Stories of Health & Hope

March 2026

Celebrating Health & Hope Together

This month we held our eighth annual Health & Hope Breakfast at the Mellwood Arts Center. This year we had a record crowd of attendees and a stellar line-up of wonderful speakers who did an amazing job showcasing the impact of the SOS mission work.


Each year we award the Heath & Hope Hero Award to someone who has gone above and beyond spreading "health & hope" to communities in need. The 2026 awardee was Kiara James, Community Health Worker Supervisor with the UofL Hospital J. David Richardson Trauma Center, founder of Pushing Forward, partner with the SOS Local Health Program and valued volunteer at the SOS Free Wheelchair Repair and Replacement Clinics.


One last THANK YOU to all our sponsors including Presenting Sponsor Baptist Health, and to Najla's, Fante's Coffeehouse, Heine Brothers and Safai Coffee for the donation of delicious baked items and coffee for our guests.


Enjoy a few of the photos from the event and click on the button to enjoy even more!


Working Together for Children

Caring for our most vulnerable children is a key focus area at SOS – globally and locally. What began as a chance encounter has developed into a collaborative partnership that will ease the journey for young children coming to Louisville to seek nationally recognized care through the UofL’s Pediatric Neuro-Recovery Program at Frazier Rehab Institute.


Dr. Andrea Behrman, who leads the program, visited SOS and instantly saw the opportunity for SOS to support the needs of children staying at the Ronald McDonald House while in Louisville for care. “These children travel in with their families from across the United States and the world with one recently here from China.”

These children need specialized medical equipment that is difficult to transport on a plane and now SOS will work with Frazier Rehab and Ronald McDonald House to furnish the medical equipment and supplies needed by children to support their comfort and care while here in Louisville.


“I love when health partners come together and make it happen” says Dr. Behrman. We agree with you 100%!

Medical Mission to SOS Volunteer

Cindy Goldstein and her husband Perry made their first trip to SOS in February with a group of friends and family to pack up supplies for a medical mission trip to Honduras. This was Cindy’s first mission trip and she shared her reflections upon returning two weeks ago.


“This trip changed my life. It helped me reach a deeper understanding of what’s important – it isn’t the material things but rather being there for others. Our team was able to perform 26 surgeries at the Dr. Roberto Cordova Hospital in La Pez using supplies we got from SOS. These people’s lives were changed and SOS support gave us the tools to make that happen.”


Stories of Health & Hope are made possible across the world – from Africa to Central America – thanks to SOS support of medical mission teams. But the impact of these trips extends to those who travel and see the power of caring.



Cindy was moved by this trip to continue to support the needs of others. Recently retired from nursing, she decided to bring her passion and time to SOS where she will be volunteering. And no doubt, there are more mission trips in her future! 

Lasting Legacy of Health and Hope

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The Auburn Retired Veterinarians received support from SOS for supplies to work in Abaco, Bahamas with the population of stray dogs and cats who lost their homes and families after Hurricane Dorian. During this year’s mission trip to the island of Abaco the dedicated team worked tirelessly alongside the Abaco Shelter to perform an astounding 40–50 surgeries a day in their humble open-air workspace—a fenced area with a tin roof and no electricity.


Despite the challenging conditions, the volunteers not only provided essential spay and neuter services but also undertook corrective surgeries for animals suffering from old injuries, all while building new cages for adoptable dogs.


What began as a modest project has evolved into a biannual commitment, driven by an unwavering dedication to teamwork, and their profound joy of giving back through their professional gifts, and the support of SOS.

The Power of Educating Tomorrow's Healthcare Workers

SOS was thrilled to support high school HOSA chapters at the 2026 HOSA State Leadership Conference, held from March 18-21 in Louisville. HOSA is an international student organization dedicated to engaging and training future healthcare workers.


The event showcased the remarkable dedication of over 2,700 students from across the state, who engaged in clinical skill challenges, leadership sessions, and academic tests, all aimed at qualifying for the prestigious HOSA International Leadership Conference in Indianapolis this June.

This impressive turnout not only highlights the commitment of these future healthcare professionals but also underscores our shared mission of health equity and community engagement.


The SOS partnership with HOSA signifies a vital effort to inspire and empower the next generation of healthcare leaders, fostering an environment where excellence in healthcare is nurtured.

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