Posted by Bob Saline on Jul 30, 2020
 
Before the worldwide Coronavirus pandemic took over our day-to-day lives, our own, Charlie Santiago and a group of caring professionals became real-life miracle workers for over 400 children in the Dominican Republic. 
 
In situations, life on the island for many of the countries youngest (and poorest) citizens can be very rough.  When you need immediate dental care and do not have access to it, life can become outright unbearable. 
 
Charlie Santiago and a team of medical professionals worked tirelessly to bring much needed relief to local communities in dire need of all the help they can get. 
 
During a 5-day period, the team treated over 400 children.  Some of the more heartbreaking cases involved multiple extractions, and children in unbearable pain.  With outdated equipment, a faulty generator that needed fixing every day, and a lack of air-conditioning, the team persevered through it all. 
 
Making it all worthwhile were the children.  Some in excruciating pain when they arrived, left with wide smiles and eyes full of gratitude.  Amidst these multiple successes, Charlie commented there were still many more children that were turned away as capacity, and the overall conditions of the facility, made it impossible to safely treat everyone. 
 
Molly Grady, daughter of long-time Dominican project supporter and participant Dr. Grady says, "The Dominican Project through Rotary has become an essential part of my life because of my Dad who was an active member. Since his passing two years ago, I vowed to carry out his legacy and to honor him by joining the mission in his place. The Rotarians from all the participating clubs (i.e. Baltimore, Harrisburg, Wellsboro, West Shore, and Dominican) have become a second family to me.  
 
“Each year in the Dominican, I see my Dad’s legacy in the Rotarians, the community, and the traditions. I have the privilege to live through what he helped establish and that is the absolute greatest blessing. This mission holds a special place in my heart because of how much it meant to him."  Founding outreach strategist Robert Hall, HRC member and District 7390 Past District Governor, worked tirelessly with Dr. Grady and others for decades to help make the mission a continuing success.  Co-planner gain this year was Jack Haskins previously a member of the HRC and now a member in the Baltimore Club.
 
When the pandemic subsides, making it safe to return, Charlie is working with the local Dominican Rotary club to ensure that they find a local clinic that can support a higher capacity, and provide better equipment for future trips to the region.  As of now, his planning is targeting November for their next visit as soon as they receive clearance locally.
 
If you feel you would like to help in advance planning or on the next trip, please contact Charlie at 717 230-0610 or csantiago@nyl.com. Please help this critical outreach continue the decades of service the Rotary Club of Harrisburg has been a major pillar of this program.
 
Great Job Charlie and the Entire Team!  GO ROTARY!!!!