Yoli Alvin, President of AAFH, along with local volunteers (Socorro and Erika) visited one of the largest hospitals in Guadalajara, Mexico called the OPD Hospital Civil de Guadalajara “Fray Antonio Alcalde”. Yoli met several doctors: Dr. Christian Hawa, Dr. Veronica Gonzalez Diaz, and Doctor of Psychology, Martha Juarez Garcia who are treating teens and young adults with life threatening illnesses. Dr. Christian and Dr. Martha introduced the volunteers to several teens and young adults diagnosed with leukemia and going through chemotherapy. Five of Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) were given to young patients with an interest in creating art while staying at the hospital.
Dr. Martha said, “there is a great need here to bring music and art to teens and young adults because they are in the hospital room for weeks at a time during their treatment and I’m happy you came to Guadalajara and took the time to share Alyssa’s love of music and art with us.”
Dr. Martha has been at this hospital for 24 years and she told Yoli there are limited resources available for the young patients. She buys art supplies for the young patients at her own expense. She sees how art helps them be creative and have fun. By providing these young adult patients with art supplies they have the opportunity to express their feelings. The volunteers saw their joy and the smile on their faces when these patients received an Alyssa Starter Art Kit.
Students from La Universidad Del Valle De Atemajac – UNIVA LA PIEDAD Art Class learned about Alyssa Alvin Foundation For Hope and offered to volunteer and bring art to the young adults at Hospital Civil de Guadalajara in the near future. Art Instructor, Pedro Ivan Guzman Torres, is really excited for his Art Class to participate in AAFH volunteer activities. There are people ready and willing to be the AAFH ambassadors and volunteers for Art and Music Programs. Thanks to Benny Montalvo, who arranged for Yoli to visit the University and meet his Art Instructor, Pedro. UNIVA LA PIEDAD is in Michoacan, Mexico.
