The country is different, the resources in the hospital are limited, but the outstanding skills, care, and love are the same. Some of these doctors and nurses are working together for the first time, but you would think they had been working together for years. We all share the same common goal: to help our patients have the best care and treatment possible to ensure their good health and welfare in the future. These surgeries not only affect the lives of the patients but they also enhance the lives of their families and communities.
We would like to feature and thank our caped heroes who are performing 21 surgeries today!
Dr. Tracey Childs: three hernia operations, two gall bladder removals, and two fistula repairs (7 in total)
Tracey joins us from Providence St. John’s, in Santa Monica, CA, where she is a surgeon.
She specializes in colon and rectal surgery. (13th trip with FIP)
“This is like summer camp for nerds like me. It is the best part of what I do, without the obstacles at home, with like-minded people who love what they do. I love the camaraderie and the service. Everyone wants to be here. It’s like coming home.”
Dr. Dan Nadig: three hernia operations and two lipoma removals (5 in total)
Dan joins us from Acute Care Surgical Clinic, in Renton, WA, where he is a surgeon.
He specializes in general surgery. (4th trip with FIP)
Dan has done other similar missions in Africa. He keeps coming because he has fun working with new people and providing care to the people of Guatemala.
Dr. Norma Jones-Ives and Dr. Rory Clawser: two hysterectomies and one ovarian surgery (3 total)
Norma, a member of the faculty at Riverside Regional Medical Center in the department of OBGYN in Newport News Virginia, specializes in obstetrics and gynecology. (1st trip with FIP)
Norma’s mom was an immigrant to the US from Mexico so this trip is very meaningful for her.“I enjoy helping others and it’s a good place to connect with people. It’s a way to give back and to help people lead healthier and better lives.”
Dr. Rory joins us from Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center, in Vancouver, WA, where he is a surgeon. He specializes in obstetrics and gynecology. (6th trip with FIP)“I love seeing the culture and helping the people who would otherwise have difficulty receiving medical care. It’s an opportunity to give back in a meaningful way.”
Dr. Vijay Trisal: three hernia operations and three gall bladder removals (6 in total) Vijay joins us from City of Hope, in Duarte, CA, where he is the Chief Medical Officer and surgical oncologist. He specializes in mixed tumor and soft tissue, melanoma and sarcoma surgeries. (7th trip with FIP)
“It’s the best way of learning how to build a team … the people, circumstances, purpose, structure … Why and how this happens … I would love to find out. What does it take to function like a proud tribe? The language .. hierarchy … purpose … I would love to take all of this and make it methodical.”
We want to feature and thank our unsung heroes, Los Lideres Voluntarios (volunteer leaders):
Our Lideres Voluntarios recruit the eligible patients for Faith in Practice (Marcos, Máximo, Juan, Trancito, and Sarbelio). They travel to the community health centers in the region where they vet potential candidates for FIP. They also go into the patients’ homes as well. They mentioned how FIP provides attention, treatment, service, love, and help to those who need it. They believe that FIP/HHG provides better service than the national hospital. “The patients would rather travel 12 hours to FIP/HHG than go to their local hospital. Even the local hospital workers would rather go to FIP/HHG when they are in need.” Faith In Practice has a very well-respected name in the country.
Marcos, 13 years, from Totonicapán:
He found out about FIP through his friend who is a director of a health center near his home. Marcos volunteers “for the good people” in his town “to bring health care to his people.” He is able to work as a volunteer because he works at home making t-shirts and clothes to sell in San Francisco (Guatemala). His goal is “to help others. I have a good life and want the same for my people.”
Trancito, 12 years, from Santa Rosa:
For Trancito, FIP is a family affair. He and his sister, and nephew are all volunteers. He got involved because of his sister who works for Obras Sociales del Hermano Pedro, in Antigua (another hospital) and wants to help the people in his community. He is able to volunteer because he is also a farmer and helps out when he has the time. He is also hoping to recruit his daughter sometime soon. He does this “from his heart.” FIP has also served his mom, dad, and two sons with various surgeries. “As long as I am alive, I will continue to help others.”
Sarbelio, 7 years, from San Francisco:
His sister started a year before he did and signed him up with FIP without telling him and he had no idea what was getting into. He works in the southwest regions surrounding Reu and Antigua and has worked as a chef for the Faith in Practice team in his village. He is retired and volunteers all the time. Every day he accompanies the patients who are waiting for their surgeries. Sarbelio is “driven by the service and positive impact” upon his people and always shows up at the last minute when called.
The common theme amongst the volunteers and patients today is gratitude. The volunteers are so thankful and happy today and every day. Everyone has a smile on their face, is joking and laughing all day long, wants to be here, and is replenishing their wells with gratitude by selflessly caring for and serving others. The patients are so appreciative to receive the quality medical care they could not otherwise afford. They will return to their homes in better health and this will transcend into their family life as well. It is indeed a win-win for all involved.
Tamara Grace & Molly Wayhmeller
