Good Friend, here's this month's issue of Mission Matters

FROM THE DESK OF

Executive Director, Dan Mauer

April 2025

Happy April, everyone — and welcome to the latest edition of our monthly newsletter, Mission Matters!

April is shaping up to be an exciting month! Following the incredible success of the Art for the Children Gala, we now have one team preparing to head to San Lucas Tolimán and another gearing up for Kenya.

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...Tim Gengler!

How did you first learn about Medical Missions Foundation?

I first learned about Medical Missions Foundation through my school’s nurse anesthesia program. As a senior student at KU, I was selected to attend as part of a leadership project.

What got you involved for the first time?

I had always been interested in mission work but often found convenient excuses not to pursue it. Being chosen for a school project meant I couldn’t easily “back out,” and I’m thankful for that opportunity as it gave me the push I needed to get involved for the first time.

What missions have you been involved with?

I have been actively involved in the Antigua, Guatemala mission every year since 2017. Unfortunately, due to COVID, we were unable to participate in 2020 and 2021.

What is a most memorable experience during one of the missions?

It’s hard to choose just one memorable experience because each mission has been so impactful. One moment that has stayed with me happened during my first year. Each evening, after our group dinner, we would take our leftovers and share them with people sleeping on the streets. That first year, I handed my food to a man sitting by a building. Instead of keeping it for himself, he immediately woke the man next to him to share—despite having so little. Witnessing such generosity in the face of hardship was incredibly humbling and has stayed with me ever since.

Why do you volunteer?

I volunteer because my first trip to Guatemala was a life-changing experience. I was introduced to the incredible people and rich culture, which completely shifted my perspective on the world. Since then, I have brought multiple students each year, and they consistently share how the experience has profoundly impacted them as well. I continue to volunteer not only to serve but also to help others gain the same transformative experience that shaped me.

What advice would you give someone considering joining a mission?

My advice is simple—stop overthinking it and just go. You won’t regret it. It’s like exercising; it’s easy to find reasons why now isn’t the right time, but once you’ve done it, the sense of fulfillment and joy far outweigh any hesitation. The experience will challenge you, inspire you, and change your perspective in ways you never expected.

Any last thoughts or comments you want to add?

Volunteering on these missions has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Every year, I am reminded of the generosity, resilience, and kindness of the people we serve, as well as the profound impact these trips have on the students who join me. If you’re considering going—do it. It will change your perspective, challenge you in the best way, and leave you with a deep sense of purpose and gratitude.

What's Your Mission?

Volunteer for a mission this year!

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.

Volunteer With Us

Warehouse Cleanup Days

2025 Dates!

Our Warehouse Cleanup Days are held on the second Saturday of each month. Our Warehouse day scheduled for April 12 is canceled due to our volunteers being in San Lucas Toliman. Please join us Saturday, May 10th, 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!

Art for the Children,

a Fanominal Success!

We were thrilled to celebrate the 26th year of Art for the Children! Thanks to the incredible support from our community, this year’s event raised nearly $142,000 to help provide surgical and medical care in underserved communities across the globe.

Guests enjoyed an unforgettable evening filled with delicious food, cocktails, dancing, and of course, stunning artwork from some of the most talented local artists around. The auction also featured signed sports memorabilia, gift certificates, and a variety of other exciting items.

Elizabeth Alex served as our emcee for the night, and we had the honor of presenting Meredith Jackson with the 2025 Nora White Humanitarian Award.

Click the link below to see more photos and make sure to mark your calendar for next year... April 11, 2026!

Click here to see more photos of Art for the Children

Mark Your Calendar

Keep up to date on all our events by going to the calendar page of our website.

San Lucas Toliman, Guatemala Mission - April 5-13, 2025
Kenya - April 9-18, 2025
Antigua, Guatemala Mission - July 12-20, 2025
Health for the Littles - July 20, 2025
Gulu, Uganda Mission - September 5-15, 2025
Golf Tournament at Creekmoor - September 18, 2025
2026 Art for the Children - April 11, 2026

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.

Make Your Donation Today

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

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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

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.

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