For the past nine years the Fundacion Dr. Juan Rafael Duran Barajas has maintained a low profile as one of the few lakeside philanthropic organizations run entirely by Mexican citizens. The charity group will step up its image with the opening of a permanent office located at Lopez Cotilla 347-A, opposite the Chapala plaza, set for Saturday, May 2, 7 p.m.
The foundation was created by local entrepreneur Juan Manuel Duran Pantoja to honor the memory of his late father, a general practitioner who won the community’s affection for his big heart and cost-free services to humble people who could not afford proper health care. 
In keeping with that spirit, the foundation office will serve as a center for general and specialized medical services offered to the underprivileged. The first of these health care programs will be free mammography testing made available to 70 women over age 38 on Saturday, May 9. Candidates are required to pre-register and go through a socio-economic screening that can be scheduled by visiting the office or contacting Duran at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Many other altruistic activities actively supported by the foundation over the years have included the donation of thousands of gifts handed out to needy children and seniors during the Christmas season and raffle prizes for Chapala’s annual Mother’s Day festivities held at the San Francisco Church; financial support for English classes at two Chapala primary schools and university students strapped to cover transportation costs; and collaboration in funding community beautification projects.