Dear Surgicorps Family,

As we celebrate our 30th anniversary and after completing our 20th mission to Vietnam, we continue to grow, as we announce two new organizational leaders: Dr. Anne Argenta and Dr. Ann Williamson. I’ve personally known both of these talented women for years from prior involvement with our Surgicorps Family……Anne Argenta has participated in numerous Surgicorps medical missions, both during and after her plastic surgical residency at UPMC; Ann Williamson was a non-medical volunteer to Nepal and Ecuador prior to completing her degrees.  Please read their interesting bios below and welcome them as they formally assume their staff positions of leadership in our organization. Our future is bright and exciting with the addition of these exceptional women.
Jack Demos
Founder, Surgicorps International

ANNE ARGENTA, MEDICAL DIRECTOR

Anne’s first trip with Surgicorps was to Bhutan in 2012, as a surgery resident.  Having previously worked with other NGO’s, she knew that she had found a gem in Surgicorps!  Over the next decade, she continued as a volunteer on Surgicorps missions to Vietnam, Zambia, Samoa, Myanmar, and Bhutan.  She was a member of the Surgicorps Medical Youth Leadership, and later, the Surgicorps’ Board of Directors. 

Anne is board certified in Plastic Surgery, with an added qualification (CAQ) in hand surgery.  Additionally, she has a master’s degree in Public Health (MPH).  Currently, she is an Associate Professor at Atrium Health Wake Forest. Anne is honored and excited to join Surgicorps in this new role, helping to expand our surgical and educational programs around the world. 

ANN WILLIAMSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR   Ann’s passion for international volunteering began in college, when she spent a month working at the Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Deschapelles, Haiti.  She found her way to Surgicorps, as a non-medical volunteer, completing trips to Nepal (2000) and Ecuador (2003). Ann is an Associate Professor and Director of Clinical Education within the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program at Chatham University. With an additional master’s degree in healthcare informatics, Ann has experience in data and information management within healthcare education. In her roles at Chatham, she has completed additional international healthcare volunteering and student training.  Ann also brings experience serving two other non-profit organizations. She is very excited to resume work with Surgicorps, in this new capacity.

My time in Zambia with Surgicorps was nothing short of incredible. The people of Zambia made a lasting impression on me—their warmth, friendliness, and welcoming nature were evident in every interaction. The patients and their families were kind and hopeful, showing amazing courage despite the challenges they faced. They welcomed us not as strangers, but as partners in their journey toward better health.

One of the highlights of this trip was reconnecting with pediatric patients and families I had met during my last visit in April 2023. Seeing them again, thriving and making progress, reminded me of why this work matters so much. It’s truly special to provide ongoing care and watch these children heal and grow.

Working alongside the local staff is always an honor. This was Surgicorps’ 16th trip to Beit Cure Hospital, and the long-standing relationship we’ve built with them has become a crucial part of what we do. Their familiarity with our processes makes collaboration seamless, allowing us to maximize the care we provide during our time there. This sustainable relationship not only boosts our effectiveness but also ensures that the care we deliver has a lasting impact.

What makes this work even more rewarding is the incredible energy of the team. Whether you’re a surgeon, a nurse practitioner, a PA, an anesthesiologist, a CRNA, a nurse, a non-medical volunteer, or a trip coordinator, everyone brings their unique skills and heart to the table. We may start as strangers, but there’s a real sense of unity and a shared drive to use our talents for the good of others. Every role is important, and together, we create something greater than the sum of our parts. Without the dedication and effort of each team member, none of this would be possible.

I feel immense gratitude for the chance to be part of such a fantastic organization doing meaningful work. It’s truly an honor to contribute to these efforts. If you’re thinking about getting involved in work like this, I can promise it will be an enriching experience that will deeply impact your life.

Bienvenido a Guatemala!

Timing is everything. I have been a nurse for almost 25 years. Those years have been filled with many happy, exhilarating, fulfilling times, as well as sad and scary times. None of those experiences were as uplifting nor as fulfilling as my time with Surgicorps in Guatemala.

I have always wanted the chance to participate in a mission trip. Unfortunately, it took years until the opportunity became reality and it was all about timing. New to the area, I was getting to know one of the surgeons I work with and our conversation turned to the topic of mission trips. He told me about his experiences and about Surgicorps and their mission to provide free surgical and medical care to those in need.

“Where do I sign up?!” I asked excitedly.  He connected me to DeNese, I filled out an application for the chance to volunteer, and I was chosen! In 2019, I made my first trip with Surgicorps to Guatemala. One trip, that’s all it took, and I was hooked. It started with meeting my other teammates, then the staff at the hospital, and finally all the patients we saw on screening day whose faces lit up with a smile when they saw us. They were so grateful for us coming. So trusting and hopeful that we can “fix” whatever ails them.  I was in, hook, line, and sinker.

The team Surgicorps put together was so amazing. A group of people from various locations across the US coming together all with the same mindset and mission. To provide amazing surgical care to this wonderful community. It still amazes me how quickly we all gelled together to make the busy week run so smoothly. It is such an honor to work with this group year after year. They teach me so much and we have loads of fun together. I look forward to our “Guatemala family reunion” (as I refer to this trip) every year.

When people ask me “why do you do it” my initial response (in my head) is “why don’t you?”. But then I realize they haven’t experienced what we have, and for those of us that have experienced it, it is truly hard to express and put into words. The simple answer is we do it because that is our calling. We are here to help others. We have been trained to help others. This community and its wonderful citizens need help that we can provide. But, there is a deeper answer. When else can you experience such a level of trust, hope and gratefulness from a group of patients you have never met? Patients who don’t know you and may never see you again, and whom many of us can’t communicate with as we don’t speak their language. Yet, they look at us with so much trust, hope, and gratitude. That is a responsibility I do not take lightly. After having worked with so many of the same team members year after year, I know they don’t take that responsibility lightly either.

2024 was my fifth trip to Guatemala and we completed 134 surgeries! I am so thankful and appreciative for this opportunity to help the amazing people of Guatemala receive the care they need. And I am so grateful to Dr. Kim, Stephanie, DeNese and Surgicorps for making this a reality. I look forward to continuing to serve in Guatemala and wherever Surgicorps may need me.

Meet Happiness, an 11-year-old who is already a beacon of resilience and hope. I had the opportunity to sit and talk to Happiness and her mother about her experience with Surgicorps at Beit-CURE Children’s Hospital of Zambia. Happiness is a vibrant 6th grader who has weathered more challenges than most adults. Happiness enjoys school and spending time with her family. Her favorite subject is science, with a particular fascination for comets. Despite her young age, she’s developed a profound appreciation for helping others, which inspires her daily.

Happiness’s journey began when she was just a year and eight months old. The family had just moved into a new home that was still a work in progress. Amid the chaos of unpacking and setting up, a tragic accident occurred. While playing with her older sister Joy, Happiness accidentally bumped into a hot pot of boiling water, which spilled and caused severe burns. The pain of that day was only the beginning of a long and arduous journey. Her family faced an emotional and financial burden as they sought medical help for Happiness’s burns. It was during this challenging time that they discovered Surgicorps, an organization dedicated to providing free surgical care to people in need.

In 2016, Surgicorps stepped in to help Happiness with her first surgery. The team, led by kindhearted and skilled professionals like Dr. Jack, provided the necessary medical care to address her burns and begin her healing process. The care and kindness of Dr. Jack and the Surgicorps team made a significant difference in Happiness’s life, instilling in her a desire to give back to others in the future. Since that fateful day, Happiness has undergone surgeries almost every year to manage and treat the effects of her burn. Each visit to the hospital is a testament to her bravery and her family’s unwavering support. The emotional support from Surgicorps has been instrumental in navigating these challenging times. Happiness’s mother, Harriet, describes her gratitude for Surgicorps as beyond words. The compassion and skill of Dr. Jack and his team have been a source of immense comfort for their family. They eagerly look forward to the next visit in September, hopeful for a potential surgery to further improve Happiness’s quality of life.

Outside of her medical journey, Happiness’s life is filled with the love and support of her family, especially her older sister Joy. At 13, Joy is not only a caring sibling but also a partner in fun activities. The two sisters bond over painting and singing. Whether they’re creating colorful masterpieces or singing their hearts out in the shower, these moments of togetherness are precious to both. Happiness finds joy in the simple pleasures of life. Her favorite color is purple, and she adores dogs. Her favorite activities include dancing, singing, and painting. Whether it’s running around with her siblings or enjoying a quiet moment, Happiness embraces life with a smile and a song.

Looking towards the future, Happiness dreams of becoming a doctor with Surgicorps. Her motivation stems from her personal experiences and the positive impact of Dr. Jack, who was the first medical professional to truly make her feel cared for. Dr. Jack’s kindness and generosity left a lasting impression on Happiness, and she aspires to follow in his footsteps to bring hope and healing to others.

Dr. Lamvy Le, is one of the University of Minnesota Plastic Surgery residents who had the opportunity to join Surgicorps on two trips to Vietnam. Lamvy and her team just got an article published ‘The Impact of Participating in Surgical Trips to Low Income, Low Resource Countries  on Professional Development of Plastic Surgery Trainees’, FACE 5(2): 371-379, 2024. In her article all 35 residents who had graduated from the University program prior to 2020 were surveyed. All but one had gone on surgical missions during their residency training. 47% that had exposure during their residency went on to work on surgical trips after completing their training. One surgeon had completed 40 surgical missions following his training. Most graduates found that this experience made them more adaptable in the operating room, gave them a better understanding of the challenges of poverty, and helped them provide better care of marginalized patients. All of those who participated felt these trips were an invaluable experience during their training.

The residents from the University of Minnesota are very grateful for the opportunity Surgicorps has offered them.

I love medical missions! Being with skilled and like-minded, caring people last week in Zambia confirmed just how good it can be!

This was my 12th time to serve in surgery abroad. In many ways, Surgicorps Zambia was the best yet. DeNese and Lori anticipated all the needs of the entire team and made it appear easy which I know it was NOT! They were always kindly checking that every detail was covered.

Founder “Superman “Jack Demos offered his guidance and leadership. It is his vision of global health that provided us the opportunity to serve and perform at our best. His experience on over 90 missions in 22 countries is so inspiring! I thoroughly appreciated his rapport with the patients and their families, always genuine and professional. I’ll always remember him orchestrating two young girls, his former patients over the years, to take our group photo with his 35 mm digital camera.

There were several patients who really touched my heart. One was a brave young man named Philimon. I met Philimon in the afternoon of triage clinic. Like all other prospective patients he was thoughtful and respectful. One big difference was that he was well into his teen years. Philimon had his right hand contractured up onto his forearm after a candle caught the house on fire when he was just over two years old, or as they say in Zambia, age 30 months. He had already gone through several scar release surgeries and knew well the pain and suffering of postoperative healing. The team hesitated since Philimon had some quality of life. Seeing his disappointment, they went on to discuss, and then explain that technical approach along with the unknown outcome of this potential surgery to lower his hand.  Given all the possible complications Philimon had the trust to move ahead. I think of him now hoping he does well with improved function as well as more normal anatomy.

Thanks to all that made this mission possible.

Sincerely,

Jane Camero, RN

Hood River, Oregon

Kim Rosinski OTR/L, CHT, CSCS

“You are so brave.” “I could never do that.” “Do you need a ton of vaccines to do that?” “Wow, OK, that’s really scary.” “Are you afraid of the malaria medication side effects?” “I’m so proud of you.” These are the responses I heard when I told people I was going on a hand surgery medical mission trip to Africa. This response was not just from my family and friends, but also from my colleagues and my own health care providers.

Ever since I realized that knowledge of the specialty of hand surgery and therapy was limited in most countries, I have wanted to do this type of work. To spread this valuable knowledge. I never thought of this desire as brave, scary, or something to be proud of. I thought of it as necessary, an obligation to be fulfilled in my profession…someday…at some point in my life—but for many years I had excuses for putting this trip off. Now, this is something I regret I didn’t start sooner.

The reaction to my mission trip surprised me and left me wondering: What is stopping more healthcare providers from contributing in this way? How can I convince more people to consider this type of community service, professional development, and self-growth? Not to put off this desire to “someday?’ I hope the answer is to spread answers to the possible reasons why people may not consider this activity in their realm of possibility.

First, if you are anxious about being in a third-world country, do your research! There are plenty of organizations out there that repeatedly go to the same locations and have established relationships with the hospital, hotel, and transportation that will be provided. I chose Surgicorps International exactly for this reason. They make multi-year commitments to specific countries. I was on their 14th trip to Beit CURE Children’s Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia. Lusaka is the largest city in Zambia, and the primary language is English. The hospital’s campus had a college campus feel with Wi-Fi, air conditioning in the operating theaters, food, and bottled water provided for everyone. Both locals and far-off tribes know to come to this nonprofit hospital for free, specialized care for their children.

The moment we stepped on campus, our team integrated with their staff immediately and went to work. It was a well-oiled machine organized by the ever-calm DeNese, their Director of Operations. She made sure everyone knew their roles for every day and what to do to prepare themselves to effectively fulfill their roles. The Beit CURE staff was familiar with the itinerary and welcomed our knowledge without hesitation. It was inspiring to see all of these people come together so quickly with the common goal of helping as many kids as possible in the six days we had, knowing there would be physical follow-up from us again in six months.

The top priority of Surgicorps is to make sure the entire team is safe. This is apparent throughout the entire process. From the moment I was accepted onto the team, the portal was easy to use to complete all the paperwork and provided every little tidbit of information to prepare for your trip that you could possibly think of. A hand therapist who had been to that location many times before reached out to me to give me specific advice for my success as a hand therapist at this location, and I was given contact information for the other hand therapist I would be working with. DeNese quickly answered all of the stupid questions I emailed her, and somehow she never made me feel stupid for asking all of these questions! A team Zoom meeting occurred before the trip so you could meet everyone on the team from around the country, and the entire week’s process was reviewed. Surgicorps also provided emergency medical evacuation insurance.

Since vaccination is a hot topic currently, I will just state what I did for this trip. After visiting my infectious disease doctor, she recommended Hep A and Typhoid (orally for Typhoid). This visit could have been addressed even easier by visiting your CVS Minute Clinic since they provide the same services for travel. I was given a prescription for Malarone for malaria. I took this as instructed and had no side effects. Neither did anyone else on my trip. By taking the proper precautions that one would take to visit a third-world country, I never felt this was the issue that I had made it out to be in my head!

What held me back from doing this sooner? Mom guilt. How can I leave my family for that long? What if I’m the one who gets sick and cannot fulfill my mom duties? Is it worth the risk? Now that I’ve completed my first mission trip, going with an organization that has mastered their routine, the fear of risk for future trips is not there. As for the mom guilt, my family survived. My daughter was so proud of me and what I was doing that she even posted a reel on her Instagram about it. Making me think: “Why didn’t I provide this type of role model for her earlier?”

 It’s cliché to say I got back more than I gave, but it’s true. I really cannot even attempt to put into words all of the emotions, lessons, and growth this trip provided for me. As Surgicorps Team Zambia walked to our bus to leave the hospital for the final time, after the celebration of songs and testimonials that brought all the tears, the staff, patients, and family followed us all the way to the bus. They were continuing their songs, taking pictures of us like we were rock stars, and thanking us over and over for coming to help their children. One mother hugged me and said, “I pray you come back with your knowledge; we need your knowledge to come back.”

She’s right—our knowledge needs to come back. They are working with limited resources and seek knowledge. I implore you to share your knowledge. Even if you think you’ve only had one year of experience, and that’s not enough, you’re wrong. You have the knowledge they seek, and you will learn so much more about yourself and clinically. If you’re on the fence, consider this type of service. Help me send more knowledge back to Zambia to answer this woman’s prayers for her child.

Mary Barnes, MOT, CHT, CIDN, and Adam Crelling, MS, OTR/L, CHT, were honored to join the 2023 Surgicorps Mission in Ho Chi Minh City. In addition to fabricating custom orthotics and providing education for post-operative patients, Adam and Mary provided conservative care to non- surgical patients. Mary and Adam were very grateful to have the opportunity to work, collaborate and learn from Surgicorps hand surgeons Cathy Tang, MD, Rich Montilla, MD, and Warren Schubert, MD.

Mary and Adam were joined by Alexei Lyapustin, PT. In addition to assisting in the OR, Alexei provided important post-op care to neck and shoulder patients.

Making a lasting difference

Adam and Mary were excited to work with PT and OT employees of Ho Chi Minh City Orthopedics and Rehabilitation Hospital. These skilled and compassionate therapists assisted SurgiCorps as interpreters and shadowed Adam and Mary. They were eager to follow-up with our patients to ensure great continuity of care. SurgiCorps hand therapists donated all leftover supplies including thermoplastic material, Velcro, OTS orthotics, silicone putty and foam for scars, pulleys, scissors, goniometers, theraband and therapy tape.

Surgicorps volunteer helps establish Vietnam’s first Hand Therapy Society.

Surgicorps volunteer Mary Barnes has taught hand therapy and orthotics courses in the United States and internationally through the American Society of Hand Therapists and other organizations.

This year Mary taught a two-day Hand Therapy and Orthotics course at Ho Chi Minh University of Medicine and Pharmacy, sponsored by the following professors:

• Pham Ngoc Dat, MOT, BPT, professor of Occupational Therapy and Rehabilitation at the Ho Chi Minh University of Medicine and Pharmacy, specializing in orthopedics and musculoskeletal conditions;
• Nguyen Huynh Ngoc Mai Tram, MOT, BPT, professor of Occupational Therapy and Rehabilitation at the Ho Chi Minh University of Medicine and Pharmacy, specializing in Mental Health and Psychosocial Rehabilitation; and
• Le Thanh Van, Msc. PT, Head of the Rehabilitation Department, Ho Chi Minh University of Medicine, and Pharmacy.

Over thirty eager professionals completed the course, including the following OTs and PTs from Ho Chi Minh City Orthopedics and Rehabilitation Hospital: OTs Pham Thi Quynh Quyen, Hoang Thi Diem, Tran Trieu Vuong Dung, and Ho Le Trung, and PTs Phung Khai Vinh and Pham Nguyen Tu Uyen. Many of these dedicated professionals also volunteered as interpreters for SurgiCorps.

Providing training in the use of materials that have limited availability locally is not a sustainable solution. In addition to teaching orthotic fabrication with thermoplastics, Mary purchased and donated a 3D printer to the university. The cost of the 3D printer was around $300 USD, but the cost of the plastic is very inexpensive (pennies per orthosis). In addition to orthotics, 3D printers can also produce assistive devices and equipment such as goniometers, grippers, cup holders. The possibilities are endless.

With the support and encouragement of the International Federation of Societies of Hand Therapy (IFSHT), the course participants are forming Vietnam’s first Hand Therapy Society and joining IFSHT as an Associate member. IFSHT also noted a goniometer to the university.

In the beginning of November, Surgicorps concluded another great Surgical Mission in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It was the 19^th trip to Vietnam and the second trip to a new hospital for Surgicorps in Vietnam. Over 80 patients were helped. The majority of our patients were young children, though many adults were treated as well. Operations included cleft lip, cleft palate, congenital hand and complex burn scar reconstruction. Unique on this mission, four residents joined us . Three of our residents are plastic surgery residents and one an anesthesia resident. A University of Minnesota study has found that 50 percent of our residents who have an experience like the Surgicorps mission during their training go on to be involved with missions during their careers after the completion of their training.

Surgicorps is excited to be planning a return to Vietnam this next year and continue to work to improve the lives of the poorest of the poor in Vietnam.

You are probably already aware of the Surgicorps mission, so I will get right down to it and leave you with a few impressions from my first visit to Zambia.

What comes to mind when you think of the country Zambia? A hot, dry, third world African nation? Yes, it is that but oh so much more.

The Beit CURE Children’s hospital sits on a lovely college like campus, six one story brick buildings surrounded by green grass, swing sets and a playground. All of the staff speak perfect English and they welcomed us with open arms, ready to help with anything necessary to ensure a successful week. I was wondering how my OR back home would respond if a team arrived and we had to work side by side with strangers…we probably would be defensive with bruised egos. The CURE staff responded with such kindness and humility. The people are soft spoken and gracious, full of joy and faith. As a Christian, faith based hospital, there is a lot of singing, clapping and praise to God.

The week starts with screening Sunday, with many to see in a limited time. It is just heart breaking that some will wait in the heat for hours and hope will be dashed as there aren’t enough hours in the day to see and treat them all. It makes you want to stay for months to help everyone, not just a week to help a lucky few.

The biggest leap of faith comes from the mothers. They don’t know us from a hill of beans but trust us with their most prized possession. They hand over their babies and children to us and most of the older kids walk into the OR without so much as a peep. Their trust in us is humbling!

I worked side by side with strangers I had just met but then become fast friends who gel within hours into an amazing, hard working team. Surgicorps recruits the most talented, caring, kind and fun staff to go on each trip, and we all bond over our common goal of helping others.

We had five days of surgery and helped 73 kids! There were a lot of tears as the CURE team sang to thank us for the week and sent us off with joy in our hearts and a little sadness to be leaving. The week flew by!

We even had a pickle ball clinic! Four women from Pittsburgh brought nets, paddles and balls to introduce the game at a clinic across the street from the hospital. They touched many lives serving those in a different capacity, but still serving. They worked hard in the heat!

This was my second Surgicorps trip, the first to Zambia and I always leave with more than I came with. I come home tired but with a renewed sense of purpose and a reminder to appreciate what I have and to live with gratitude!

Thanks to Dr. Jack Demos for your vision so many years ago! And thanks to DeNese for keeping us on time, on track and safe with a calming voice that never got flustered.

It was an honor to be part of this amazing team.

Jodi Yingling, BSN RN CNOR RNFA

Brett Yingling, BSN RN

When DeNese asked us to write a blog for our most recent Surgicorps trip to Guatemala, I felt that I needed to give everyone a background of how this all began for us.

I had always had a goal to do a mission trip to a foreign country to help those less fortunate than myself by donating my time and talents in Operating room nursing. Traveling back about 25 years, another RN and myself were discussing my wish in the Operating Room when she told me that she knew just the organization that I needed to contact to make my wishes come true. She wrote down the name of Surgicorps and Dr. Jack Demos’ name and told me that they were traveling to other countries to provide free surgical services to people in need. Our children were young at the time and I could not plan a mission at that time. I always carried that piece of paper in my wallet, moving it everytime I changed wallets.

Fast forward 25 years, our kids are out of college and the house. I pulled that piece of paper out of my wallet and told my husband that it was time and I was going to apply for a mission trip with Surgicorps. I applied and was accepted to go to Guatemala in 2017. My husband supported my decision and drove me to the Pittsburgh airport, dropped me off and said Goodbye.

I didn’t know anyone on the team and roomed with an Occupational Therapist from Boston. The week was life changing for me. I got to do what I love, (Surgeries), and felt blessed with a full heart when I returned.

My husband is also a Registered Nurse in Surgical Trauma ICU. When he saw my excitement to return to Guatemala to do another mission trip, he said he wanted to volunteer as well. He said, “I’m not an Operating Room Nurse, but I’m sure there is something that I can do”. So, he applied as well and was accepted to go to Guatemala the following year. Our team became unexpectedly short on OR nurses, so Stephanie, the trip coordinator, asked my husband if he would be willing to “fill in” as an OR nurse. He chuckled and said “I will do anything you need as long as the surgeon knows I’m not an OR nurse”. So, he became an OR nurse for the week. The surgeons were all very patient and kind and he found his niche.

Two more Guatemala trips since that time, and we feel like a well oiled machine with a family that work together with a common goal in mind. After completing 105 surgeries this year with a lean crew, we left Guatemala with tired legs and achy feet, but a very full heart. And completing the 100th Surgicorps mission was the icing on the cake for all!

We are so appreciative to have the opportunity to help the people of Guatemala receive the care they need, and we are grateful to Surgicorps for allowing us to fulfill our humanitarian service. We look forward to future mission trips with Surgicorps!

Elizabeth Andrew 

Medical assistant  

When I was five years old, I had an accident in a Kenya boarding school. I severely broke my left arm. The doctors wanted to amputate my arm. A group of volunteer nuns believed I had a chance to have a full recovery  with orthopedic surgery and follow-up intensive physical therapy. I believe God used those nuns to give hope to my parents. Today, I am a miracle that testifies to the goodness of humanitarian people who had faith of what is possible. I have deep passion when it comes to children. To see a child smile and not be worried about life is the greatest joy that fills my heart. I was a member of the Surgicorps Zambia team of 21 volunteers that brought hope to the children and their parents for a chance, with surgery, for a normal life.

Wahamba nathi, oh wahamba nathi (You walked with us, oh you walked with us) 

Oh, wahamba nathi, siyabonga (Oh you walked with us, we thank you) 

 
This song expressing gratitude was sung in harmony together as we were walking through the childrens’ ward at The Beit Cure Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia on the final day of our mission. The voices……a combination of children, their families, the hospital staff and our Surgicorps team. We sang and danced. Our hearts were full of joy and laughter as we celebrated side by side with the people of Zambia. 

Walking together on day one…….We screened over 150 cases, many of them heart-breaking, and yet there was hope! Parents walked with hope from the screening rooms to see the anesthesia team, waiting for that final OK for the surgery their children so desperately needed.

Walking together day two to day five  

The surgeries were from Monday to Friday with dressing changes also on Friday. I was expectedly nervous on the first day, but those butterflies quickly disappeared. Everyone on the team in the operating room walked together with the purpose of changing one child at a time.  My emotions welled up seeing such treatable disabilities, but due to hard circumstances, the children had been living with these conditions. Eighty-one successful surgeries were performed on children ranging from one year old to eighteen years. I was amazed at the dedication of our team and the CURE hospital staff in walking together to care for each child.

Asante sana (thank you very much) sincerely to be part of the humanitarian kindness to these beautiful children.   

 
I wanted to thank God for this opportunity to be able to go to Zambia to minister to the children and they ministered to my heart. They opened my mind to wanting to return to be with them, walk with them again, and celebrate their progress. I look forward to seeing all of them, especially Kevin, a 12-year-old boy, who said he wants to become a doctor. I connected to his passion to care for others. He now will be able to grow up, go to school, not be worried about his scars and dream about becoming someone great to change the world. 

Opportunity is everything. Surgicorps gave me an opportunity to travel to Zambia in April 2023. That opportunity turned out to be a gift—a chance to meet and learn from the Surgicorps team, the staff at Beit CURE Children’s Hospital of Zambia, and the patients and their families.

The opportunity to receive treatment from a surgeon in the U.S. is available if a child is born without all the bones in her forearms necessary to hold her hands straight or born with fingers or toes fused together or an extra digit or two. And the opportunity for treatment is readily available in the U.S. if a child suffers severe burns—treatment that minimizes scarring and the loss of mobility. In Zambia, however, the opportunity for treatment is limited. More than ten years ago, Jack Demos, the founder of Surgicorps, saw the need in Zambia, and just as he has done in other places around the world, he set out to provide opportunities for children to get the surgery they need. April 2023 was Dr. Demos’s 13th mission trip to Zambia. Surgicorps now has given hundreds of Zambian children the opportunity to live more confidently, with less pain and more freedom of movement. 

DeNese Olson coordinated the April 2023 trip and ran the mission with exceptional grace and compassion—and like a well-oiled machine. The Surgicorps team which included Jack, DeNese, Anne, David, Aamir, Tom, Kelsey, Scott, Pete, Jacob, Eric, Kate, Jenny, Kelly, Lori, Jenn, Lesley, Elizabeth, Lonnie, and Agnus went above and beyond and used their skills to provide opportunities to others in extraordinary ways. In Zambia, they dedicated themselves to providing the same excellent quality of care their patients receive in the U.S. 

The week in Zambia began with screening day, when more than 150 children came to be evaluated for surgery. I worried that some would be turned away, but only those for whom surgery was not medically indicated and those who were told to come back for a specific kind of surgery when Surgicorps returns in September were sent home. Surgicorps gave everyone else—81 children—an opportunity to receive the surgery they needed. The medical team, with the assistance of the Beit CURE staff, treated them all with great skill and compassion.

All of these children were memorable, but one will stick with me forever. On screening day, Jeff walked into the evaluation room wearing a long-sleeved hoodie with the hood up, covering most of his head and face. He didn’t complain about the burn scars on his face, neck, arms and chest, or the large keloids on his ears—he covered them up, but he didn’t complain. He didn’t complain about the accident that left these scars, the horrific pain he had suffered, or the inability to fully lift his arms because of the scarring. We tapped a ball back and forth to pass the time as he waited for surgery, and after surgery, he taught me how to play Crazy Eights. He didn’t complain before the surgery, and he didn’t complain after surgery, even though surgery meant cutting his ears, under his arms, and near his elbow and taking a graft from his leg. Without saying anything, he taught me what resiliency and strength look like. 

Before the Surgicorps team left Zambia, we joined the Beit CURE staff for a celebration of the week’s accomplishments, and Jeff danced with the Surgicorps team, wearing a sleeveless shirt, no hoodie, and a smile. I’m grateful that I was given the opportunity to meet Jeff and the other children and see the opportunities and joy that the Surgicorps medical team gave them.

I hold patients’ hands. It’s just what I do. Big hands, small hands, calloused hands, manicured hands, I hold them all. Why? Because every hand deserves to be held, especially when that person is about to undergo general anesthesia for an operation.

Sometimes patients ask me if they will wake up. Sometimes they cry. Sometimes they make jokes to mask fear or uncertainty. Sometimes they say nothing but smile silently through their surgical mask. It is astonishing what a simple gesture of comfort can do.

In Vietnam, I held every hand too, including one so badly burned, I wondered how I would hold it. This patient had suffered severe upper body burns from a gasoline fire. His left hand was contorted, inflexible and scarred in deformity. His fingers were frozen, his wrist locked in flexion from thick contracture scars.

It didn’t matter. I held his hand anyway. It wasn’t easy. I could not interlock my fingers in his, or easily offer a gentle squeeze to let him know he mattered to me. He may not have been able to even feel my touch but I held his hand anyway. It was important to me and the right thing to do.

Volunteering in Vietnam on a surgical mission was also important and the right thing to do for 27 other pairs of hands. These collective hands were nothing short of amazing. They held scalpels, placed IVs, tied sutures, administered anesthesia, cleaned instruments, made custom splints, wheeled beds, typed daily operating room schedules, hauled supplies, carried children and performed a myriad of other tasks. They were hands that woke up eager to help and hands that went to bed tired. The end result of 56 hands working together – 74 life-improving surgeries for people suffering with burns and deformities, and a lifetime of memories for the hands that gave selflessly of their skills and kindness.

It is all about the kid!!  Their lives and the lives of their parents and family members have been changed forever because of the amazing service the Surgicorps team provided at the Beit CURE Children’s Hospital.

My husband, Dave, is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and I am a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner. We were privileged to be members of the September 2022 Zambia team.  Upon being accepted to join the team, we immediately began to prepare for our trip.  Uncertainty, nervousness, excitement, and even some fear were all part of our emotions of what to expect upon arriving in Zambia.  All those worries went out the door after seeing the smiles on the children’s faces and the humility and graciousness expressed from the parents on Screening Sunday.

All this wouldn’t be possible without the amazing leadership of Surgicorps.  Starting from the top, Jack Demos, who is the foundation for the team.  DeNese Olson, coordinator, united and motivated each team member.  Her daily quotes were a true inspiration. Michael Best and Lori Ellis were invaluable resources in this new environment for many of us.

Each of the twenty Surgicorps team members as well as hospital staff demonstrated patience, kindness, flexibility, compassion, expertise, and most importantly love and respect for one another and the patients.

Dave and I hoped to make a difference in the lives of the children we served.  In reality, they made a difference in our lives.  Truly a Life Changing Experience!  Our rewards were seen in the surgical outcomes and smiles of the children, parents, and staffs faces that were impacted in one short week.

Our prayer and hope is that with this short-term mission trip to Zambia, the Surgicorps International Team has made a long-term impact on the lives of those we served.

Quotes from Mother Teresa:

“Not all of us can do great things.  But we can do small things with great love.”

“I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.”

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”

Thank you,

Judy and Dave Kelley