2015 Retalhuleu, Guatemala
Day 1: The Journey Begins
Retalhuleu, Guatemala
The day started actually last night, with the volunteers gathering at San Francisco Airport beginning around 8:30 p.m.. Renewing those bonds with friends from other missions. Telling stories. Catching up. ... Read More »
Day 2 – Open for Business
Retalhuleu, Guatemala
Day 2 started bright and early with 6:15 a.m. breakfast then onto the bus promptly at 7:00 a.m. and to the Hospital. We were off the bus and ready to get to work. The gravity of the need and the Read More »
Day 3 – First Day of Surgery
Retalhuleu, Guatemala
Today was the day that lives started to change. Again an early wakeup for many of us before dawn to catch a bit of WIFI in one location at the Hostel to catch up with friends and family and assure Read More »
El Hefe
Retalhuleu, Guatemala
The big boss “El Jefe” Head Nurse Kim Capps, RN from Longmont, CO, is the ultimate coordinator among the doctors, nurses and non-medical volunteers – she keeps us all hopping and moving towards the g... Read More »
Day 4 – 2nd Day of Surgery – After Surgery
Retalhuleu, Guatemala
There are two volcanoes overlooking Retalhuleu, as we looked out the window during morning rounds, we noticed that the smaller volcano had erupted. Actually, the “eruption” was more akin to a ... Read More »
Day 5 – Third Day of Surgery –Pre-Op & Rounds
Retalhuleu, Guatemala
This morning we paused at the bus to enjoy the sights and sounds of a Guatemala dawn. ROUNDS Before starting surgery in the morning, the surgeons check on their patients from the day before and give inst... Read More »
Day 6 – Fourth Day of Surgery – Keeping the Wheels Turning
Retalhuleu, Guatemala
This morning we were greeted with another volcanic “burp.” Behind the medical staff are non-medical volunteers who provide support roles: Mission Director – Tom Fox, Real Estate Broker, Pleasanton, C... Read More »
Day 7 – Sunday –Thank You!
Retalhuleu, Guatemala
Sunday was our day off. Taking a day of rest was good for all of us. As we enjoyed the amenities of the Hostel at which we were staying, the peacock put on a magnificent show. AMAZING LOCAL SUPPORT This Read More »
Day 8 – Transformations
Retalhuleu, Guatemala
Today we can start to show you some of the work that is being done. Below are before and after photos of some of the operations. Please note that the post-operation photos are taken either immediately aft... Read More »
Day 9 – Local Medical Staff
Retalhuleu, Guatemala
Again, we were greeted by a volcanic burp from the Santiagito Volcano. LOCAL MEDICAL SUPPORT This Rotaplast Mission has also depended on local nurses both in the OR and the PACU units for support. Below ... Read More »
Day 9 – Thanks for the Quilts!
Retalhuleu, Guatemala
Every patient, young or old, is given a handmade blanket. So we must give a shout out and a thank you to Wrap-A-Smile by the International Quilters, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Wells, Maine. The quilte... Read More »
Day 10 – Surgeries Done
Retalhuleu, Guatemala
The final official count is 121 procedures on 98 patients. The teams had good reason to celebrate! Dr. Roy and his team Dr. Bridgett, Nurse Manuel & Nurse Margo Dr. Jitka’s team with Dr. Tim, D... Read More »
Day 11 – Final Clinic & Packing Up
Retalhuleu, Guatemala
Today was the final day in Retalhuleu, the surgeons did the rounds of yesterday’s patients and then the final clinic when the patients came back. This day makes all the hard work worth it. The smiles, th... Read More »
Day 12 – Goodbye & Thank You to Our Sponsors
Retalhuleu, Guatemala
We are back in Guatemala City today and tomorrow we leave for our homes. Today, we had lunch with the local Rotary Club that has provided such invaluable support, Club Rotario Guatemala de la Asuncion. Thi... Read More »
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