2012 Guatemala Medical / Dental Mission

March 10 - March 19, 2012

In March 2011, the SJV Medical/Dental Mission team returned to serve the people of Guatemala. Fourteen individuals, including four doctors, two dentists, five nurses, and three lay people volunteered their time to attend to the needs of those who would not otherwise receive medical and dental care. Once again, we humbly asked SJV members for your help on this mission.

How You Can Help

During the weekends of February 13-14 and February 20-21, the mission volunteers are holding the Buck & Bottle Fundraiser. We need adult and children's vitamins (NO gummy-type children's vitamins, please), as well as "bucks" ($$) that can be attached by a rubber band to the item donated. Because the volunteers carry all of the medical supplies, we would prefer smaller bottles of vitamins as they have much less wasted space in the bottle than do large bottles.

The monetary donations fund the purchase of various medical and dental supplies and medications which are split up and carried in a suitcase by each volunteer. If we are able to raise enough funds, we may be able to provide a scholarship to a deserving child in Guatemala, giving them the opportunity to complete their education and learn how to help their people. Also, a portion of your donation is used to help defray the cost of the mission trip.

If you would like, you may drop your donation at the parish office. We will also have available pre-addressed, stamped envelopes for your convenience. Checks should be made payable to: Medical Mission.

Why Guatemala?

The mission volunteers are traveling to Mazatenango as a home base. Each day they will go to remote villages in the jungle to provide medical and dental care to as many people as possible. We also purchase and provide reading glasses to those who are in need. There is nothing like seeing the joy in someone's face as they suddenly are able to see clearly once again!

The Guatemalan people, specifically the Quiche Indians, are still trying to recover from 30 years of civil war, earthquakes, and hurricanes. They are severly impoverished and there is a great deal of malnutrition. People come to the "clinics" for treatment of scabies, diarrhea, intestinal disorders, headaches, general muscle pain, anemia, and fevers, among other problems, and to have teeth pulled. 

Contact Mary Jean Hubert (262) 510-3009 or Ann Joyce (262) 785-9216 for more information.

We, on behalf of the Guatemalan people, thank you for your generosity.

List of 2010 Medical Mission Volunteers:

Mary Jean Hubert
Jim Wallace
Michele Wallace
Marlee Hendricks
Ann Joyce
Mary Dwyer
Bill Lawley
Erin Trampe
John Keene
Jerri Stenavich
Jane Holzhauer
Pete Holzhauer
Gene Burke
Kathy Steele