|
|
FROM THE DESK OF
Executive Director, Dan Mauer
February 2025
Happy February, everyone — and welcome to the latest edition of our monthly newsletter, Mission Matters!
2025 is going great so far with our first mission ready to launch in less than a week! We're so excited for Cora and her dedicated group of volunteers headed to the Philippines next Thursday. Follow their wonderful work on our social media channels.
| |
We have so many dedicated volunteers here at Medical Missions Foundation, their commitment to the people we serve is overwhelming.
Each month, we want to focus on a volunteer that has continued to make an impact in bringing "Health for the World."
This month's Volunteer Spotlight is well-known in the Medical Missions Foundation community and has been with us for many years...Erin Pulcini
| |
How did you first learn about Med Missions?
I first learned of Medical Missions Foundation and the opportunity to become involved when I received an email from Dr. Siscel, one of the critical care anesthesiologists I work with, who was in need of nurses to join the group traveling to Antigua, Guatemala, July 2023.
| |
What got you involved for the first time?
I forwarded the email to my husband and asked his opinion of my travel and missionary work. We both looked into the foundation and decided that if I felt in my heart I should go, then I go. I knew that my dad used to volunteer in Honduras and Ecuador, making me follow in his footsteps to serve when given the opportunity.
| |
What missions have you been involved with?
This year, 2025, will be my third trip to Antigua, Guatemala.
| |
What is a most memorable experience during one of the missions?
From the very first day of my first trip, I still admire the sincerity of the natives. I have been an ICU nurse for almost 20 years. In Antigua, probably in a single day, I heard the most sincerest of "Thank You" / "Gracias" than I have cumulatively in my bedside career here in the States. These two words hit me so deeply-- sometimes, the smallest moments of gratitude can be more impactful than anything we do in our everyday roles.
| |
Why do you volunteer?
The smallest of smiles, the tears of hopefulness, and the hugs of appreciation are so much more meaningful when what I am doing for them is seemingly so simple in comparison to what I do daily at home. There is a lot of perspective shift that happens when you volunteer on a medical mission. I learned how much I take for granted at home in my every day life, not just in the medical realm. To learn how people are able to live without truly is a gift.
When I came home from my first trip, I talked with my three daughters about what it was like. I showed them pictures, both good and bad. I showed them the patients I helped, the people of the village. I explained how much their smiles meant to me and why it was so impactful. I reminded them to be thankful for how privileged we are. What I shared with them must have made a lasting impression. When it came time to register for the next year, I asked them what they thought of me going back. It was a unanimous and resounding, "Yes Mom, go, you need to do that. You loved it and have a gift to give, so go give it." It was as if they felt how I felt.
| |
What advice would you give someone considering joining a mission?
Put yourself out there and give it your all. I will never regret my first decision; all subsequent missions have been an automatic "yes" for me. There is a special feeling you get from doing good. Keep the culture of the community in your mindframe, always take time to reflect on your trip, and forever share your stories.
| |
Any last thoughts or comments you want to add?
Without taking the first step you will never understand how much of a difference you can make. If being a part of a medical mission is not something you can see yourself doing, there are always opportunities elsewhere to give of yourself.
| Volunteering with Medical Missions Foundation can be a rewarding and life-changing experience. No matter if you have medical experience or not, we'd love to have you join us. | |
Warehouse Cleanup Days
2025 Dates!
| Our Warehouse Cleanup Days are held on the second Saturday of each month. Please join us Saturday, February 8th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at our office (8363 Melrose Dr., Lenexa, KS 66214) for Warehouse Cleanup Day. We always have a lot of fun, so come by and pitch in! | |
Also, if you'd like to help us make sure we've got what we need for upcoming missions—click here to see a list of needed items. Before donating supplies, please contact Sulamita Ortiz, Missions Assistant, to make arrangements, or call 913-338-0343. Thank you!
By the way, do you know any students who need volunteer hours? Medical Missions Foundation will put them to work!
| Show you love for the Chiefs and support Medical Missions Foundation! | |
Enter our drawing to win a signed Travis Kelce jersey. All proceeds go towards Medical Missions Foundation’s continued mission to provide surgical and medical care in underserved communities throughout the world and to positively impact the lives of children and their families.
Drawing will be held Monday, March 31, 2025 at 3:00 PM CST.
Must be 18 years or older to participate.
Winner will be contacted to pick up at Medical Missions Foundation office. Otherwise winner can make arrangements for delivery or shipment at winner’s expense.
| Art for the Children Update | Nuniq, a polar bear at the Kansas City Zoo is working on another masterpiece for our upcoming Art for the Children Gala. | |
Medical Missions Foundation is honored to present its largest fundraiser of the year, Art for the Children, on March 29th, 2025 at the amazing Armacost Car Museum. Celebrating our 26th year, the community’s support of this annual event has raised pivotal funding to provide surgical and medical care in underserved communities around the world.
Join us for a fun evening of great food, cocktails, dancing and of course your opportunity to bid on exquisite artwork from the most talented artists around. Other items including signed sports memorabilia, gift certificates and more will also be available for auction.
Seating is limited! Get your tickets today!
| |
Keep up to date on all our events by going to the calendar page of our website.
- Warehouse Day - February 8th 10 am - 2 pm
- The Philippines Mission - February 13-23, 2025
- Art for the Children Art Auction & Gala - March 29, 2025
- San Lucas, Guatemala Mission - April 5-13, 2025
- Kenya - April, 2025
- Antigua, Guatemala Mission - July 12-20, 2025
- Health for the Littles - July 20, 2025
- Gulu, Uganda Mission - September 5-15, 2025
All of what we do is made possible through donations from generous patrons like you. Please consider making a donation today so we can continue providing much needed healthcare to children and families.
| Have a Great Weekend Everyone! | Well, that about covers it for today. Look for a brand new issue of Mission Matters on the first Friday of every month! In the meantime our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages are active and a great place to catch all the very latest news and information about Medical Missions Foundation — so stay tuned and be sure to check back regularly! And please feel free to contact me directly with questions, concerns, or to find out more about upcoming missions, events, and fundraisers. | |
Dan Mauer
Executive Director
Medical Missions Foundation
8363 Melrose Drive
Lenexa, KS 66214
p: 913-338-0343
dan@medicalmissionsfoundation.org
| At Medical Missions Foundation, we send dedicated teams of doctors, nurses, and support staff around the world to provide surgical and medical care in the most underserved global communities. Since 1996, Medical Missions Foundation has completed missions to 14 different countries including Uganda, India and Guatemala. | In any given year, over 200 volunteers travel to different missions, performing over 500 surgical procedures and drastically improving countless lives. We believe that health for the world is possible but we need your help. | |
*all photos of patients and their families are posted with permission.
I'd once again like to take a moment to thank all of you who signed up for our new Missions Maker program. From Uganda to Guatamala, your generous donations are improving the lives of countless people around the world. Thank you!
| |
“Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.”
― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
| |
It's easy to share with friends:
Just click one of the buttons below!
|
About us
We believe that Health for the World is possible. Because of that, Medical Missions Foundation sends teams of doctors, nurses, and support staff to provide surgical and medical care to underserved communities around the world. All medical mission participants are volunteers dedicating their time and talents to provide critical care. More about our missions.
Where we work
Since 1996, Medical Missions Foundation has completed missions in 14 different countries: India | Guatemala | Mali | Philippines | Uganda | Romania | Ecuador | Mexico | Cuba | Vietnam | Croatia | Panama | China | United States. Click here to learn more.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide surgical and medical care in underserved communities throughout the world and to positively impact the lives of children and their families. Click here to learn more.
| |
Unable to see images?
If your email client blocks the images in this newsletter—you're missing out. This quick tutorial tells you how to enable images in most of the popular email clients, including AOL, Yahoo and Gmail.
Want to unsubscribe?
If you'd like to unsubscribe from this newsletter for any reason—you can do so by clicking on the link below. (And don't worry, we won't be offended. We'd much rather only send out emails to people who truly enjoy receiving them.)
| Copyright © 2024 by D.E.Uhlig. All rights reserved. |
| | | |
