Words From Our Friends
Darlene Ramones
“In February 2014, I was very fortunate to go with the Hearts Afire foundation and Dr. Cesar to Somoto, Nicaragua. I was impressed by the generosity and care they had for the people of Somoto. I saw firsthand how Hearts Afire had improved the city of Somoto and how grateful people were for their help and support. It inspires me to continue working with such organizations who have deep roots in poor communities. It proves that a few people can make a difference with determination, motivation, and hope.” Darlene Ramones – MD
Christopher R. Tomford
“It has been my great pleasure to have accompanied Hearts Afire to Somoto on two occasions. I have witnesses firsthand the tremendous positive impact Hearts Afire has made on the entire community of Somoto. Their accomplishments include, but certainly not limited, to a school for the disabled children (Los Pipitos Center), a dental clinic, birthing clinics and an English language program, as well as many school supplies. Additionally, Hearts Afire has provided a vast supply of medicines, medical hardware and the availability of medical doctors and other medical specialists.I strongly support Hearts Afire Foundation and their mission.” Christopher R. Tomford – Executive Director, Emeritus Merced
David S. Dunham
“I went with the Hearts Afire group to Somoto in 2014. For the past few years my Rotary Club has been donating a scholarship through Hearts Afire for a student in Somoto. During the trip I got to meet two recipients of the scholarships- one who is now a pharmacist and the other who is working on her degree in social services. I was very moved by actually seeing the impact the $1000 per year can have on a person’s life and how it can so dramatically improve their future. Hearts Afire has developed this program so well and I know that our funds are being used appropriately. My hospital employer has also donated equipment and supplies to the Somoto hospital through Hearts Afire I was able to see how the equipment and supplies are helping improve the health of the people and how thankful and grateful they are to receive this support. Hearts Afire is a great organization and is making a huge difference to many people.” David S. Dunham – FACHE President Mercy Medical Center
Wayne A. Hague
“Everyone needs to visit a 3rd world country. I was fortunate to visit Somoto,Nicaragua with Hearts Afire in 2008 and instantly fell in love. There are so many needs and people are wonderful. I got to sponsor two families and am sending a student to medical school. I can’t wait to get back!” Wayne A. Hague – Friend – Merced, Ca.
Butch and Mary Ann Hughes
“It never ceases to amaze me that when I think I’m doing something for someone else, it always comes back that I get more out of it than they did. The coaches and the players are not only grateful for acquiring new skills, but they are eagerly attentive and coachable. It seems like baseball surpasses language barriers. Somoto is a town without much apparent wealth, but that’s not so. It’s wealth is in the warm hearted people and the beauty of their children.” Butch and Mary Ann Hughes – Friends