This year Drs. Fronza, Toyama, and Hartz returned to Guatemala on our annual surgical mission trip. The team of 42 nurses, doctors, translators, physical therapist, and administrative staff performed 65 general surgery cases, including 35 hernia repairs, 8 breast surgery cases, and 19 laparoscopic cholecystectomies. Our gynecologists performed 8 hysterectomies and several minor procedures. We had a pediatric dentist team that treated 90 children. Our first ever mobility clinic saw 156 patients, dispensed and fitted donated wheelchairs to 96 needy patients, and another 25 received walkers.
The Guatemalan patients were so grateful and appreciative, and we were overwhelmed with the joy of giving. Fortunately, her trip returned on March 7th, just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of the other 40 scheduled teams had to be canceled or postponed, leaving the patient’s desperately in need of care. Faith in practice which sponsors our mission has a 12 year history of a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. 94% of donations are spent directly on patient care. We have donated our services 35 times beginning in 2007. This year like past years was an amazing experience.
If you are interested in contributing to this cause, please visit their site for donations
here.
