An Open Letter from "Doc" Juan Montero
Dear friends,
2016 started with a lengthy preparation for opening Upscale Resale, a high-end, boutique
thrift store to complement our modest three to four fundraiser yearly income. To our luck, the
Macy's store at Military Circle was closing, which allowed us to purchase 90% of our store
fixtures at a very reasonable price, and some even for free. Numerous kind-hearted friends
helped us in the build-out of the store, including financial support from Towne Bank, Rosewell
Homes and Philippine Medical Association of Southeastern Virginia. We are most grateful to
our donors and especially to our dedicated volunteers.
On May 7, 2016 Upscale Resale for Montero Medical Missions opened for business after an
impressive ribbon-cutting ceremony and blessings of the facility by Deacon Keith Fournier of
St. Stephen Martyr Catholic Church. This event covered by local media was attended by the
Chesapeake City mayor, council members, two congress persons and other dignitaries.
Everyone wins in this concept of a trendsetter of a store: From the donor to recipient,
customers, folks served by MMM both here and abroad, and our volunteers from all walks of
society for the tremendous networking that occurs.
Three annual fundraisers were held: Summer Bash on June 27th generously and yearly
hosted by Rohn Sitjar of 757 Crave Restaurant with financial support from Rev. Pat
Robertson; Oyster Roast on November 16th, generously supported by Michael and Claudia
Cuddyer, Councilperson Suzy Kelly of JoKell, Inc.,Montero's Restaurant and Keith Horton of
Towne Bank; and MMM was featured in a Music 'N Mercy concert at Sandler's Performing
Arts with Band of Brothers band headlining the show, thanks to Vince Medina's support.
We completed our MMM Health Fair for Veterans, many thanks to Col. Jim Ireland, USA
[Ret.]'s leadership. Our new schedule for 2017 at the same Lifestyle Center venue of
Chesapeake Regional Health Center will be April 1 and October 7, 2017. New leadership of
the HFFV will be assumed by Vince Medina, a 20-year Navy veteran.
We are always grateful for the pro bono service of DIA, Inc., headed by Amy Houck, a
marketing, advertising, PR company in downtown Norfolk and to MRO computers in
Chesapeake for its much discounted services. With these two institutions' expertise plus our
talented Social Media volunteers, we are bullish on 2017!
Respectfully yours,
Doc
A Trip to the Philippines!
Dr. Juan Montero, founder and president of
Montero Medical Missions [L] and Dr. Dario Sunga
of Los Angeles CA, MMM International Advisory
Board member [R] met with Philippine Secretary of
Health, Dr. Paulyn Rosell-Ubial Tuesday, Dec.13,
2016 in Manila. Both were excited to hear the
secretary's full support for a presence of a Health
Attache' at the Philippine embassy in Wash. D.C.
Wide-ranging healthcare issues were discussed,
as to how expatriates Fil-Am physicians and allied
healthcare professionals could be of service to the homeland.
More information on Doc's recent trip may be found on our website
Looking Ahead in 2017!
Our many activities ahead could use your help or
financial support. Just a few great activities
planned for 2017 include:
*A fact-finding trip to St. Vincent and the
Grenadines with Churchland Rotary Club of
Portsmouth, EVMS Strelitz Diabetes Research
Center/Brock Global Health Institute, World Surgical Group of Richmond, Montero Medical
Missions. This is to start a Diabetes Care Project in the Caribbean region.
*A multi-specialty MMM medical/surgical mission in Tandag, Surigao del Sur, Philippines.
* Another fact-finding mission, this one to Sri Lanka to be funded by a benevolent U.S.
expatriate.
* This photo documents the signing of Burn Care sustainable project MOA between Montero
Medical Missions and officers of Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City. This
project is MMM's # 4, to complement Eyesight 20/20, Prosthesis, Dental Care.
More information on upcoming activities may be found on our MMM Facebook page
MonteroMedicalMissions.org
MMM is a 501(c)(3) organization.
Contributions are tax deductible in accordance with IRS rules and regulations.