Western Pennsylvania Presbyterian churches have a rich tradition of strong working relationships with “sister” Presbyterian churches in Malawi. Every other year, a group of about twenty Presbyterians from various Western PA churches visit Malawi for a couple weeks, developing relationships and offering “mutual encouragement” to our fellow Presbyterians in Malawi. Every other year, a similar sized group from Malawi visits Western PA and learns what life is like in the US and how we develop our own faith. Malawi is a small, sub-Saharan African country that consistently ranks in the top 10 of the world’s poorest countries. Malawi has a very agrarian economy, with its main crops being coffee, tea and maize. It is also a very peaceful country, one that is considered to be the “warm heart of Africa.” BBF recently entered into a multi-year agreement with Southminster Presbyterian Church in Mt. Lebanon to sponsor the shipment of containers of medical supplies and equipment to Malawi over the next few years. As part of this working relationship, President Luke Hingson, Trustee Charles Stout and a

Southminster member, Marta Winks, traveled to Malawi in August 2015 to visit six hospitals and five clinics. Several of these medical facilities have received BBF support in the past and several have asked to be considered. This fact-finding trip was invaluable and helped both Southminster and BBF develop a long term strategy for future container shipments. The need is great and never-ending. The conditions in many of the hospitals are challenging, but BBF and Southminster are committed to do what they can.

BBF Officers Board Chair Thomas L. Wentling, Jr.*Vice ChairCharles J. Stout*Treasurer Louann Tronsberg-Deihle*Secretary John P. Tymitz*Medical DirectorDeborah McMahon, M.D.*PresidentLuke L. Hingson *also a trustee

Other BBF Trustees

Barry Byer, M.D.Daniel R. Delaney, Esq.Roy G. Dorrance, IIIGarry L. GarrisonAmy HammerAlvin J. HarperDrew N. HarveyGraham F. Johnstone, M.D.Cynthia KilgoreMacrina LeleiRichard L. McGough, III, M.D.Ronald C. MillerGordon MooreLes Pitton, Jr.John D. RebaLinda RenningerFrances StephenRobert S. VerscharenRobert J. WeberJames S. Wolf

BBF Staff

Luke HingsonQaadir AndersonThaddeus Adkins Debbie BaucomErin BelitskusSarah BoalJessica Capretti Liam Carstens William Davis Karen DempseyDonna EngelhardtRyan GindlespergerRichard Goddard Antonella FerraroDavid HoldsworthRyan KondrotVelimir LetojaKevin Meszaros Robert MillerFrank SeanezWilliam ShafferDinita Thomas Pittsburgh: 412-321-3160NCA: 703-992-9210Fax: 412-321-3325mail@brothersbrother.org website:www.brothersbrother.org

Countries Served in 2015In the first nine months of 2015, BBF shipped requested supplies to 56 countries including Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Ghana, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Kenya, Lebanon, Liberia, Lithuania, Madagascar, Malawi, Mexico, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, Philippines, St. Vincent’s Island, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda,

Ukraine, United States of America, Vietnam, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

InsidePresident’s

Report 2

BBF & GTFW Respond to

South Carolina Flooding

2

Medical Mission Trip Program

3

Year End Giving4

Partnerships That WorkThe Nyadire Connection and BBF

in Zimbabwe

BBF Vice Chair Charles Stout finds equipment that needs to be replaced

with BBF-donated equipment in a Malawi hospital

As you walk around Nyadire United Methodist Mission in Zimbabwe, the contributions of BBF are easy to see and highly valued. A good friend there commented, “People in Nyadire talk about Pittsburgh as if it’s just over the next hill!” For almost 10 years, “The Nyadire Connection” (TNC) and BBF have sent many containers to Nyadire filled with specifically requested items. Items shipped have equipped the surgical theater with tables, lights, an autoclave, instruments and sutures. School backpacks are shipped each year by sponsors who keep 450 kids in school. BBF Trustee Drew Harvey was there for three weeks in August and distributed BBF-donated beds and furnishings to the newly rebuilt Chikwizo Health Clinic. BBF and TNC are now sending another container with furnishings for the next clinic being rebuilt, Nyahuku. Nyadire is a large complex in northeast Zimbabwe - a one-time promising African country that now offers its people little opportunity. Nyadire includes a large hospital, six rural health clinics, school systems, a school of nursing, a teaching college, an orphanage and a farm. Thousands depend on Nyadire for life services. TNC is a Pittsburgh-based network of volunteers that supports Nyadire Mission. TNC’s 14 programs do things such as maintain a doctor at the hospital, provide drugs, sponsor orphans, micro-loan programs, etc. (www.nyadire.org )

by Drew Harvey

The Southminster Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh and BBF in Malawi

by Charles Stout

Abiti, a patient of St. Joseph’s Hospital, received a PET International

hand-pedal cart to help combat the limitations of a birth condition which left her unable to walk upright. This cart was part of a BBF shipment to

Malawi

Patients are able to recover on quality manually adjustable beds following the arrival of a BBF shipment

BBF-donated beds at a medical facility in Zimbabwe

Note: BBF’s Education Coordinator, Jessica Capretti is moving to sunny California. BBF staff member Frank Seanez will be taking on the responsibilities of the BBF Education Program. Frank brings many skills to help with the work of BBF. We will miss Jessica and are grateful to Frank for his experience.

BBF-NCA loaded a container of medical supplies and equipment for Hope for Lives in Sierra Leone. The shipment included the donation of seven hematology and immunoassay machines used in processing panels for plasma, serum and urine. The machines were donated by Suburban Hospital, a member of Johns Hopkins Medicine, in Bethesda, Maryland. As of the end of September 2015, BBF-NCA packaged 211 mission trip shipments. Twenty-five were sent in September. Three containers of medical supplies and equipment were sent to Haiti from BBF-NCA in cooperation with Food For The Poor in September. Individual donations to BBF-NCA total 331 year-to-date through September with 39 occurring in September. Total weight of donations through September is 217,623 pounds, 42,328 of which was received in September. During the month of September, Joerns (mechanical hospital beds), Mary Washington Health (recliners), Goodwin House, Holy Cross Hospital and Owens and Minor were the top donors to BBF-NCA by weight. Joerns was the single largest donor in September, providing numerous valuable manual hospital beds to BBF-NCA that will be distributed worldwide.

In the first nine months of 2015, product contributions received totaled $169,732,693 and product shipments totaled $198,406,732. Direct shipments and mission trip support went to people in need in 56 countries. Medical donations received in these first nine months were valued at $167,107,068, which included more than 2,666,600 bottles and tubes of medicine. During this period 145 medical container equivalents were sent to countries in need. The value of education donations received in the first nine months was $2,497,254. Education shipments made during this period totaled more than 267,000 books. In late October, I joined BBF Vice President of Medical Programs and Strategic Initiatives Liam Carstens and BBF Trustee Robert Verscharen in visiting Aurobindo Pharma, Teva Pharmaceuticals, USA, Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries, Ltd., Camber Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and Actavis, Inc.

Issue 106 Connecting People’s Resources with People’s Needs • www.brothersbrother.org November 2015

President’s Report

BBF History: Legacies

BBF, in cooperation with Books Across the Sea and the Rotary Club of Makati, sent more than 15,600 requested textbooks for use in the Philippines. These books, meant to replace those lost in Typhoon Haiyan (known in the Philippines as Typhoon Yolanda),

have already been distributed to 36 schools! Thanks to the cooperative efforts of eleven branches of the Rotary Club, more than 28,700 students throughout the provinces of Cebu, Bohol and San Remigio will now have access to better education.

BBF Education Programby Jessica Capretti

“We found a world in which more than one-third of its occupants were being destroyed by the flames of disease. We knew the world was sick—but it was much sicker than we thought,” Dr. Robert A. Hingson recounted in 1959, a year after his famous world medical tour. At that time, malaria (200 million cases per year) and small pox (150 million cases per year) ravaged many parts of the world. Dr. Hingson’s biographer reported that when Brother’s Brother Foundation began operations, “In some countries epidemics [were] so taken for granted that local physicians…never bother[ed] to file a formal report with international agencies.” The intrepid doctor saw so much need but was not dismayed. BBF has always been an ambitious project; in this way, it never knew humble beginnings. Dr. Hingson began it with a sense of urgency that the organization carries to this day. In the early years, his enthusiasm and magnetism sustained the budding organization. It was said of him that “his enthusiasm is both persuasive and contagious. He dreams big and talks big” and always found a way to make good on his proposals. For him, difference was always an opportunity to cooperate and he was known for his ability to reach across racial, religious and national divides in ways surprising to observers. He worked tirelessly and, in past newsletters, we have highlighted his resourcefulness and ingenuity. Dr. Hingson’s vision was simple: “While all people are equal [in standing] they are grossly unequal in health, in available nutrition and life expectancy. It is just as imperative for America’s affluent people to minister to the unfortunate as it was for the traveler to give aid to the wounded man in Jesus’ story of the Good Samaritan.” To Dr. Hingson charity was and ought to be a gift without borders.[Source: Cyril E. Bryant, Operation Brother’s Brother (New York: Pyramid Books, 1968).]

BBF National Capital Areaby David Holdsworth

Books being sorted by Rotary volunteersand staff after arriving in Makati

by Lars Peterson

The current and five Past District Governors of Rotary International recently visited BBF. Shown, from left: BBF President Luke Hingson, BBF Advisory

Trustee Dr. Balwant “Bunt” Singh P.D.G., Former Rotary International Trustee Stephanie Urchick, Vanathy Ravindran, Rotary International President K. R.

Ravi Ravindran, Thomas Uram P.D.G., BBF Advisory Trustee Dr. Jose Ravano P.D.G., BBF Advisory Trustee Andrew Uram P.D.G. and Rotary International

Director of Principal Gifts Harvey Newcomb, III.

Teachers and students receiving donated books

BBF & Gleaning For The World Respond to South

Carolina Flooding The flooding in South Carolina has been unprecedented in recorded history. To help illustrate how extensively this natural disaster impacted the state, I-95 (one of the major interstates on the East Coast) was closed for a week in October. Many of the public and private water sources were damaged or contaminated. BBF and Gleaning For The World have provided more than 100,000 bottles of water to tens of thousands of families in need. This cooperative effort has shipped a total of nine tractor-trailer loads of relief supplies. Even though the flood waters receded, the crisis is not over. As a result of the more than $1 billion worth of damage across South Carolina, the recovery effort will take months.

Please consider a financial gift to help these families in the recovery process. You are making such an incredible difference in the lives of those who are suffering. Thank you.Water being distributed in South Carolina

by Gleaning For The World Bobby Smith, Founder of Hope for Lives in Sierra Leone, and BBF-NCA staff stand by

a loaded container for Sierra Leone

by Luke Hingson

Issue 106 Connecting People’s Resources with People’s Needs • www.brothersbrother.org November 2015

In the first nine months of 2015, BBF supplied 239 mission trips to 47 countries.BBF’s Mission Trip Program in 2015

BBF’s Medical Mission Trip Program BBF’s Medical Mission Trip program connects the resources at our disposal and the talents of individuals here in the United States with the needs of the world. This program partners with groups traveling abroad on short term trips to provide medical services that would otherwise be unavailable or unaffordable. In the first three quarters of 2015 this program has worked with groups traveling to 47 countries. The program primarily works with four types of groups and teams, student groups, church mission teams, specialized surgical teams and relief organizations. BBF has supported 239 trips in the first nine months of 2015. Below are profiles of each type of team demonstrated by a partner in the Greater Pittsburgh area.

Student Groups provide leadership opportunities for young people who are striving to make a difference. These teams typically travel with professors through their University or through an aid organization. An excellent example is the Global Medical Brigades program at the University of Pittsburgh. In May, a team of 32 students and 3 medical professionals traveled to Honduras. During their week in country the team treated 1800 patients for ailments ranging from hypertension to depression. On these trips, students work closely with professionals providing useful services while furthering their educations. Students are involved in triage, record keeping, public health training and sorting medications. BBF provides these teams with requested medications and supplies.

Church Mission Teams are a growing portion of the Medical Mission Trip program. Many congregations plan annual missions and those providing medical services internationally are a growing segment. This June, Northway Christian Community of Wexford sent a small team to Guiyang, China. When asked about their journey, trip organizer Dr. Andrew Adams stated, “As St. Augustine said, ‘Preach the gospel always, use words if necessary.’ Working to meet the physical health needs of those communities we serve is a way for us to demonstrate the gospel to people globally.” This team worked with a foster care network providing care for orphans in the region. Similar teams ranging in size from a few to a few dozen travel from churches and social groups nationally. BBF assists these groups working in a variety of settings, utilizing the talents and skills of professionals and volunteers to supply aid.

Specialized Surgical Trips are a small but vital part of the BBF Mission Trip Program. Occasionally single doctors or very small teams are called upon to share their skills with colleagues overseas. Dr. Alexander Kirichenko of the West Penn Allegheny Cancer Institute’s Radiation Oncology Network heeds that call. As a Radiation Oncologist with a special interest in pediatrics Dr. Kirichenko travelled in June

to several hospitals in the Ukraine. While there he worked with 43 patients, including eight children, who needed his specialized skills. BBF provided Dr. Kirichenko with medications and surgical instruments to aid his work in the Ukraine. Often these trips are looking for specific medication and equipment sometimes difficult to secure. BBF’s Medical Supply Program works with hospitals along the east coast to collect surplus medical supplies for groups and, given sufficient advanced notice, can often locate the items these surgeons need. Relief Organizations typically take several trips each year. Surgicorps International is a fantastic example of this kind of partner. Travelling annually to Bhutan, Zambia, Vietnam and Guatemala, Surgicorps provides free medical and surgical care. Its multiyear commitments to the areas it serves provide a continuity of care for patients and families. Surgicorps traveled with 21 volunteers from six states to Zambia in September. Experience ranged from first timers to one volunteer embarking on her 21st trip with the organization. Having seasoned veterans lead each team ensures smooth logistics and established relationships on the ground to maximize the impact of each trip. On this, Surgicorps’ fifth trip to Zambia, the team was able to perform dozens of life altering surgeries during its stay.

BBF’s Medical Mission Trip Program screens new partners on an ongoing basis. If interested, complete the request form located at: http://brothersbrother.org/missionform/ or contact BBF for more information.

Mission Team from University of Pittsburgh in Honduras

Girl receiving checkup during Northway Christian Community of Wexford’s medical mission trip to Guiyang,

China

BBF donated medical supplies to help make Dr. Kirichenko’s (not shown) surgical mission trip

to Ukraine a success

Issue 106 Connecting People’s Resources with People’s Needs • www.brothersbrother.org November 2015

Brother’s Brother Foundation1200 Galveston Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15233-1604

Non-ProfitOrganization

US Postage PaidPittsburgh, PAPermit No. 797

Cover With Address Label

FN 106

Noteworthy

Did you know? You can send a donation to BBF in honor or memory of a friend or loved one and BBF staff will send a personalized note at your direction. From January through September 2015, BBF received 337 gifts in honor or memory totaling $40,288. For additional information about BBF honor or memory cards, please call 412-321-3160 and ask for Donna.

Giving In Honor/Memory

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Brother’s Brother Foundation’s audited financial statements are always available upon request and at no charge, by contacting BBF at 1200 Galveston Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233, phone 412-321-3160 and on our website: www.brothersbrother.org. In addition, some states require us to advise you that a copy of our financial report is also available through their offices. BBF never uses the services of professional fundraisers; 100% of donations benefit the mission of BBF.California – 100% of your donation is tax deductible. 99% of donations go toward shipping and distributing medical, educational and humanitarian resources to those in need.Florida– Registration – BROTHER’S BROTHER FOUNDATION IS A 501(C)(3) NON-PROFIT CORPORATION REGISTERED PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 496, SECTION 496.405 OF THE FLORIDA STATUTES. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION (CH23511) AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (1-800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE OR FROM ITS WEBSITE AT WWW.800HELPFLA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Georgia – A detailed description of BBF’s programs and activities will be provided upon request.Maryland – Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitation Act are also available for the cost of postage and copies, from the Maryland Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401, phone 410-974-5521.New Jersey – INFORMATION FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONCERNING THIS CHARITABLE SOLICITATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY BY CALLING (973) 504-6215. REGISTRATION WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT.New York – A copy of Brother’s Brother Foundation’s latest annual financial report may be obtained, upon request, from BBF or from the New York State Attorney General’s Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, 3rd Floor, New York, New York 10271.North Carolina – Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at (919) 807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.Pennsylvania – The official registration and financial information of Brother’s Brother Foundation may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1 (800) 732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.Virginia – A financial statement is available upon request from the Virginia Office of Consumer Affairs, PO Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218. 1-800-552-9963.Washington – Additional financial disclosure information is on file with the Washington Secretary of State 1-800-332-4483 and can be obtained upon request.West Virginia – West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, West Virginia 25305. Registration does not imply endorsement.Wisconsin – A financial statement disclosing assets, liabilities, fund balances, revenue and expenses for the preceding year will be provided upon request.

Brother’s Brother Foundation Thanks:

ELECTRONIC SERVICE REQUESTED

Find more Brother’s Brother Foundation news on Facebook!

http://www.facebook.com/BrothersBrother

H.J. Heinz Retired Volunteers, Allegra Print & Imaging,Students of the Spectrum Charter School and the dedicated volunteers of

BBF-National Capital Area

Brother’s Brother Foundation1200 Galveston Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15233-1604

Cover With Address Label

Combined Federal Campaign BBF is pleased to report that financial support from federal employees continues. Many thanks to both our new and renewing CFC donors. BBF is a member of Charity Without Borders, America’s federation of emergency relief, development and humanitarian outreach charities. Look for BBF in the fall 2015 campaign brochure. For donors who are not government

employees, please remember that some employers match individual donations. Ask about your company’s matching gifts program. This is a great way to give to BBF. Thank you!

International Recognition of BBF

Consistently rated with 100% fundraising

efficiency and charitable commitment for nearly a

decade.

As you consider the year’s challenges and accomplishments, now is a good time to review and update estate plans. The following checklist of estate planning actions may be helpful.• Review your current will and trusts.• Take inventory and make a written record of the contents of any safe-deposit box.• Review the beneficiary designations for your life insurance and retirement plans.• Make sure your durable power of attorney for health care and living will are

current.• Finish charitable contributions by December 31. As you think about special holiday gifts for family and friends, remember that making charitable gifts to organizations such as Brother’s Brother Foundation in their honor can be a heartwarming experience that also offers you tax benefits.

Year End Giving

BBF is a member of Interaction.

BBF Benefit Concertin National Capital Area

Join BBF for an evening of music, featuring First Light Ensemble, a contemplative flutes and harp trio specializing in Celtic and Early Music. All proceeds will benefit BBF. Light refreshments will be offered

following the performance. For more information contact BBF at 703-992-9210 or 412-321-3160.

Saturday, November 21st • 7:00 p.m.Dulin United Methodist Church

513 East Broad St., Falls Church, VAFree parking available.