Our trip will provide essential outpatient surgical care for pediatric patients with conditions such as inguinal hernias and undescended testicles (requiring orchiopexy). These procedures are often inaccessible to families due to financial barriers, and our efforts help bridge that gap by offering care at no significant cost.
By addressing these conditions early, we prevent serious complications such as hernia incarceration, which can lead to emergency surgery, and long-term limitations in physical activity or employment involving heavy lifting. Additionally, performing orchiopexies reduces the risk of infertility and testicular cancer associated with untreated undescended testes. These surgeries address conditions that, if left untreated, can significantly affect a child's long-term quality of life and future earning potential.
We partner with a dedicated organization in Guatemala known as ACPC (Asociacion Companero Para Cirugia and Partner for Surgery), which works directly within indigenous communities to identify children in need of surgical care. These children often suffer from conditions that are treatable but remain unaddressed due to lack of access and financial resources.
Once identified, ACPC facilitates their transport to Antigua, where they have access to an outpatient surgery center and hospital. Through our financial support, we cover the full spectrum of care—including transportation, anesthesia, surgery, and recovery—ensuring that these children receive the treatment they deserve.
Recognizing the linguistic diversity of Guatemala’s indigenous populations, ACPC also provides translation services across multiple dialects, allowing for safe, informed, and culturally sensitive care. This collaboration ensures that families understand every step of the process and feel empowered throughout their child’s healing journey.
Together, we are breaking down barriers to healthcare and restoring hope—one child at a time.
Based on outcomes from previous trips, we anticipate providing life-changing surgical care to 70–100 children over the course of just one week. Each mission includes a surgical fellow, who receives intensive one-on-one training from three board-certified pediatric surgeons, often participating in 40 or more procedures. This immersive experience not only advances their clinical skills but directly improves the lives of children who would otherwise go without care.
Our work is part of the Global Surgery Program at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, where we share our impact through poster presentations and lectures, highlighting the profound difference these trips make in the lives of Guatemala’s indigenous communities.
WOW—what a week. Sixty‑nine surgeries, incredible teamwork, and so many families whose lives were touched and changed. Our trip began with a full triage day, evaluating more than 90 children for conditions such as inguinal hernias, undescended testicles, phimosis, and various lumps and bumps.
In many parts of the world, these diagnoses are considered straightforward and easily treated. But for this Indigenous population, they can be life‑limiting. An untreated inguinal hernia can make it difficult to work, and an undescended testicle can lead to cancer or infertility later in life.
Each year, we spend a week assessing and treating these conditions, and every time we leave feeling renewed—grateful not only for the things we often take for granted, but for the privilege of making a meaningful difference.
I’m deeply thankful to be part of a team that works so seamlessly to provide expert care, and to the families who trust us with the most important people in their lives—their children.
Here are a few photos that offer a glimpse into our incredibly successful week.
