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Common Questions
How much does it cost for an "average surgery"?At the moment we estimate the cost for a patient to be around US$ 450. However, this cost can vary greatly depending on the specific surgical needs of the individual child and the complications that sometimes arise. The figure is adjusted on an annual basis to take into account changes in circumstances and costs. This figure includes pre-operation checks, x-rays, medication and transportation to and from medical facilities. Costs for other patients with physical deformities can range from US$ 300 - US$ 3000.
Can I sponsor a specific child?Yes. You can sponsor a specific child and payments can be arranged on a monthly basis if you do not feel able to cover the full cost of surgery etc. immediately.
What exactly is a "cleft lip/ cleft palate?"Cleft lip and palate is a developmental problem (usually in babies) where the upper lip or palate (roof of the mouth) is not correctly joined, leading to a gap in either the palate or lip and palate. The terms hare lip or hair lip (common misspelling of the previous) are sometimes used colloquially to describe the condition because of the resemblance of a hare's lip. A cleft lip can range from a simple notch in the upper lip to a complete gap in the lip running into the floor of the nostril. The upper gum may also be involved. This may occur on just one side (unilateral cleft) or both sides (bilateral cleft). Cleft palate may involve only the soft palate at the back of the mouth or may run forwards through the bone of the hard palate. As with the lip, one or both sides may be affected. Cleft lip and palate or cleft palate occurs in around 1 in 700 babies in the developed world. Around 70% of babies with cleft lips also have cleft palates. Males are more commonly affected than females.
What causes a cleft lip and palate?It is not entirely clear why this happens in some babies but cleft lip and palate can run in families so it is likely that there may be a genetic factor. If a person is born with a cleft, the chances of that person having a child with a cleft, given no other obvious factor, rises to 1 in 14 (instead of 1 in 700.) Other possible causes include infections during pregnancy, smoking and alcohol use during pregnancy and deficiency of the B vitamin folic acid which is found in many fruits and vegetables. No one is entirely sure of the exact cause, however, and it is still currently being debated.
What are the other common problems dealt with?Hydrocephalus - is a condition that occurs when there is too much cerebrospinal fluid in the cavities of the brain which causes the head to swell. Meiningocele (Nasoethmoidal) - is when a defect in the skull allows a cyst to form which fills with cerebrospinal fluid. Non-malignant tumours - Tumour literally means "swelling", and is sometimes still used with that meaning. However, the term is now primarily used to denote abnormal growth of tissue. This growth can be either malignant or benign (non-malignant.) Malignant tumors are cancerous. Cancer has the potential to invade and destroy neighboring tissues. Benign tumors do not invade neighboring tissues but may locally grow to great size. They usually do not return after surgical removal. Club foot - a birth defect. The foot is twisted in and down. Without treatment, persons afflicted often appear to walk on their ankles, or on the sides of their feet. It is the most common birth defect, occurring in approximately one to two per 1000 live births. Approximately half the cases of clubfeet are bilateral (both feet.) Unrepaired injuries - exactly what they say. This is where a child has been injured in some way but, through lack of ability to reach medical facilities, has never had the injury dealt with.
Who does The Ruel Foundation help?The Ruel Foundation helps children between the age of 1-14 (exceptions are made from time to time) with obvious physical deformities that have a significant impact on the child's health and/or social development. However, The Ruel Foundation has also taken into care, from time to time, malnourished children who are in life threatening circumstances.
How much money goes overseas?The Ruel Foundation sends 83% of all funds donated directly to our operational centers around the world catering for the medical care of children. The other 17% of funds are allocated to administrative expenses.
How do we know the money reaches the projects?Field funds are supervised by our national directors in each nation the Ruel Foundation is operating. Funds are spent directly on each child as listed on our website. Patients are only transferred to our completion list when all necessary surgeries on that specific child have been completed. Each child has its own financial record which is supervised by each Field Director and audited by the Ruel Foundation International office in Tauranga, New Zealand. In addition, staff from our international office visit each location twice a year with the purpose of auditing the managerial, operational and financial activities of the organization. The New Zealand office submits audited reports to the New Zealand Charities Commission annually. To see completed list on our website of children who have completed their surgeries.
Is my donation tax deductible?Yes.
Who does The Ruel Foundation employ in projects?The Ruel Foundation is a faith-based organization that adheres to the Biblical values of compassion and care. All members of the Ruel Foundation are volunteers with exception of several Filipino staff members who are on a small monthly allowance.
How can I volunteer?Applications for volunteer staff with the Ruel Foundation can be obtained from our international office at: The Ruel Foundation International
Applicants should be financially secure, have a genuine compassion for children and be a team player. There is no such thing as a "normal" day for a Ruel Foundation staff member and flexibility is vital as no two days are alike. A minimum of 3-month probationary period is required for each staff. We currently have positions open for child-carers and administrators in the Philippines and administrators in our International Office in New Zealand.
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Verazaira Dayrit
