Frequently Asked Questions
What is Blanca’s House?
Blanca’s House is a non-profit organization comprised of medical and non-medical personnel who travel internationally to provide healthcare to the impoverished.
What was the inspiration to begin the non-profit?
Inspired by childhood memories of his mother caring for friends and family, nurse anesthetist, Galo Burbano, was determined to use his training to bring medical care to underprivileged children in his native Ecuador. To best serve the poor and sick of that nation, Burbano founded Blanca’s House, named for his mother. Blanca’s House is a volunteer-only organization that arranges for health care professionals to spend time helping care for people who would otherwise have no access to modern health care.
“I was born in Ecuador,” Burbano said, “my mother’s name was Blanca and my house was the place where everybody came, and my mother took care of them.”Although there were biologically only four members of his family, Burbano, 45, said that his mother hosted 15 to 20 people for dinner nightly. “These are our family, and we have to help,” Burbano recalled his mother saying, adding that she also helped arrange employment for people who came to her for help. “I love what I do,” Burbano said. “I often talk to my children about success, and I tell them to find something you like, and do that, and you will be a success.”To give back, Burbano decided to provide free medical care to his former countrymen and other poor people in developing countries. “Blanca’s House continues to grow, we’re expanding right now, trying to do as much as we can,” Burbano said. “Basically we want to help as many people as we can, not just outside of the United States, but right here in our own backyard.” Basically, Galo Burbano wants to help — anyone, everyone — make the world a better place for us all. And for his generosity, his compassion and his ability to inspire others to help, Burbano earns our admiration.
How long has Blanca’s House been in existence?
Blanca’s House was incorporated a non-profit in 2008.
Why donate to Blanca’s House?
Unlike other non-profits, 100% of your donation goes directly to patient care. All board members, team members, and administrative staff volunteer their time and expertise. All individual expenses for the medical missions are paid for by the team members, including travel, room and board, and incidentals.
Additionally, distinct from other non-profits with a specific medical or non-medical focus, Blanca’s House concentrates on a variety of medical procedures and surgeries. For examples, Blanca’s House has provided the following medical specialties: gynecology, gastrointestinal, plastic surgery, general surgery, orthopedics, dental, and otolaryngology.
How much do you want?
No donation is too small. All money donated or raised not only provides direct patient care, but allows Blanca’s House to purchase the supplies and equipment needed for medical care.
How will my gift make a difference?
All donations make a difference. Whether providing the ability to walk without pain after a total knee replacement, removing cancer from a thyroid or fibrous uterus, repairing a cleft palate, we are providing surgeries that otherwise would not be performed in their home countries.
Is there an urgency to make a gift?
Every year, the number and scope of Blanca’s House medical missions increases. Along with the diversity of services provided, the cost for these medical services increases, as well. Blanca’s House always needs your help. All of the friends of Blanca’s House have been affected by the current financial crunch, so the urgency for donations to cover the costs of our missions has escalated. Blanca’s House is always encouraging new supporters to help fund the healthcare we provide to under-served populations.
How easy is it to give?
Follow the website link to the “Donate” page. In addition, a donor can sponsor an individual team member, donate to a specific mission, donate in memory of, or in celebration of. An individual may also attend fundraisers held throughout the year as a way of donating to and supporting Blanca’s House.
How will you measure results?
All of our patients receive follow-up care though our host hospitals, clinics, and foundations. Our team members document patient progress through charting and photos, and Blanca’s House receives follow-up information from our host country.
Blanca’s House publishes Annual Reports outlining the funds we receive and spend, as well as, the accomplishments of the calendar year and goals for the upcoming year.
How can I get involved? What kind of skills/background do I need to become a team member?
Blanca’s House WELCOMES ALL non-medical and medical VOLUNTEERS over the age of 14. A minor must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Are there any community service projects sponsored by Blanca’s House?
“ADOPT-A-FAMILY”
Blanca’s House helps ease the burden of struggling families in our Long Island community during the holiday season and throughout the year.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
Food, school supplies, and clothing are collected and donated on each mission. Food baskets have been distributed to feed over 2,000 people. School supplies donated to more than 900 children attending local schools include backpacks, pens, pencils, paper, notebooks, and crayons. Over 1,000 pairs of shoes and flip-flops have been given to the neediest children and adults in our host “neighborhoods.”
For more information, please email Blanca’s House: info@blancashouse.com
