| <%=OrgNameShort%> International History |
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A Brief History of Liga International
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 Since 1934, LIGA International, a philanthropic volunteer
organization, has been providing medical, dental and eye care to impoverished
people in rural Mexico. LIGA, meaning “league” in Spanish has a
unique and wonderful history. The idea was conceived by Dr. Iner Sheld Ritchie
of Loma Linda, California, while passing through the state of Sonora on the
train to Mexico City to treat then President Abelardo Rodriguez in the 1930’s.
Being a physician, he noted the urgent need fro medical care for the Yaqui
Indians. So he discussed this problem with President Rodriguez, and he in turn
agreed to give assistance.
The following year Dr. Ritchie spent his vacation in Sonora and traveled by
horseback to get to the Yaquis. Gradually, his colleagues in the medical field
joined him on those expeditions and thus LIGA was borne. From that humble
beginning LIGA has grown to a roster of almost 2,000 physicians,
dentists, nurses, optometrists, audiologists, pharmacists, chiropractors, pilots, assistants,
technicians, and others.
After World War II the small aircraft industry advanced rapidly and there
was an ever-growing number of pilots. Many doctors had trained as pilots during
the war. LIGA doctors began flying to remote areas in the states of
Sonora, Sinaloa, and Baja California to treat the sick and suffering. It now
became possible to do in a weekend what it took Dr. Ritchie three months to
accomplish on horseback. At this time, LIGA became known as the “Flying
Doctors of Mercy”.
LIGA’s history includes an active participation in educational
efforts in Mexico. LIGA helped to establish several self-supporting
medical, agricultural, and industrial schools. The largest of these, Colegio del
Pacifico, is located near Navojoa in Sonora. This school is situated on 700
acres of rich land and has accommodations for 300 students. In addition to a
broad basic education, the goal of these schools is to train young people in a
vocation and encourage them to return to isolated places where their talents and
training are needed.
One of Mexico’s major universities, the Universidad de Montemorelos, has
benefited from its inception from LIGA’s involvement. LIGA was
instrumental in helping to establish the School of Medicine, School of
Nutrition, School of Dental Technology and the Dental Residency Program. One of
the students from the first graduating class from the medical School went on to
become a member of LIGA’s Board of Directors in 1982.
The philosophy of LIGA has now come to embrace the whole spectrum of
human influence with emphasis on the medical, dental, optical, nutritional, and
health educational needs of the very poor. LIGA now operates four medical
clinics located in El Fuerte, Ocoroni, San Blas and El Carrizo in the state of
Sinaloa.
 The first Friday of each month ( October through June) 12-15 privately owned
airplanes, carrying four to six passengers each, deliver volunteers and supplies
to remote LIGA clinics. There, hundreds of needy people are given
medical, dental, and eye care that they would not get otherwise. Many people are
treated, both children and adults. For example, plastic surgeons repair cleft
lips, cleft palates, remove tumors and skin cancers, and repair burn scars.
General surgeons perform hernia operations. Podiatrists straighten club feet so
children can walk. Long neglected teeth are filled when possible, but sadly,
most must be extracted. Ophthalmologists remove scores of cataracts. Glasses are
fitted. Sight is restored to the blind and much misery is alleviated.
LIGA works closely with the local Mexican community. Many local
Mexicans also volunteer at the clinics and provide valuable assistance as
interpreters and help in coordinating and maintaining the clinics. Some local
physicians also volunteer their services to see patients at our clinics.
Closer to home, LIGA provides an opportunity for American medical
students, interns and residents to greatly enhance their medical educational
experience by visiting the interior of Mexico and being exposed to people who
have never had medical attention and see deformities and medical conditions that
they might not see at home. These doctors are given the opportunity to work with
and assist the physician in charge in treating these patients.
 At times, when necessary surgery cannot be performed at LIGA clinics
in Mexico, patients are transported by LIGA planes to hospitals in
California and other areas to treat more serious cases. Last summer
three-year-old Carlos Dyan Hernandez was brought to Loma Linda University
Medical Center in Loma Linda, California, for surgery. This little boy was born
with Tetralogy of Fallot, a serious heart defect. Without surgery, children born
with this defect usually die between the ages of three and seven. Dr. Leonard
Bailey and his cardiology team at Loma Linda successfully performed the needed
operation. The boy and his family returned to Mexico where he is leading a
normal life for a now four-year-old.
In 1990, LIGA received the prestigious George Washington Medal
of Honor for excellence in Programs and Activities presented by the Freedoms
Foundation at Valley Forge, for LIGA’s humanitarian work in Mexico. In
1991, LIGA was presented with the esteemed Aerospace Laureate award by
Aviation Week & Space Technology for operations in flying light aircraft to
provide desperately needed health care to impoverished rural people.
We are proud of LIGA’s history and growth since the
1930’s. We invite all persons with an altruistic spirit toward those in need
to get involved with the Flying Doctors of Mercy.
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| Liga International Needs
Volunteers Like You |
- How can I help:
- LIGA is a volunteer organization.
- We need Doctors, Medical & Dental Specialists, Pilots, Translators, Medical Students and Supports.
- For More information about Volunteers; - Click Here
- For More information about Pilots - Click Here
- For More information about Supporters - Click Here
- To Become a Volunteer or Supporter / Sponsor & Member - Click Here
- To Donate Money, Products, Supplies or Equipment - Click Here
- When are LIGA trips scheduled:
- October - June; 1st Friday of the month LIGA teams depart October thru June in the morning, returning Sunday.
- Schedule yourself for a future trip - Click Here
- What should I bring for the trip - Click Here
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