, in particular, is a constituent in my district, a dear friend as well as an exemplary individual, and she
has chosen to lend her expertise and talent towards a very noble cause. I urge my fellow colleagues to take a moment to
acknowledge the invaluable service that the Chiapas Mission for Sight has offered to countless individuals in one
particular developing region of the world.

The Chiapas Mission for Sight aims to provide primary eye care and surgery to the native Indian living in Ocotepec, Chiapas, Mexico. Thus far, they have completed three successful missions, and as a direct result, hundreds of
individuals in dire need of eye care and treatment have received proper medical attention. Originally a branch of the
Chiapas Project of Newton, New Jersey, and funded in part by the Rotary Club of Newton, this year the ophthalmology
group has grown and formed its own mission dedicated solely to vision care.

The group's focus is providing medical service to the population of Ocotepec and the surrounding villages, which
exceeds 1 million people. Of this population, many suffer from blinding cataracts, which is a problem inherent to
Ocotepec and its surrounding villages, because of the exposure to significant sunlight and very poor nutrition. The
nearest town, Tuxtla, Gutierrez, is a 4-hour drive, and sadly, the natives of the village earn less in 1 year than what it
would cost to travel to Tuxtla to undergo cataract surgery.

Oftentimes short-staffed, with donated medical and surgical supplies, the volunteers work around the clock to provide the natives the medical attention they so desperately need. Lack of funding has not deterred Tracey Lewis or the
organization what it can to accomplish its goals. In fact, every doctor and most of the volunteers cover their own
expenses, making their mission all the more charitable. On the last mission, the group examined over 400 patients with
significant eye disease, and due to limitations in staffing, surgery was triaged and performed only on those fully blind
in both eyes.

Currently, the Chiapas Mission is seeking volunteers who will be trained to perform vision screening and assist in the
operating room. These volunteers will travel with the group and serve as assistants to the doctors.

In this remote region, plagued by poor hygiene and lack of proper medical and dental care, Tracey Lewis has quickly
realized that a little does go a very long way. Inspired to take on this cause by her 9-year-old son, Tracey has
demonstrated a remarkable ability to not only take on such a Herculean challenge, but to enthuse so many volunteers to
do the same.

Today, as we discuss health disparities within the United States, it is imperative that we are also aware of the stark
disparities between our country and regions around the world. In this age of scientific discovery and medical
advancements, it is unfortunate that those in developing countries are not able to reap the benefits of modern medicine.

As we in Congress hear about these numerous volunteers that travel to remote villages and devote themselves to the
restoration of vision to the blind people living there, let us rededicate ourselves to ensuring that every man, woman and
child all around the world, including the United States, not go another day without proper primary care and adequate
medical assistance.

Mr. Speaker, once again, I commend the Chiapas Mission for Sight as it provides a shining example of the impact
individuals can make through self-sacrifice and goodwill. Assisting those living in poor conditions with critical medical
treatment truly demonstrates what can be done through benevolence and hard work.