Stories of Health & Hope

December 2025

NEW HOSPITAL SAVES FIRST PATIENT'S LIFE

SOS has been working with founder Dr. Nankwenya for months preparing the Diplomat Hospital to open in the Zomba region of Malawi – bringing emergency and surgical services and opening the first ICU in the region. Two weeks ago, within days of being ready to open, the hospital leadership received an emergency call from a hospital in another region. They had seen the news announcement of a new hospital opening and they had a critically ill patient that would die without higher level care. The first patient at the Diplomat Hospital arrived in shock and within minutes stopped breathing. Rushed to the new ICU, the patient was stabilized and the underlying issues of blood sugars and blood pressure quickly addressed. Within a few hours, the patient, who would have died without the care of this new facility, was awake and talking.

This patient is the first of many whose lives will be forever changed thanks to the work of Dr. Nankwenya and SOS.

STUDENTS GIVING BACK

Recently, we had the opportunity to have the 5th grade class from Norton Commons come and volunteer at SOS. They packed a pallet of gloves destined for Kenya, a small yet significant contribution to global healthcare efforts. There were also gloves that found their way into local orders, supporting schools and community organizations right here at home.

These students have been learning about SOS since they were in 3rd grade. On their recent visit we were able to use maps to trace the journey of our supplies, visually connecting Louisville to distant corners of the world, and reflecting on the tangible impact of our work. During our warehouse tour, we engaged in thoughtful discussions about the values we uphold when we extend our hands to help others, reinforcing the idea that compassion knows no borders. This experience not only deepened their understanding of the mission but ignited a sense of urgency and hope within them to continue making a positive difference in the lives of those who need it most.

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ENGAGING YOUTH WITH HEALTHCARE

Teena Kissee, a dedicated educator at Danville High School, explains transformative role that SOS supplies play in shaping her students' futures in healthcare. Kissee says “The students would never get this many opportunities to develop the muscle memory and real-time critical thinking skills that are essential for healthcare workers without support from SOS.”

This invaluable partnership equips aspiring healthcare professionals with hands-on experience in diverse fields such as phlebotomy, radiology, pharmacy, and both acute and long-term patient care. The resources provided by SOS not only enhance classroom labs but also empower students to excel in HOSA events, community health screenings, and vital training sessions such as STB and first aid. By fostering a robust learning environment, SOS is not just enriching individual educational journeys; it is cultivating a generation of compassionate healthcare professionals ready to tackle real-world challenges.

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HEALING SMILES, CHANGING LIVES

SOS provided supplies to an Operation International team who in their recent trip to Vietnam orchestrated 45 life-changing surgeries. Focusing on critical cleft palate repairs for children in desperate need. Among those transformed was an 18-year-old boy whose journey had been marred by relentless bullying, forcing him to abandon his education before he even reached the first grade. This young man, who had never learned to write and struggled to even sign his name on consent forms, he found not only the medical intervention he needed but also the promise of renewed hope and dignity.

This story serves as a powerful reminder of the vital role that health and hope plays in restoring lives and transforming communities. It calls upon each of us to recognize the importance of our contributions. Together we can create lasting change and ensure that no one is left behind in their pursuit of health and happiness.

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CHEERS FOR OUR VOLUNTEERS!

Over the past few weeks, we have had Kort, JCTC, UofL Pre-Med, and Baptist Health Louisville HR department paired with Baptist Health Hardin Co Leadership all rocking around SOS with the holiday volunteer spirit!

We need you at SOS because we can't do our mission without volunteers! Bring your friends, book club, bible study, office mates, or just come by yourself.

Email Sarah.Mayer@soshealthandhope.org with any questions or use the button below.

Volunteer with us!