WELCOME DINNER

First night in Odiognon, Tablas Island, Romblon province Philippines;  At house of Mike's parents. Mike is Philippino- American co-founder of N2L organization.  His parents welcomed us all with warmth and delicious food.

INTRODUCTION

The Nothing-to-Lose foundation was formed about 5 years ago by Mike Ferolino and Jon Tulio. Mike is currently living near San Francisco, Ca and Jon lives with his family in Bacolod City, PI. Jon originally is from Los Angeles, Ca. They are both coaches and mentors. The foundation was formed out the idea that young people should learn to live like they have 'nothing to lose', embracing their dreams and learning to fulfill them. The Foundation’s mission is to offer young people a safe environment where they can explore their values and grow in character. Our vision is to inspire a generation of community leaders who pursue their dreams with passion and ignite passion in future generations.This is accomplished through the recognition of what those dreams are and developing the tools to see them realized. This idea lead to the formation of N2L basketball camps for high school students in Odiognon, Romblon. Since that time it has held basketball camps and now volleyball camps for interested students wanting to learn more about the games. During the camps, students are provided with opportunities to learn leadership through community service, education, and athletics. On occasion, some are awarded college scholarships. The camps have grown each year are held in Tablas in April. There will be a volleyball camp being held at the same time as the medical mission is going on.  

The medical mission is a branch of the N2L foundation. This is the 2nd clinic held in the town of  Pato-O in Tablas, Romblon. It seeks to serve the students of the elementary school and their familes. We are focused on helping the community with its acute health needs as well as identifying areas of ongoing public health concern. The foundation started a feeding program 2 years ago. This provides lunch for all the students of the school in order to help the very high malnutrition rates of the students in the Pato-O elementary school. It also encourages them to come to school, which many do not regularly do. We have plans to continue this in the future and attempt to improve the health of the community as a whole through education, helping treat some of the chronic medical conditions, and continue the work of the feeding program. The clinic will be held on April 12 and 13 and possibly the 14th and 15th also. We'll be doing quite a bit or work assessing the public health needs of the community and formulating plans to help the town in the future. This trip is being lead by Drs. Chris Courtney, John Loewen, Jon Hornstein, Pete Sananman, Adam Cooper and Mrs. Sarah Mendoza. It is our wish to see the town's people live healthy and comfortable lives for generations to come.