I am a pediatric CRNA from Norfolk, VA. I will be traveling to Moyobamba, Peru, where I will be providing anesthesia to pediatric patients undergoing plastic surgical procedures. This mission trip will aid children who are disfigured, either congenitally or through trauma, lead more normal lives.
Our focus is children in this underserved area of Peru. This group of people is far from any major city. This mission gives them the opportunity to have surgery without traveling great distances to have it.
I will be in Peru for one week. During that time we will have four full operating days. The impact of that will be the opportunity to provide surgery to approximately 20-25 children without causing financial burden to their families.
We went to Yantalo, Peru on a mission trip for pediatric plastic surgery. The area was rural, with dirt roads and homes with no running water. Many of our patients and their families traveled long distances to be able to be evaluated for surgery. We performed 26 cases, such as cleft lip and palate, syndactyly release, scar contracture release, and tumor removal. It was a very humbling experience. The patients and their families were so very appreciative. The volunteers who helped were instrumental in the success of this mission. It was a privilege to have been able to be a part of such an incredible group of people!
