MEDICO’S third year of partnership with Paramedics for Children, once again, brings hope and joy to the remote village of San Rafael, Copan, Honduras. The importance of collaboration brings an impact felt not only by the community but also for MEDICO volunteers. Read a few of their personal stories and feel how lives can be changed through humanitarian service.
“This is my third trip with MEDICO, and my first during dengue season. As an IV nurse, I was gratified to use those skills to provide supportive care to the patients we served on this trip. So often our work does not yield immediate results; we place our faith in the medicine to do the work after we are gone. The work of IV fluid is almost instantaneous. There were sick children, but I was struck by one mother’s child – a 70-year-old father of five adult sons who carried his mother to our clinic for treatment. One could tell upon meeting the pair that they are related; they have the same eyes. And when asked about their relationship, the mother held her son’s face close and said, “This is my son.” In that moment, I captured the photo, having first asked if they were okay being photographed. They looked happy, smiling eyes and all, despite her illness and his fatigue having carried her from her home. She was a mother happy to receive immediate relief, and he, a son happy to have brought her. I was also happy to bring my small skills to help a situation where there are not ready sources of help. The mother, son, and I shared this moment with a non–clinician member of our MEDICO team, and now my friend. This is MEDICO’s magic – bringing relief to those who need it, reigniting clinicians, facilitating lifelong friendships between like–minded humans, and the chance to collaborate with others to bring about greater good. I am spellbound, I will return for MEDICO, Copan 2025.
…shared by Afomu from Maryland
On this trip I had the opportunity to go to 4 different villages and schools in the mountains near Copan Ruinas. We taught about Dental Hygiene to the school students, and they all received fluoride treatments and a new toothbrush. I remember a little girl was nervous about getting the fluoride treatment and I was explaining to her that it would not be painful, and the dentist would be applying gel to her teeth to protect them from bacteria and make them stronger. She finally did it! At the schools all the kids were excited after they finished their treatments and could finally spit! For many, this was their first toothbrush and experience with a Dentist. They were taught if they did not have toothpaste, they could use baking soda and to brush morning and night and if they had good Dental Hygiene, they would have healthy teeth now and in the future.
At the schools I was able to donate over 100 children’s Spanish books for their libraries. In the medical clinic I witnessed so many miracles. There were so many cases of Dengue fever. Melinda, Gracie and Afomu brought relief to the patients and administered IV’s and even made house calls. One little boy had a fever of 106. I let him put a Superman costume on while he waited to get the IV and told him he was so brave!
What I love most about the MEDICO organization is that we are all there for the same purpose and that is to help the people of Honduras. Everyone pitches in wherever or however they are needed. Even though it is hot and humid and hard we also all know that the best feeling is to serve those that need it most. To help the sick and afflicted, educate and provide resources, and most of all to give them hope and a smile.
…shared by Brenda from Texas
I had not participated on a MEDICO trip since the early 90’s. That trip was powerful and even today some of the events are etched in my mind. Life happens, and now, so many years later, I found myself involved in Days for Girls International. This organization promotes “menstrual equity everywhere, period.,” as their mission statement expresses. A group of friends and I began sewing the liners for the DFG kits, and these kits enable women and girls to manage their periods in a healthy way. The organization also provides a programmed education, using illustrated flip charts, to educate women and girls about their bodies and menstruation. The goal is to reduce stigma and allow women the opportunities for work and education while they are having their periods, something I always took for granted, but now realize is missing in many parts of the world.
As I set out to a village with Mayra, another team member and translator, I was excited and yet a little nervous. With Mayra for encouragement and support, enthusiasm and gladness filled me as I began the program. The women have so little, and sharing in relationship about something we all have in common was a gift we gave each other. I also felt like I had brought with me every other woman from back home who had contributed in some way to putting together the kits. Mayra was such a vital part of the whole experience as we worked in unity together, sharing a common purpose.
When I wasn’t doing DFG education I helped Eliza in the pharmacy. Counting pills, searching for drugs with names I had no idea how to pronounce, and prepping the prescriptions so Eliza could check them and explain dosages to the patients was another first for me! I loved it! Serving the Honduran people in this way was a great joy and privilege.
…shared by Bridget from Texas
