March 28, 2003

MGHers make a difference in Cuba

Despite the difficulties countries around the world are facing in this time of war, there are some people who still reach out with humanitarian efforts to communities in need. A small group of MGHers recently joined local elected officials, educators, business and civic leaders to bring a message of friendship, hope and help to the country of Cuba.

Osvaldo "Oz" Mondejar, of MGH Human Resources, Donna Perry, RN, of MGH Nursing, and Carmen Vega-Barachowitz, MS, CCC-SLP, director of MGH Speech-Language Pathology, joined a delegation of 20 people to bring much-needed medical supplies, equipment and books through an organization called Americans and Cubans Building Community through Exchanges, Support and Outreach (ACCESO). The nonprofit organization is led by Mondejar and Sen. Jarrett Barrios (D-Middlesex, Suffolk and Essex). Above, Donna Perry, left, visits with a young boy at a Cuban school.

"This is our third trip to Cuba, and our goal is to help people in both the United States and Cuba get reaquainted with each other after more than 40 years of estrangement," says Mondejar, who also is co-chair of the Massachusetts Governor's Commission on Employment of People with Disabilities. "We bring Americans and Cubans closer together by sponsoring these cultural exchange visits, and through our friendship projects we bring material support from the United States to Cuba."

The trip had particular personal meaning to Mondejar, who is Cuban-American. He first learned of the critical shortages of basic medical supplies during a conversation with his cousin, a family doctor in rural Cuba.

"It is impossible to visit Cuba and not be changed by it," says Mondejar. "Our work has taught us that, despite animosity between our governments, the American and Cuban communities have never lost their affection for, admiration of or connection to one another."

This year, ACCESO is sending more than $100,000 worth of medical supplies and equipment to Cuban hospitals and schools serving children with disabilities, as well as thousands of books — including some in Braille, large print and on tape — to libraries in Cuba. Above, from left, Perry, Vega-Barashowitz and Modejar.