Over 1,100 Salvadorans Connect with Medical Care Through 14th Mission of Miracles

Above: The 14th Mission of Miracles Team. Photo by Jim O’Neill.

The 14th Mission of Miracles team to our Companion Diocese of El Salvador returned to Central New York in early February after a successful medical campaign. In total, volunteers and Salvadoran and CNY medical professionals provided care to 1,145 individual Salvadorans, one-fourth of which were children under 18:

  • The medical team saw 556 patients and provided care for Salvadorans dealing with issues like hypertension, muscle aches and arthritis, diabetes and upper respiratory tract infections.
  • The dental team (making good use of new dental equipment provided by the 14th Mission of Miracles team) performed cleanings, fillings, extractions and restorations for 183 patients.
  • The vision team saw 315 patients.
  • The nutrition team provided counseling and treatment to 54 patients.
  • The pastoral care team (including the Diocese’s Deacon Barb Groves and Ms. Maria Dawson of Christ Church in Manlius) counseled 37 individuals suffering from sadness, depression, anxiety and stress.

Ms. Martha Lemus, a Salvadoran translator who has supported many Mission of Miracles teams over the years, shared the following reflection on her experience this year: “When I try to explain what a mission week is about, I wish there were words to describe exactly how it feels, but there are things that can’t be explained. That’s something that stays in your heart and makes you feel blessed. Those wonderful humans are a beautiful light of hope and for me it’s a privilege to be part of that light.”

Below: Mothers and children receive medical counseling from nursing volunteers with the 14th Mission of Miracles Team. Photo by Jim O’Neill.

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