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

FROM THE DESK OF

Executive Director, Dan Mauer

September 2024

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

I hope everyone had a wonderful Labor Day weekend and your September is off to a great start. Things are busy around here at Medical Missions Foundation... our Uganda mission team is on their way to Gulu (pictured above) and we're hustling around getting ready for our Al Fitzmorris Celebrity Golf Classic coming up, Thursday, October 3rd.

Volunteer Spotlight

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 from the beginning... Pepper Card.

How did you first learn about Medical Missions Foundation?

I met a team from Kansas City in Ouelessebougou, Mali, Africa while on an education/medical mission with a group from Utah in 2008. I met Joyce Sheehan, who took me under her wing in the operating room. I was amazed by her knowledge and seeing the teams work together to care for patients in such a remote place. After spending time with her, the direction of my life changed. I wanted to do what she had been doing. Truly an inspiration.

What got you involved for the first time?

As a nurse I want to help others feel cared for. While in nursing school I volunteered in a ‘doctors’ free clinic’ and enjoyed helping those who would normally not have access to healthcare. Learning I could continue volunteering with an organization specifically in the operating room was exciting. I also love the challenge of working with what you have. It’s amazing what you can do with minimal supplies. I learned how to make a table out of suitcases, fetch water from a well or maintain a sterile field while shooing flies.

What missions have you been involved with? Since 2008: Mali, Romania, San Lucas Toliman and Uganda.

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

I simply cannot name one experience. From meeting young Boi Doumbia in Mali, waking up with chickens on my feet, visiting a refugee camp in Burkina Faso, playing with burn unit patients, as well as the hundreds of surgical patients. It’s difficult to pin-point one moment; there have too been many. I’ve also been blessed to have met life-long friends who share the same passion of helping others.

Why do you volunteer?

I enjoy helping others in their health journey. Whether it’s holding a hand as they go to sleep for surgery or simply holding space as they talk. I feel it’s a privilege to meet others in our world. I am the one who is blessed to have my life journey cross paths with others.

What advice would you give someone considering joining a mission?

Be humble. Be open to new experience. Don’t think your way is the best or that you will change things. You may or may not make a difference and you need to be ok with that. Our time is so limited in each country. It’s important to work with the locals and learn about how they execute their daily roles.

Any last thoughts or comments you want to add?

Preparing for a mission can be challenging. However, it has been the most rewarding volunteer work I’ve done. I want to continue to learn about global and public health so I can be better and never stop learning.

Pepper is currently in Gulu, Uganda leading our 2024 Mission. Please wish her and the rest of our team the best, as they provide much needed medical care to that underserved community.

Warehouse Cleanup Day

Our Warehouse Cleanup Days are now held on the second Saturday of each month. Please join us next Saturday, September 21 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!

Gulu, Uganda Mission

Stay tuned to social media and for stories about our missions, be sure to check out our Mission Blogs. Thanks to our teams for all their great work!

Save the Dates!

This year we are excited to celebrate the 23rd Annual Golf Classic on Thursday, October 3rd, 2024! Join Royals Hall of Fame pitcher, Al Fitzmorris, fellow golf enthusiasts, and local sports celebrities for lunch, hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and a day of golf at the exciting course at Creekmoor Golf Course one of the top-rated courses in the Midwest.

Click here for more information on sponsorship and to register your team. Spots are limited, so sign up today!

Art for the Children, 2025

Our next Art for the Children will be held March 29th, 2025 — once again at the Armacost Car Museum!

2025 Mission Dates

Our 2025 calendar is filling up with missions. Keep an eye out for announcements on dates. The following is what we have planned so far. If you would like to join us on a mission, let us know.

Philippines Mission - February 13-23, 2025
San Lucas, Guatemala Mission - April 5-13, 2025

Andy Reid Helmet Fundraiser

Celebrating the Chiefs win last night, you can help support Medical Missions Foundation and possibly win a signed Andy Reid helmet.

Drawing will be held Friday October 4, 2024 at 11:00 AM CST.

Must be 18 years or older to participate.

Click here for more information!

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

Uganda Mission - September 6-16
Warehouse Day - September 21
Al Fitzmorris Golf Classic - October 3
Warehouse Day - October 12
Warehouse Day - November 9
Philippines Mission - February 13-23, 2025
San Lucas, Guatemala Mission - April 5-13, 2025

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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