Physical Therapy Medical Mission Trip

I am currently in my third and final year of physical therapy graduate school at The University of Findlay, completing the program on August 1, 2012.  A group of my classmates and I were asked to travel to Canchias, Honduras through a program called Heart to Honduras.  We will be there for one week in August 2012, providing service at the Karen Smith Medical Clinic as well as traveling to various villages in a mobile clinic.  The objective of the program is to provide equitable health care, encourage hope, understand health issues and needs of under-served individuals, and organize health care teams to assist with physical, psychological, and spiritual healing.

The Karen Smith Medical Clinic is the centerpiece of Canchias.  All of the surrounding villages come to the clinic from hours away to receive treatment.  People may walk several hours in order to get medical attention.  However, many individuals are unable to make the long adventure.  Mobile clinics travel to various villages to offer medical services.  If a patient cannot be treated with the available resources, they are taken to a hospital for further examination. 

In case you haven’t heard of Heart to Honduras, please allow me to share some history with you. The World Health Organization (WHO) expands the definition of health as “not merely the absence of disease, but a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.”  Heart to Honduras adds a spiritual dimension to health.  All of the other aspects of health fit tightly and merge together, composing the whole of health as an entity.

Personally, I am looking forward to broadening my perspectives of the world and gaining a better understanding of the health care needs in under-served countries. I am eager to exploit my extensive knowledge to provide health care of those in need. Upon my return, I plan to share my experience with schools and organizations in our community.  I can also earn college credit because of the many educational elements in the program.

I am currently seeking financial sponsors to help me offset the program costs, and hope I can count on your support.  The program tuition is approximately $1500, which includes all transportation, accommodations, meals, and educational activities.  I am asking for donations to help me reach my goal.  Is it possible for you to assist me by making a contribution? Any amount of contribution would be appreciated.  I will plan to share my journal, photographs, and experiences with contributors upon my return.

I am also selling rosary bracelets as a fundraiser for my trip for $10-$15 each.  I personally hand make each bracelet with supplies I have already purchased and will continue to purchase as needed.  Bracelets can come in a variety of colors, and a specific color can be requested. I have pictures of several bracelets that I have already made for people.  If interested please email me and I can send a picture of what they look like and take orders!

Please feel free to contact me if you need additional information or have questions/concerns. Your generous contribution would enable me to share in this wonderful opportunity. Thank you in advance for your consideration and support.