You were instrumental in getting the funding for the birthing center in Memeng, Nepal and donated in memory of Hamish and Meghan. It was wonderful the way the whole town of Brevard rallied to make the center a reality. Fundraising was completed in early 2019 and by the end of March the work was completed. Two days later the first baby arrived!

This center is providing a safe environment for prenatal, and post natal, appointments as well as a clean and safe place for the ladies to give birth. The nearest hospital is an 8 hour drive away — and then only if you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle — so everyone gives birth locally. The maternal and neonatal death rates without the birthing center were previously very high, but the hygienic facilities, and experienced, trained, midwives have drastically reduced the number of deaths! Over 80% of the expectant ladies in the area now use the birthing center and approximately 400 healthy babies have been delivered so far. Of those, approximately 20 were extremely high risk pregnancies, and without the center most of the mothers and babies would have died in home births. The center now has a portable ultrasound machine so potential problems can be identified and planned for. The staff also hosts Pregnant Women’s Groups in the communities served by the center.

Thank you for all that you, and the other Brevard residents, did to help so many people!