We are planning a medical/surgical misson to Guatemala in Spring 2012. This will be preceded by a planning trip where all of the medical/surgical supplies and recently donated vans will be delivered.

Our primary surgical focus will be on treating children with cleft lips, cleft palates and burns. We work with Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Plastic Surgeons & Orthodontists to provide ongoing care and follow-up for our patients.

We will be working side-by-side with local medical doctors, surgeons and local churches to reach the poorest of the poor and encourage personal and community involvement, responsibility and a desire to pursue sustainable improvements for themselves and their community.

Click on each photo to enlarge:

• Ex. of Cleft Lip Ex. of Cleft Lip
• Ex. of Cleft Palate Ex. of Cleft Palate
• Cleft Lip - Pre Op Cleft Lip - Pre Op
• Cleft Lip - Post Op Cleft Lip - Post Op
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Through the generous donations of corporations & foundations STJI was able to purchase surgical equipment like an anesthesia machine, O.R. tables, electrocautery unit, stretchers, O.R. lights, etc. A local medical supply company donated 3 vans which will enable STJI to transport medical equipment and supplies throughout Guatemala. Through utilizing organizations like Supplies Over Seas and others who provide medical products to volunteer healthcare providers we are able to provide the most effective use of resources and treat many more people as a result.

Supplies Over Seas is a non-profit organization that meets critical healthcare needs in developing countries around the world by recycling and sending surplus medical supplies and equipment. They partner with hospitals and others to recover and send what would otherwise go to the landfill. Worldwide, each year 10 million children under age 5 die for lack of basic medical care. In the United States, each year 6,600 tons of usable surplus medical equipment and supplies, worth $9 billion, end up in landfills.