SRW Accomplishments

CREATING A FUTURE IN GUATEMALA — February 2003

By Mary Dowling, Co-Director

Having crossed eyes is not easy for a child to live with anywhere. On February 2, 2003, fourteen medical professionals from the Madison area, La Crosse, and Washington State returned to the US from Guatemala City. They were weary but elated after completing the first Sharing Resources Worldwide medical mission to that city, organized by SRW. Although most team members were medical mission veterans, all agreed that this was one of their best trips in every respect. Surgeons operated on 52 children that week to repair clubfeet, deformed or misaligned legs, unstable hips, crossed eyes, and blocked tear ducts. On their first day at the host clinic, founded and operated by Fundación Pediátrica Guatemalteca in Guatemala City, the medical team screened 140 children.

The foundation began 18 years ago, when several Guatemalan pediatricians recognized the need for improved medical care and related services dedicated to the future men and women of their country — the children of Guatemala. Because the foundation hosts 18 to 20 medical mission teams each year, their experience was a tremendous part of the success of SRW's first medical mission. We salute and thank them for their dedication, friendship, professional talents, and deep love for the children and families of Guatemala.

As with most medical missions, our days were long and full, and our surroundings were unfamiliar. Yet we returned to Wisconsin exhilarated by the challenge, with hearts full of companionship and cooperation — qualities essential to the success of any mission.

Sadly there are some that no one can help, but one never forgets them and is humbled by them.

Sadly there are some that no one can help, but one never forgets them and is humbled by them.

Sadly, there are some children no one can help, but one never forgets them and is humbled by them. Throughout the week, we were constantly asked whether we could return again the next month. Following this first eye-and-orthopedic mission hosted by Fundación Pediátrica Guatemalteca, its members are now even more keenly aware of the needs among the children of their country. SRW is eager to return — but not quite that soon.

Team members contributed in many ways that are difficult to measure or fully capture here, including paying for their own airfare, as well as room and board in Guatemala. The value of the services delivered, and supplies provided on this mission was $236,600. The cost to SRW was $1,772. In other words, SRW delivered $133 worth of services and supplies for every $1.00 donated to support the medical mission.

To each of our team members, we express our heartfelt appreciation for a job well done — because we should, we can, and we will. The mission and goals of SRW are beautifully exemplified in the caring and self-sacrifice of our mission team, who gave of themselves because they desire to improve the lives of others. The best way to predict the future is to create it.

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New E-mail: maryd@sharingresourcesworldwide.org • Phone: (608) 445-8503
2405 Industrial Drive, Madison, WI 53713