Journey of Giving Medical Dental Expedition Mexico
The story of our Journey of Giving Medical Dental Expedition
Over a decade ago while visiting one of the remote communities in the Sea of Cortez, we were approached by one of the women who had scrapes and cuts running down her arms. The wounds were infected and the woman was in trouble. When asked what happened this is the story she shared. “One day I was out fishing with my husband and as I was helping him pull in the net. Within moments, I was pulled into the water and got caught up into the net alongside a large shark. The shark started thrashing and my arms fended off his teeth and body. That is how I was injured.”
For three months (during our natural history expeditions) we stopped at her community and applied first aid to help her heal. She did eventually recover but it made me realize these communities do not have access to medical help. This is how the Journey of Giving was born.
Date: April 6 - 13, 2022 - 8 day expedition - Baja California Sur, Mexico
Far away, on the coast of southern Baja California Peninsula and the desert islands of the Sea of Cortez, there are small pocket communities of people living in harmony with the land and sea. Practising traditional fishing, farming and agriculture these folks are without many of the amenities we have in our own homes and communities; running water, electricity and access to immediate medical help.
Over the years these remote communities have opened their doors to Panterra allowing hundreds of our guests to explore the surrounding land and sea, and experience their kind and beautiful culture.
Some people would say that the living and working conditions are harsh and unbearable in this desert climate. Some people stop and wonder how they can possibly survive the way they do. Through all of the challenges they face, when you meet the people of the communities you see there is a contentment and happiness that is not experienced by most North Americans.
The most important things to these communities are family, subsistence and community.
Panterra (a Canadian non profit organization), in an effort to return their kindness and hospitality, has teamed up with the Caravanas de Salud (Department of Health, La Paz) to offer medical, dental and additional assistance to communities, accessible only by sea and who would otherwise not have access to these services.
The expedition team will travel and live onboard a 110’ ship as we administer the health services. When we are not administering the healthcare enjoy time snorkeling, hiking, kayaking and wild life viewing.
Your donation will help offset the cost of the ship, purchase medicines, extensive First Aid kits (left with each community) and other costs associated to related projects such as community gardens, gifts of food and more.
Panterra Facebook Photo Album - Journey of Giving Medical Dental Expedition 2013
