Support Veronica's 2025 UW Medical Brigade to Honduras

My name is Veronica Rivera, and I am currently a second-year Public Health student on the premedical track at the University of Washington with an interest in equitable access to proper healthcare. Considering this, I am reaching out to you with a heartfelt request for your support as I embark on a mission to provide essential healthcare services to underprivileged Indigenous communities in Honduras.

Last year, thanks to many of your contributions, I had the special privilege of traveling to Guatemala on a brigade supporting Indigenous Mayan communities. On this brigade, I spent much of my time translating and working on patient intake by taking vitals and demographic information from patients. I had the privilege of sitting in on two days' worth of doctor consultations, where I gained unique insight into the primary health outcomes impacting the two communities we worked with. Best of all, I had the opportunity to get to know and play with the sweetest kids and have meaningful conversations with community members and leaders, which I will forever hold dearly in my heart.

I'm truly grateful for the chance to grow further in my premedical journey—not just by gaining hands-on experience with patients, but by connecting with community members on a meaningful level. Learning about the historical and structural barriers that make these communities underserved has been truly insightful. The knowledge I've gained from this experience is something I'm sure will shape how I show up as a healthcare provider.

I am coming back for a second year with Global Brigades because of their focus on creating real, tangible impact and their commitment to long-term, sustainable improvements. I value how they work alongside communities to support their own medical and economic growth with a goal of independence.

Global Medical Brigades (GMB) chapters around the country work toward this goal by working in remote, rural, and under-resourced communities in Honduras, Panama, Nicaragua, and Ghana, who otherwise have limited access to healthcare. During this trip, we will be offering services to community members that include dental, optometry, medical diagnosis, gynecology, pharmacy, and health information presentations.

Your donation will directly contribute to covering costs associated with travel, program expenses, and donations and supplies for the community. My fundraising goal would work to cover the initial costs and to ensure that I can support these communities without financial barriers.

Your contribution, no matter the size, will play a crucial role in helping me provide much-needed medical care to these Indigenous communities. By supporting this mission, you are not only helping me gain real medical experience, but also making a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of individuals who face significant challenges in accessing healthcare resources.

I am truly grateful for any support you can provide, whether through a donation or by sharing this GoFundMe with your friends and family. Thank you so much for your time and consideration!