I have some exciting news to share with you!🤩 I have been approved to serve on a surgical mission trip to Honduras through One World Surgery!

I firmly believe in giving back, and the longer that I have worked in the operating room, the more I have felt called to give back by participating in surgical missions. I honestly feel like I’ve been blessed with so many opportunities, and I’ve been given so many chances to learn and follow my passion for OR Nursing, that it’s time that I pay that forward and help to make a difference in the lives of others.

Surgical Missions in Honduras

One World Surgery has a surgery center in Honduras, the Holy Family Surgery Center. “Opened in 2008, [the surgery center] has three operating rooms, six clinic/overnight bays, a dental clinic, and an eye clinic. Dr. Merlin Antúnez, orthopedic surgeon, is the full-time, on-site Medical Director. Dr. Antúnez and a team of over 30 Honduran staff provide consults and surgeries year-round, as well as follow-up care for all medical mission patients. This model ensures that patients are offered the continuity of care that is essential for successful outcomes.” (source)

Mission trips to this facility include surgical and primary care missions. I will be on the surgical team, circulating orthopedic cases for the week that I am in the country. Our team will fly in on a Saturday. We’ll have orientation on Sunday, and then we’ll start bright and early Monday morning performing life-changing surgeries. We’ll operate all week, and then we’ll fly home the following Saturday.

It’s going to be busy! But I honestly can’t think of a better reason to be exhausted. 😁

Why One World Surgery?

Several months ago, we interviewed Dr. Michael Redler on the First Case podcast. We talked about medical missions, his experiences on mission trips, and we talked about his experiences serving with One World Surgery. You can listen to his interview here to learn all about it!

After that initial conversation, I couldn’t shake the desire to give back. I wanted to find a way to be part of a surgical team, and after learning about One World Surgery, they really seemed like a good fit for me. So, I filled out the application and hoped for the best!

What’s Next?

I’m in the early stages of planning for the trip in December, and part of that planning includes finding ways to cover the costs of the trip. One World Surgery charges a $1000 program fee, and this fee makes it possible to provide free surgical care to the patients that we see. We are also responsible for our own airfare.

This is where I earnestly ask for your support and generosity. Will you support me in this mission and help make a difference in the lives of the individuals and communities that we will serve? All donations are tax-deductible, and your contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant impact on the lives of those we are going to help.

If you would like to contribute, you can find the donation website here. No donation is too small; every little bit counts, and together, we can make a difference! And even if you are unable to donate at this time, your thoughts and well-wishes are valued and much appreciated!

Thank you, so much, for considering my request and being a part of this life-changing endeavor. Your support will have a lasting impact, not only on those we serve but also on the profound sense of purpose and gratitude in my heart. Words cannot fully express the depths of my gratitude.

Stay tuned for updates!

Melanie