Day 6 January 29, 2026
Time to say goodbye
Our mission is beginning to wind down. Team newbies are no longer new, and the photos being taken capture the camaraderie that has developed over the course of this week. The surgery case load is generally front-loaded in the week, 20 or so cases a day, so that today is considered a lighter day, eight patients in all. As the cases smoothly flow through the process from pre-op to the ward, the team breaks down the operating rooms and PACU, inventorying and packing equipment for next time, essentially reversing the set-up process of the prior Sunday. With all cases going well, today’s patients will be discharged this afternoon and begin their recoveries at home.
It has been fascinating to watch the team function at such a high level, and somewhat surprising when one remembers that this team includes volunteers from all across the United States and that for some, this is their first trip. In other words, these professionals don’t regularly work together; they’re brought together by the mission for only this week. Yet the performance is seamless and the results world-class.
Through its hard work and devotion to the mission, the team will help 69 patients this week. 28 dedicated professionals donating their time and energy, 69 lives influenced for the better. In addition to the smiles, the rewards for the team are simple but powerful. One patient, a little girl, approached the team’s ward physician, tugged gently on her sleeve and said sweetly, “I want to be you.” Wait, check that: 97 lives influenced for the better. It is the type of experience that makes one want to come again next year.
Team 885
