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Haven’t been to Guatemala for some years now, but I find myself now in the airport in Houston, excited to join David Kim and his team in Antigua. This trip honors the memory of my Dad…..aka Tony Demos. He truly loved the work we’ve done for the past 27 years, and he found a “second home” in Antigua, his fountain pen and trusty notebook in hand as he and Mike Oleck put their stamp on Surgicorps Guatemala!

I’m honored to be a part of this team, our first since Covid has shut down the world. We’re all happy to be traveling again, doing what we do best……..changing lives one Surgicorps Smile at a time.

~Jack Demos, Surgicorps Founder

Surgicorps International, with a very heavy heart, shares the news of the death of Tony Demos.

Tony and his family helped to define Surgicorps International. Their strong belief in helping others in need has impacted people throughout the world and all of us in the Surgicorps Family.

Some of us had the privilege to be on a Surgicorps team with Tony. We saw firsthand his work ethic, his compassion, and his commitment to Surgicorps. We will cherish those memories forever.

To Jack, Madge, Steve, Sue, Beth, and all of the Demos Family, please know the Surgicorps Family loved Tony and our hearts are with you.

Click here for his obituary

“If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.”
Mother Teresa

I’ve always loved this quote but it has never resonated so well with me as it did in 2020. As a Nurse Practitioner and Mom of 3, I thought staying home and loving my family was “easy” and something I already did. I wanted to do something different, something “bigger”. For the past 5 years I have had the privilege of working alongside the talented Guatemala team through
Surgicorps International. I grew accustomed to returning home from our week-long mission each August with a renewed faith in humanity.

Among the tragedies of the COVID-19 pandemic – incredible losses of life, health, human connection, and financial security, I often think of the people of Guatemala and the suffering they have endured not only this year but on a daily basis. Humble, beautiful people who now have to wait longer for surgeries considered routine in the US. Surgeries to alleviate pain,
restore health and correct deformities that cause physical disability and social isolation.

For now I remind myself (and others) that one doesn’t have to travel the world to make a “big” difference. I look forward to returning to the “easy” task of serving with this incredible organization. And until then, I will stay home. And love my family.

“When I stop and think about the past year and how rough it has been for all of us, my thoughts always turn quickly to Surgicorps and the kids around the world who are waiting for our return. When I think of all of the things we have missed this year, I think of them and how they have missed us. Traveling with our Surgicorps family is a very big part of our life, and even though the travel is difficult sometimes and the days are long, we miss it tremendously. We miss the feeling of giving, the friendship and love we receive from the the patients, hospital staff and families. We pray for their health and safety, as well as for our entire Surgicorps family. We miss you all, but we know that our love and friendships will survive this crisis and we look forward to seeing you in the new year. Stay safe, be well.” ~ Donna and Bill Bookwalter

“Each year for ten years I’ve had a new adventure with Surgicorps. Each time I travel with this group of dedicated, funny, eclectic people the magic begins and my heart grows ten times for a week. But not in 2020. It seems nothing went right this year. I deeply worried about the spread of COVID in the horrifically poor and crowded communities I have been so honored to serve. They in turn are worried about us. My friends in Zambia shared mask making patterns, so we could try to get faces covered when PPE was so scarce. The mothers of children I worked with sent messages to be sure we are not ill, eager for us to return. And when I lost my own mother to the virus, the outpouring of love I received from my Surgicorps family-not just from the US team, but from doctors, nurses, therapists and the parents of patients from all over the world had me in an endless stream of tears. Surgicorps has a quote “You have not had a perfect day until you have done something for someone else who can never repay you”. And then they do… We get far more than we give. My mother loved hearing of my adventures. She beamed with joy seeing pictures of her old skirts made of the finest cotton from Liberty of London upcycled into dresses for little girls all over the world. She taught me the value of giving time and energy to better human lives. She taught me that each and every person on the face of the earth is deserving of respect and kindness, and that ultimately all people are the same. Her spirit lives on in me, and I hope to spread it to others everywhere I go. Surgicorps is my chance to do that. With a little luck we will be back to traveling soon. “~ Betty Hearne

Our Surgicorps Family lost a truly wonderful and inspirational friend and colleague last week, as Dr. Melvin Spira passed away October 8, 2020 at the age of 95. Mel was a giant in the field of plastic surgery, a pioneer in reconstructive surgery. It would take us hours and too much paper to document the many achievements and accolades he received during his 50 year career as a leader in his field……suffice it to say that we were honored to have him as a member of our Surgicorps International Family.

He traveled with us initially to Vietnam in 2009, followed by trips to Guatemala, Ethiopia, Zambia, and multiple additional missions to Vietnam, the last in 2014 at the age of 89! Mel was not “just” a volunteer, he was a friend, a skilled and creative colleague, and an example of an individual dedicated to improving the lives of those in need throughout the world. He cherished his time in the OR’s of the world, and inspired and mentored us with his creative and unique approaches to problems that were complex and difficult.

It was a privilege and honor to travel and work with Mel Spira. He was a super friend, and a wonderful Ambassador for the world of plastic surgery.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this time of loss.

Mel, we love and respect you……enjoy your Tanqueray and tonics as you smile on all of us.

Linda, Jack and the entire Surgicorps International Family

Click here for his obituary

Our Surgicorps International Family lost a wonderful friend and colleague, as Dr. Joanne Oleck passed away after a brief illness on December 12, 2019. Joanne traveled with us to Guatemala yearly from 2007 – 2014, each time accompanied by her devoted husband, Mike. Their loving bond was palpable on each and every trip.

Joanne provided skilled gynecological care with great compassion and understanding.  We were in awe of her strength and determination to overcome all obstacles. Team members will miss her unique humor followed by her quick smile.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her husband, daughter and son-in-law, family members and many friends and colleagues during this time of loss.

Linda, Jack, and the entire Surgicorps International Family

Click here for her obituary