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Pregnancy Center of Kona receives ultrasound machine

(Photo courtesy of Knights of Columbus)

(Photo courtesy of Knights of Columbus)

MEDIA RELEASE

The Pregnancy Center of Kona (TPCKONA) was presented a check for the full cash needed to purchase a new Ultrasound machine. This donation was made possible by the Ultrasound Initiative Program of the Knights of Columbus.

The program seeks to provide medically certified pro-life pregnancy centers with the modern technology to monitor the health of babies in utero, and to allow mothers to visually experience their development.

MC for the presentation, Knights of Columbus Hawaii State Secretary, Steve Lopez, said, “Pregnancy centers in every U.S. state have been beneficiaries of this program and it’s both ironic and fitting that the 50th state was the 50th state to make a donation.”

Led by Kona Council 13227, this donation was made possible from a combination of funding between the Supreme Council, New Haven, Conn., the Hawaii State Council and the Kona Council.

As of April 2013, numerous local and state councils have qualified for matching funds from the Supreme Council towards the purchase of more than 334 ultrasound machines at a cost of more than $8.5 million.

When a woman comes to The Pregnancy Center, it is usually to determine if she is pregnant. Staff members at the Christian-based but non-denominational center provide a listening ear to women who have a pregnancy test and then try to give them the help they normally need when they learn they are indeed going to have a baby.

The work of TPCKONA is now a whole lot easier with the addition of a new ultrasound machine that shows “a perfect picture of the truth that life is fearfully and wonderfully made in the womb,” said Ana Schaetzle, executive director of the center.

The earlier machine at TPCKONA had provided almost 5,000 ultrasound pictures and needed to be replaced. The life expectancy of such equipment is seven to 10 years.

“Eighty percent of the women who see their baby’s picture on ultrasound decide for life and choose to give birth to the baby they have seen. Many take copies of the picture to show it to other members of their family and friends” Schaetzle said.

“This new ultrasound machine is an answer to prayer,” said Director of Operations, Matthew Schaetzle at the blessing and presentation ceremony of the machine Aug. 31 at the center in Kona.

In addition, Ana Schaetzle said being the only such support on Big Island, 70 percent of TPCKONA clients are from outside Kona and predominately from those living below the poverty line. The ultrasound machine chosen is upgradeable to additional technology and portable.

“The portability of this machine will allow us to set plans to travel to areas where clients no longer need to travel to Kona which is often a hardship,” she said.

This donation from the Ultrasound Initiative is one of many featured programs including Coats for Kids, Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics, Global Wheelchair Mission, RSVP (seminarians) among others that are funded by dues contribution to the Culture of Life Program; a program to promote and support Knights of Columbus commitment to the value of life and family in a world struggling with moral issues concerning life.

The Pro-Life Office of the Diocese of Hawaii worked with the Knights of Columbus in helping secure approval of this Ultrasound machine.

— Find out more:
www.kofc.org

One Response to “Pregnancy Center of Kona receives ultrasound machine”

  1. That’s great! Using ultrasound machine to diagnosis will definitely make your work easier and more accurate.

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