Pediatric surgery mission to Guatemala.
Day 2 January 25, 2026
When we say “early”, we mean it. A five a.m. alarm gave notice to get up and get moving. The cup of excellent Guatemalan café con leche bolstered the day’s start, a devotional in which a message of hope and excellence is given, reminding us that the surgical team is composed of extraordinary people about to do extraordinary things.
Following a group breakfast, we make our way by bus a short distance to Hospital Hilario Galindo in San Felipe, Retalhuleu. Hilario Galindo de León was a philanthropist from Retalhuleu, Guatemala, known for donating his property to the town of San Felipe. His legacy includes the funding of local infrastructure.
From humble beginnings, including a snake that found its way into an operating room, the hospital has evolved to now include four operating rooms, a radiology lab including a CAT scan and air conditioning.
Ghandi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in service to others.” That in mind, the enthusiasm, high spirits and warm smiles of the team greet the first of close to one hundred anxious families sprawled out on the lawn in front of the hospital, awaiting their opportunity to engage and interact with the clinical staff to share their needs and determine their place in the care schedule. Some of the children play on a swing set.
Our patients, the kids, range in age from just nine months all the way to teenagers. Many have lived with their condition their whole lives, however long that might be. While the moms and dads are extremely grateful and motivated to have their child’s clinical situation resolved, sometimes it’s through tears that they agree to surgery.
The surgeons, anesthesiologists and interpreters are amazing in explaining and supporting the families while they evaluate each patient. One important question that is always asked is “En horas, a que distancia vives?” In hours, how far away do you live? Many families travel many hours for a chance to receive care even though the actual distance may not be so great. The surgeons make sure that those who travel farthest are served first, so they can be on their way as soon as possible, especially since most families have been awaiting our arrival for several days already. One by one, with the last patient assessed as compassionately as the first, the clinical team sets the schedule for the coming days.
Meanwhile, inside the hospital surgical area, gear and equipment is being unpacked, installed and tested to get the operating rooms and pre-op and post-op wards ready. The expert team wastes no time in ensuring all areas are well-equipped, to the extent they can be, for the days ahead. It is an efficient, coordinated effort across this team of amazing professionals. No surgeries will take place today; today is all about preparation and readiness.
Team 885
