Last week, we returned to Austin with our hearts full and our duffle bags
empty. After two years, and three postponed missions, we were able to return to
the Moore Center in Guatemala City.
We exceeded our goal of performing 50 ENT and Orthopedic surgeries and
accomplished so much more. We traveled with over 500 pounds of unused medical
supplies that otherwise would have been thrown away. Dr Williams, Dr Romere,
and PA Megan Roberts operated with local physicians, both learning from them
and sharing surgical techniques. Between surgical cases, Dr. Jones taught
suturing lessons to Guatemalan and American pre-medical volunteers. Dr Young,
Dr Robalino, and Dr Rutland demonstrated ultrasound guided anatomy lessons for
clinic volunteers and performed specialized nerve block injections which
ensured pain-free recoveries. We were reunited with our dear friends Doctora
Carmen, Doctora Rosangela, Mai, and Monica, who direct the missions at the
Moore Center. We have only seen their faces on Zoom since 2019, to finally hug
them again made this trip so much sweeter.
Knowing that most of these patients have been waiting for 2-3 years for
these surgical procedures, the Moore Center staff personally called every
patient on their waiting list prior to our arrival. They told stories of
tearful responses and exclamations of joy. This was a life changing experience
for our patients and our volunteers alike. It is hard to put into words how
grateful we are for the opportunity to contribute to this mission. In fact,
every time each of us tried, we just ended up crying.
With those same tears of gratitude in my eyes right now, I would like to put
into writing (because I would never be able to speak it) our sincerest thanks
to each and every one of you. We have received donations from $25-$20,000 and
every precious dollar has gone to serving children in need. Thanks to the time,
talent, and treasure of the Operation Kid Docs community, we were able to spend
a week making the world a little bit kinder, a little bit safer, and a little
bit more joyful for children. For that we offer our sincerest thank you to you,
our donors.
In addition to those mentioned above, I would like to thank our
volunteers.
Thank you to Wanda Witaker, our fearless leader and veteran trip coordinator. Lindsey Rogers RN, who runs the OR with unique grace and humor. Martha Ponce RN a returning volunteer who fills more roles than we can list, including DJ. Alex Little, a surgical technician who is as kind as he is capable. Tonya Gomez RN, Victoria Novark RN, and Brenda Salinas RN, our recovery room nurses who made sure every child woke up from anesthesia feeling safe and loved. Beatina Crockett our equipment technician who makes sure we always have what we need and makes it look easy. Roshan Mara, a pre-medical volunteer who we loved to champion. Kris Nielson CRNA, who set up our equipment so perfectly and kept us on time, and Jeanette Williams who’s love is so strong and given so freely you can’t help but be transformed by it.
On behalf of the Spring 2022 Mission