User:Tchf/Tarahumara childrens hospital fund

Tarahumara Children's Hospital Fund The Tarahumara Children's Hospital Fund was established in 1983 as an independent, non-profit, tax deductible organization. Our purpose is to raise money in the United States to support vital services provided to the Tarahumara Indians in Creel, Chihuahua, Mexico. The 60,000 Tarahumara Indians who live in the Sierra Mountains maintain life styles much like their ancient ancestors. Many still live in caves, without electricity or running water. Their dire poverty results in malnutrition, parasites, and many intestinal diseases, which still claim 40% of their children before their fifth birthday. The mission Tarahumara, headed by a compassionate Jesuit priest, provides a range of services to the Tarahumara people. First, a medical clinic was created. Today, it has 75 beds, 2/3 for children. The mission also has been responsible for digging water wells which provide safe drinking water to many villages. A boarding school has been developed which teaches Indian children about their own culture, the Spanish language, and teaches them skills to make a living as farmers, craftsmen, and teachers of their people. Obviously, the Tarahumara people do not have the currency to pay for services themselves. The mission must rely on the support of foundations and individuals who recognize the importance of both preserving a cultural heritage and ensuring the healthy future of a tribal community. Father Luis Verplancken, the Mission's administrator, believes strongly in helping people help themselves. The Mission does not just provide charity today. It trains and uplifts the Indian people so that they can provide for themselves tomorrow.