Marching into Spring

March was a month filled with extraordinary impact for Mending Kids. We're still riding the wave of gratitude from our Imagine Gala, where we came together to celebrate the lives we’ve touched over the past two decades—and the incredible journey ahead. We have an inspiring year to come (more on that below), and we’re humbled to have completed four significant surgical missions in March--changing over 115 lives and advancing medical education in lasting ways.
 
Our recent trip to Guatemala packed a powerful one-two punch: first, with a groundbreaking training in Guatemala City focused on pediatric cardiac care; and shortly after, with an ENT surgical mission that brought healing to 90 children. Together, these efforts didn’t just address urgent needs—they planted seeds for sustainable, long-term impact.

Breaking from tradition, our mission to Guatemala City wasn’t just about performing surgeries—it was about changing the future of pediatric care. Led by the brilliant Dr. Jenny Zablah of Colorado Children’s Hospital, this two-day training focused on Balloon Atrial Septostomy—a procedure that can mean the difference between life and death for newborns with Transposition of the Great Arteries.
 
Twenty dedicated medical professionals—from cardiologists to ICU nurses—gathered to learn, engage, and collaborate in hands-on simulations. The energy in the room was electric: questions flowed, ideas were exchanged, and skills were shared that will go on to save countless lives. 

Shortly after the training, our team launched an ENT surgical mission in Guatemala, led by MEND Award Honoree Dr. Namrata Varma. In just five days, our medical volunteers operated on 90 children, giving them the gift of better health, clearer breathing, and brighter futures. Each procedure was a turning point, reminding us again that access to care is not a privilege—it’s a right.

Guatemala ent photo album

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In addition to Guatemala we had two successful cardiac missions in the Philippines - one in Bicol Regional Hospital and Medical Center in Albay, Philippines led by Dr. Alex Chan and the second in Llocos Norte led by Dr. Jetz Marion Cruz from Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center. With our shared partnership with the Philippine Heart Center we mended 27 hearts! 
 
We are always looking for non-medical volunteers to join us on missions. It’s a transformative experience—to see and make a difference firsthand.

upcoming surgical trips

join us on a mission

None of this is possible without you. Your generosity and belief in our mission allows us to bring healing where there was once only hope. Every surgery, every moment of relief a child experiences—stems from a community that refuses to let borders or circumstances define a child’s access to care.
 
Thank you for being part of this journey. We look forward to sharing more stories of transformation, resilience, and hope in the months ahead. It’s going to be a busy 2025.

mend a child

With gratitude,
The Mending Kids Team