In support of the New York Honduran Committee, eleven Lutheran HealthCare (LHC) volunteers traveled to Tela, Honduras, one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere, to provide free health care. The medical team examined more than 212 patients and performed 28 surgical procedures.
The medical brigade performed health evaluations, hearing and speech screenings, and major and minor surgeries for children and adults. In addition, they provided fourteen people with hearing devices. “The medical mission is always geared first for children, however each year we see many adults that are in need as well,” says Mohan Kilaru, M.D., trauma surgeon at Lutheran Medical Center. “It’s our goal to help as many people as possible return to more normal, active lives, with the ability to work and contribute to their families.”
In addition to paying their own expenses and using vacation time, the volunteers raised nearly $5,000 to purchase medical supplies and gifts for children. Generously sponsoring the trip this year were Nagi J. Bustros, M.D., on behalf of the Lutheran HealthCare medical and dental staff; Thomas R. Lyon, M.D.; and the entire staff at Lutheran who pitched in. The LHC medical mission volunteers include team leader Mohan Kilaru, M.D.; Mohsen Habib, M.D.; Aziz Ghobriel, M.D.; Melissa Inniss, Au.D.; Tanja Gunsberger, D.O.; Linda Richards, R.N.; Sue Farrell, P.A.; Mary Heaney, R.N.; Bobbi Feierstein, P.A.; Victoria Stoyanovsky, P.A.; and Neal Gorman, vice president, public relations.
The New York Honduran Committee began with a small group of Telan immigrants dedicated to their community. Since 1999, they have completed more than 11 medical missions with staff from Lutheran HealthCare bringing hope and a chance for a new future to thousands of families. In a country where most people can’t afford basic health care, the chance for free surgeries and exams can be a life-saving opportunity.
Source: Lutheran HealthCare
