Rob's medical-surgical mission trip to Guatemala

Hey friends!!

I have been given the opportunity to join a surgical mission trip to Guatemala this coming January. What does that mean? Well, I am sure you have heard of Doctors Without Borders as they are the most recognizable name in medical missions, but there are countless other organizations that do medical mission trips as well. I have joined one, based out of Morristown, NJ, called U.H.M.L.A. which stands for Unidad Hospitalaria Movil Latinoamerica or Latin America Mobile Hospital Unit. It was started by some amazing surgeons out of Morristown Medical Center, where I currently work as an Operating Room Nurse, and previously spent over a decade as a Surgical Tech.

When I went back to school in 2009 to become a Surgical Tech, I learned about medical/surgical mission trips and instantly knew that one day I would join one. I have many colleagues that belong to this organization and have encouraged me to join them in helping people in need in countries that don't have the same facilities, supplies, or access to quality medical care that we have. We will be spending the week of January 6th-13th in Antigua, Guatemala operating on many people, mostly women and children, at no cost to them. While there, we will spend 10+ hours a day in the operating room, seeing as many patients as possible in the short time we have there.

Want to join me in making a difference? I need to personally raise a minimum of $500 to be a part of this mission. This would help offset the costs of airfare and lodging. We are not being paid by the organization, and are donating our time in order to help those in need. Any funds I raise beyond the initial $500 will be donated to U.H.M.L.A. for medical supplies and future missions.

In one week we will perform approximately 80 surgeries on underserved patients in Guatemala who don't have any economic resources. Each trip costs us approximately $40,000 to carry out. Any donation will help to provide life-changing surgeries to people who would otherwise not have access to the healthcare they need.

More information about UHMLA Inc.: U.H.M.L.A. stands for Unidad Hospitalaria Movil Latinoamerica or Latin America Mobile Hospital Unit. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that mobilizes surgeons, nurses, medical professionals, and a network of volunteers to execute medical [service] trips throughout Latin America. Our mission and vision is to bring healthcare to Latin America where it is needed most by delivering medical and surgical care through periodic and scheduled visits to underserved areas.

Thank you for visiting my donation page and please know that you have my sincerest gratitude and thanks for even the smallest donation made!