Sunday, March 30, 2025
This year, the medical mission traveled to the town of San Felipe, Retalhuleu (Reu, pronounced RAY-YOO for short) and the Hospital Hilario Galindo. The team arrived late Saturday evening after a 6-hour bus ride, quickly settling in and preparing for the week ahead.
The team consists of 22 members, including a General Surgeon, an ENT, Audiologists, Interpreters, Anesthesiologists, Nurses, a Pharmacist, a Pastor, a Mission Coordinator, and a Photographer. Additionally, a Mobility Clinic was introduced this year, staffed with a Medical Provider and Wheelchair Assemblers. The wheelchairs provided are designed to be durable and suitable for the region’s rough terrain. It is estimated that approximately 150 wheelchairs will be distributed during the mission.
On Sunday, Triage Day, the team began work at 6 AM, starting with spiritual encouragement from Pastor Kristin Huffman. The theme for the week, “Moments that Change Everything,” served as a reminder of the significant impact of healthcare and support. Patients arriving for treatment expressed a range of emotions, from anxiety and fear to hope and gratitude. We are here to lean into the changes before us, and help our patients and families face the moments that can change life in an instant.
One patient, a man in his twenties, sought consultation for a hole in his septum caused by an injury in early childhood. He had difficulty breathing at night. Bloodwork revealed he had severe diabetes, which had gone undiagnosed. Due to this, surgery was postponed until his diabetes could be managed—a discovery that may have saved his life. Another patient arrived fearing a breast cancer diagnosis due to the presence of cysts. After evaluation, the doctor determined the cysts were benign, bringing immediate relief and joy. These are reminders that in a moment, everything can change.
Throughout the day, the medical team worked diligently to provide consultations, hearing aids and audiology treatments, and wheelchair assistance. With the week ahead, they remain prepared to bring vital care and lasting changes to the lives of the patients and the team itself.
Shari Correll, Team Blogger
