SAN MARCOS, TX – Central Texas Medical Center employees recently returned from their second annual trip to Honduras, where they provided health care to people who rarely receive quality treatment.
In the heart of Central America, the team held four free clinics in four communities surrounding Peña Blanca. The 938 patients who were treated ranged from newborns to the elderly and an estimated 3,000 prescriptions were filled.
Each patient had a story and each CTMC missionary came home with memories and personal rewards they will cherish forever.
“The best part of my experience was finding the 5-year old with the heart murmur that had never been detected as he hadn’t seen a doctor before,” said Pediatrician Dr. Sue Ann Harrison, of Corridor Primary Care Pediatric.
Upon discovering the murmur, Dr. Harrison told the child’s mother about his condition through translator Karen Morris, CTMC Administrative Director of Ancillary Services. The mother showed great concern and interest. She spoke of her son’s lack of energy, saying that he never cared to play with other children. Due to the lack of medical care in the area, the family will seek corrective surgery through Hearts for Honduras, a group of cardiac surgeons who visit Honduras regularly.
This child’s story is just one example of thousands of people who desperately need health care. Through internal fundraising efforts, Central Texas Medical Center employees raised over $6,500 in order to make the trip to Honduras possible. Last year a group from CTMC helped construct a girls’ dormitory during the trip. The hospital will continue to raise funds and provide care for those in need as CTMC continues its mission: extending the healing ministry of Christ. If you would like more information about how you can contribute to next year’s trip to Honduras please contact Karen Morris at (512) 753-3515.