Making a Difference Here and Abroad

Francis Audiology Associates, St. Ferdinand Church and Cranberry Sunrise Rotary Club Combine Forces to Help Mexico’s Less Fortunate

By Vanessa Orr

When Dr. R. Patrick Francis first decided to open an audiology practice, he developed it around the idea that service and education were of premier importance to patients. He has since advanced these ideals in every aspect of his life, volunteering his time and talents to help local organizations such as Sunrise Rotary of Cranberry Township, and becoming involved in international causes, including providing aid to the city of San Luis, Mexico through St. Ferdinand Parish.

“Serving others has always been a part of my life; and after working in medical settings for two decades, I decided to start my own practice so that I could offer my patients the time, service and education they need to obtain maximum hearing benefits,” explained Dr. Francis, who founded Francis Audiology Associates in Wexford.

“Hearing problems are complex and unique. Time and discussion are necessary to understand the depth of a hearing problem,” he continued. “When patients understand the complexities of the problem, we can work together as a team, finding the best solution for their individual needs. There is more than one way to approach a hearing problem, and it is important to explore them all.

“While one patient may need to be able to field questions from a 100-member audience, another patient’s chief concern may be hearing the television,” he continued. “It’s all about what is important to that individual. There are a variety of hearing instruments and styles for different needs and wants.”

Dr. Francis also works with families to enable them to become part of the solution. “Anyone who interacts with a person suffering a hearing loss is also affected,” he said. “Because a person’s hearing loss affects their friends and family, everyone needs to know what they can do to facilitate communication.”

Hearing aids are a considerable investment, so Dr. Francis lets patients try them out for a period of time before making a decision. He will recommend what he feels is in the patient’s best interest; however, what the patient experiences is just as important before a final decision is made.

Dr. Francis also stays abreast of cutting-edge technology, which enables him to fit the right product to each person. “The latest development in hearing aid technology is extended wear hearing aids. These instruments are worn 24/7 for up to 120 days,” he said. “The product, called Lyric, requires no care from the user, is not visible and has no batteries to change.

“While this product is not for everyone, it has opened the door for millions of Americans who have put off improving their hearing because of cosmetic concerns or negative perceptions of hearing aid use,” he added.

In addition to helping people through his audiology practice, Dr. Francis has spent years helping local organizations, such as Gleaners Food Bank, VOICe (Victim Outreach Intervention Center) and the Miracle Field organization through his association with Sunrise Rotary of Cranberry Township. The organization is also involved in many international efforts, including the worldwide eradication of polio, an international student exchange, the sponsorship of a child at Bethel Orphanage in San Luis, Mexico, and supporting local Rotarians who travel to San Luis to take part in building and community projects.

“San Luis is a border town south of Yuma, Arizona, where the vast majority of people live in abject poverty,” explained Dr. Francis. “Two of the biggest problems that they face are a lack of health care and access to clean water, causing many to suffer from chronic, low-grade illnesses.”

Through the support of Pastor Fr. John Gallagher and parishioners at St. Ferdinand Parish in Cranberry Township, mission groups have been visiting San Luis for many years. Walter Scott, founder of the church’s mission outreach group and a member of Sunrise Rotary, approached fellow Rotarians about becoming involved.

“One of the bigger projects that Sunrise Rotary recently helped to fund was the installation of solar panels on homes we built in San Luis and the retrofitting of other homes,” explained Scott. “Many people there can’t afford electricity, but using solar energy in the desert works out really well.”

A number of Rotarians also travel once or twice a year to San Luis with the support of Sunrise Rotary. To date, volunteers from St. Ferdinand’s Parish and Rotary have built several homes, a health clinic, vocational school, a computer room and classrooms at Bethel Orphanage. “I have been truly impressed by the character of both groups,” said Dr. Francis. “Both understand the need to serve our local community and extend a helping hand abroad.”

The groups have also worked to establish relationships with local churches and medical groups in the area, as well as the Rotary Club in San Luis. “We hope to be able to partner with them in the future to spearhead other efforts,” said Scott.

Closer to home, Sunrise Rotary will be hosting the Sunrise Golf Classic at Cranberry Highlands Golf Course on May 7 to benefit Gleaners Food Bank and VOICe, an organization dedicated to helping victims of domestic violence.

To contribute or donate to either organization, contact St. Ferdinand’s Parish at 724-776-2888 or visit www.stferd.org. To reach the Sunrise Rotary Club of Cranberry, write P.O. Box 1583, Cranberry Township, PA 16066. To reach Francis Audiology Associates, call 724-933-3440 or visit www.francisaudiology.com.