 “Peace comes not from the absence of suffering
But with the ability to deal with it.”
Anonymous
By Roberta Giesea
STAFF WRITER
Northern California Mexico, which includes Tijuana, Rosarito, and Tecate is close to the US border. It offers a resort area that is full of attractions to visiting tourists from all over the world. Some of the activities, unregulated, are not as savory as others. As a result, the spread of disease exists. There are over 14,000 patients active with AIDS in this tri-city area. 27 % are heterosexuals between the ages of 19 and 35 years old. Some are drug users; some are gay. All are in need of health care. Statistics from AFABI (Agencia Familia A Bi_Nacional) show that San Diego County has an almost identical amount of AIDS cases.
Many of these patients are poor, without the means to obtain proper medical help.
Families who are not educated don’t know how to deal with their infected family member and will often withdraw support and love from them. Some AIDS patients are literally dying on the streets. They have been rejected and left to die. For example, an AIDS victim, locked in a shed in the back yard of his family’s home, was left alone to starve to death. Neighbors contacted authorities who turned to Casa de Paz, a non profit foundation, registered in both California and Mexico, which volunteers its resources and skills free of charge to those who are dying.
“I can be called in the middle of the day or night to give help to someone who is dying,” says Laura Hodgdon, founder of Casa de Paz. “I counsel with family members and try to educate them about the illness while ministering to the patients’ needs until they die.”
Casa de Paz offers aid to patients who have been declared by doctors to be terminally ill, with less than six months to live. Laura’s ministrations are guided by the philosophy stated by Cicely Saunders, founder of the first hospice in London, 1967: “You matter because you are you. You matter to the last moment of your life, and we will do all we can, not only to help you die peacefully, but to live until you die.” Laura was trained by the San Diego Hospice which cares for the terminally ill and offers support to Casa de Paz. Such every day tasks as bathing, changing Depend, and administering medications are a pleasure to her. “Volunteers don’t mind reading to and meeting with patients, but it’s more difficult when it comes to the less desirable physical tasks. I enjoy every moment of the process,” adds Laura who has tears in her eyes as she recalls touching moments with patients. “I honor the confidentiality of all my patients,” she says in response to being asked to share her experiences.
Asked what motivated her to organize Casa de Paz, Laura answers, “One of my best friends died of AIDS in 1996. His suffering for ten years and subsequent death made an impact upon me that was powerful. I will never forget it. I started Casa de Paz in 1999 to help those who have to suffer through the emotional discrimination and physical pain that comes with this disease. I want to help patients die with dignity, which is the mission statement of Casa de Paz. Dying with dignity is as important as living with dignity. Help from Casa de Paz is needed, not only for AIDS patients, but for anyone who is in the last stages of dying.”
Casa de Paz has the following goals:
• To support the quality of life for citizens by providing physical, emotional and spiritual care to the dying and their families.
• To provide effective pain control and symptom management.
• To provide cost free community education to both the US and Mexican schools and churches.
Health care services focusing on pain relief, symptom control, comfort and support for terminally ill patients, emotional and spiritual support for patients and their loved ones, and bereavement groups for the families as well as burial services are part of the care offered by Casa de Paz. Laura says, “In offering grief support to the family, I will ask loved ones what kind of service the patient desires. It is surprising how many spouses, some married for fifty years or more, don’t know the desires of their loved one.” It is definitely a good idea to discuss preferred funeral arrangements with each other before a crisis occurs. “I hope we can play a small role in relieving suffering, alleviating the fear of dying and enhancing quality of life,” Laura says as she thinks of the family. “The beauty and meaning of life can be enhanced during the death of a loved one.”
The first fund raising event on the set of the Titanic at the 20th Century Fox studio in Rosarito was for Casa de Paz. It was a black tie affair that auctioned off a replica of the blue heart necklace that had been used in the movie. The proceeds from this charitable event launched Casa de Paz. A lease option was placed on a 10,000 square foot house that provided a sanctuary for the terminally ill.
In 2001, the building was vandalized by a disgruntled neighbor who was later arrested for ripping out windows, slashing furniture, and trashing supplies as well as stealing equipment. Casa de Paz closed the doors to that building at the request of the landlord who feared for the safety of his investment.
Casa de Paz is now available for the terminally ill in a new building, but once again suffered when the builder didn’t fulfill his contract, leaving the building unfinished. Funds are needed to adequately repair damage caused by leaks and poor construction. Volunteers who can help with finishing the construction are welcome to help in this endeavor.
Twice a month, on a Saturday, Casa de Paz operates a clinic out of a small church in Los Morelos, a small community in the hills of Rosarito. A retired military medic and volunteers perform minor surgeries in addition to administering donated samples of medicine to the poor. Fruits and vegetables, donated by the fruit store, La Serranita in Rosarito, are distributed to families in need. Clothing sorted by sizes and gender are also available for free.
“I want everyone to know that we’re here, plugging along. We’ve had our setbacks but we’re not a business seeking to grow. We’re blessed by the Lord as we serve people in need. We couldn’t ask for more rewarding work. We provide a dignified place to die,” states Laura. “I want people to know we’re here to help when the need arises.”
Those wishing to contribute money, goods, food or clothing to Casa de Paz may send an email to: Casadepazmexico@hotmail.com. A tax deductible receipt will be issued for all donations. Volunteers are always welcome.
Roberta Delgado Giesea, CRS, GRI, APIR, author of Baja4You, is a real estate specialist for Baja4U Properties in Rosarito, BC, Mexico. She can be reached at www.baja4Uproperties.com, baja4u@hotmail.com or 011-52-661-614-3368.
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