CAMTA's 10th Anniversary Celebration

The 10th Anniversary Celebration was a night to remember! The restaurant La Choza was filled with over 120 CAMTA and Tierra Nueva members plus volunteers. Joining us were Dr. Alex Camacho Vasconeza, representing the Vice-President of Ecuador , plus the Canadian Ambassador in Ecuador, Mr. Andrew Shisko. Andrew is a close friend of CAMTA now and he spoke with great praise about the depth of our personal commitment and the amazing volunteer work. But the words were the same from everyone else. It was all very overwhelming! Tears were shed!

Mr. Andrew Shisko, Ambassador for Canada in Ecuador

Dr. Alex Camacho Vasconez, Asesor Medico

Vicepresidencia de la Republica del Ecuador

Matthew Moreau presented the toast to the CAMTA volunteers from Canada and Ecuador

Dra. Patricia Jarrin and Sra. Margarita Obanca of the Tierra Nueva Foundation addressed the attendees with very kind words of approbation.

Sr. Pablo Montohuana and his wife, Miggy. Pablo spoke about his experience with CAMTA as a patient.

Perhaps the most emotional moment of the evening was when Pablo Montohuano (pictured above) spoke briefly about his experience with CAMTA and how with two new hips to replace the dysplastic, painful and limited ones that he had, he is now pain free and has the mobility that he needs to work again as a carpenter.

Eileen Guilfoyle with Dustin and his twin brother, Damon

In 2003, one year old Dustin had his clubfeet released in one of CAMTA's earliest missions. Now nine Dustin, and his twin brother Damon came onstage while their mother, Anita told of Dustin's surgery and of their thankfulness to CAMTA. We were so happy that these former patients were able to join us in celebrating CAMTA's successes.

Dustin and Damon then presented Eileen Guilfoyle and Barb Moreau with a dozen roses each. Eileen and Barb, along with their husbands, Doctors John Lilley and Marc Moreau, were the founding members of CAMTA in 2001.

Dr. Marc Moreau accepts a plaque from the staff of the Tierra Nueva celebrating 10 years of work.

We celebrated with our Ecuadorian friends at the La Choza restaurant in Quito, Ecuador

The evening ended on a high note with the phenomenal presentation of the Ballet Jacchigua. This ballet is the best in Ecuador. They travel the world to represent their country and we were honoured to have an abbreviated performance. The performance was made possible by several anonymous donors.

Ballet Jacchigua

Ballet Jacchigua

Ballet Jacchigua

Ballet Jacchigua

For more about the Ballet Jaccigua click:

http://www.jacchiguaesecuadorcom/eng_principal.htm

All in all, a joyful and memorable evening. Bouquets of gratitude to Cathy Moreau, who spent countless hours planning and organizing this outstanding celebration and to Glenn Day, who was a delightful Master of Ceremonies.