Re-cap of Medical Mission Trip to Guatemala
November 13, 2016
The Plasticos Foundation team recently returned from a medical mission trip to Guatemala where they worked round the clock performing surgery on children with deformities and traumatic injuries.
Director, Susan Williamson provides a a re-cap of the trip through her eyes:
“I dare say, this was the best mission I have personally been on. Our host surgeon, Dr. Ernesto Cofino was incredibly organized and made great use of our doctors’ time. Originally we intended to work at an impoverished hospital in Amatitlan. The hospital was in such a financial crisis that we were redirected to the IGSS (social security) hospital. The IGSS hospital has vastly more resources but by US standards, is still very, very poor. In addition to the danger factor (guards holding machine guns surround the hospital), the patients had transportation challenges and some were truly penniless and did not have money for food.
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To learn more about the innovative treatments offered at Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, CA, contact our office by calling (949) 617-1168 or by filling out the consultation request form below.
Attached are photos and a video of the sweet cherubs whose lives were completely transformed by the brilliant work of plastic surgeons Dr. Jed Horowitz and Dr. Larry Nichter. Ernesto gave us complicated cases, which he struggled with. Some of the surgeries took most of the day. We had several microtia patients (undeveloped ear) and a boy without a nose. The children were brave and grateful, which of course made our mission more meaningful and emotional.
Superstars – Beverly suffered from microtia and was the happiest child I’ve ever encountered. She has sent me many videos since my return home because she is quite excited about her new ear. Laylany has the same condition and told us she is “so happy that God finally chose her for surgery”.
Cintaya and her mom traveled 10 hours by bus so she could receive life-changing surgery to close her cleft palate. They belong to the Maya population and she expressed gratitude in her native language Q’eqchi’. ‘Bantiox re li gawa dios lin culaal yo chi usae ve lix chobal. Li gawa chi asolotesina awe anajwan ut junelik. Sahil cholejil choa ere yalag bar texik.’ Which translates to: ‘Thank God my baby is recovering from the operation. Blessings to the doctors wherever they go.’”
Wow! Not only am I thrilled with my results, I also must say that this experience was so much easier than I thought it would be! From the virtual consultation, to the virtual appointments that I had after my surgery… they made it so easy to check in with my doctor. I don’t live in Newport, but it didn’t matter. I was still able to get the surgery that I wanted there! 10/10 would recommend!!
Autumn M.
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As soon as you step into our Newport Beach office, our welcoming staff will carefully listen to your concerns and guide you through your treatment journey. The board-certified plastic surgeons at Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery will be happy to discuss your cosmetic goals, review the pros and cons of the treatment you are considering, and create a personalized treatment plan that will deliver the best outcome for you.
To learn more about the innovative treatments offered at Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, CA, contact our office by calling (949) 617-1168 or by filling out the consultation request form below.
