RSF-EARTHSPEAK was co-founded by
Andrea (Andi) Jobe, MA, CCC,
and
Richard Jobe, MD, FACS.
A group of diversely talented people on the board of directors, professional advisory board,
and international board guide the operations of EARTHSPEAK.
Board members represent the fields of plastic and reconstructive surgery, nursing,
speech and language pathology, research, business, cultural psychology, high
technology, and international health.
All board members, staff, and team members work on a volunteer basis, so operating costs
are extremely low. Monies donated to the EARTHSPEAK organization go directly
to program delivery.
Our Dedicated Team and the People They Help
The photos below show a few of the dedicated and hard-working field staff,
associates, and trainers, and some of the people they are helping around the world.
The story below the photos is about
Raquel Dueñas, one of the most
dedicated and inspirational EARTHSPEAK volunteer in the country of Ecuador.
Raquel Dueñas, One of EARTHSPEAK's "Madre Teresas"
Pedro and Raquel Duenas have been Rotarians for 35 years.
Raquel has received the Paul Harris award for her work on behalf
of the children of Ecuador.
Pedro has recently been nominated for the same award.
Raquel has had a special role in the Rotary.
She works to help organize the surgical missions of Rostros Felices, Interplast,
and the speech work of EARTHSPEAK.
We fondly call Raquel the
"Madre Teresa"
of the children of Manabi province.
Her dedication is unwavering and comes from the heart.
Sixteen years ago, Raquel's son Pedro was killed in a tragic automobile
accident just as an Interplast team arrived for their annual surgical visit.
Pedro had been a longtime supporter of Interplast and often drove their
supplies up from Guayaquil.
Raquel vowed she would continue to work to get help for children
with cleft lip and palate, and she would do so in memory
and honor of her son Pedro.
Each year, Interplast teams arrive in Portoviejo
in late November or early December.
All the team members purchase flowers and visit the graveside
of Pedro to remember the dedication of this young man
and to be grateful for the continuing dedication of his mother.
No matter what is needed or the hour it is needed, Raquel will provide it.
She speaks only Spanish.
We speak only English.
Yet the language of the heart can always be understood.
