Flying Clinic
Plane Needs Rescue!
In April, a 3-ton flatbed truck full of 20 Huichol Indian religious
pilgrims rolled off a 60-ft. cliff in the Sierra, flipping over and
crashing to the rocks below. One person was killed instantly. At
4 p.m., Pilot
Dagoberto Cirilo was told of the accident and flew to the Sierra.
Arriving at 5:40 p.m., he found several badly injured Huichol with
head injuries and other traumas. He flew the most severely injured
to hospitals in Guadalajara, where all recovered.
In January, while preparing for takeoff from San Miguel, pilot Dagoberto
got word on the radio: "Rattlesnake bite victim in Cerro needing
immediate evacuation." A young Huichol Indian farmer, walking
up the canyon trail from his field, had been struck by a rattlesnake
on the path. He struggled to his rancho, where he then collapsed.
Dagoberto flew the victim to a hospital in Guadalajara. Even though
over 24 hours has passed since the snake bite, because of our flying
clinic’s immediate help his life was saved.
We thank our donors who make our flying ambulance possible. Dagoberto
regularly receives calls to transport gravely injured and ill Huichol
to hospitals. In July, 2003, we must replace the plane's engine which
will be a cost of $30,000. We urgently need funds for this vital
project. We have pledges totaling $12,500. If you are able to help
this need and keep the flying clinic in the air and in service to
the Huichol Indians, please contact Amistad International. |
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