My deep appreciation for medical missions has only grown stronger after my recent experience in Zambia. Spending time last week with a team of skilled, compassionate, and like-minded individuals reinforced the profound impact these missions can have. This marked my twelfth time volunteering in surgery abroad, and in many respects, the Surgicorps mission to Zambia in 2024 stands out as the most rewarding yet.
The meticulous planning and seamless execution by DeNese and Lori were truly remarkable. They expertly anticipated every need of our team, ensuring that everything ran smoothly, a feat I know was far from easy. Their constant, kind attention to detail ensured every aspect was covered, allowing us to focus entirely on patient care.
Under the guidance and leadership of founder Jack Demos, affectionately known as “Superman,” the mission flourished. His global health vision provided us with an invaluable opportunity to serve and perform at our best. Jack’s extensive experience, accumulated over 90 missions across 22 countries, is genuinely inspiring. I particularly admired his authentic and professional rapport with patients and their families. A lasting memory is of him arranging two young girls, past patients from previous missions, to join our group photo, capturing the moment with his trusty 35mm digital camera.
Several patients deeply touched my heart during this mission. Among them was Philimon, a courageous young man I met during the triage clinic. Like all prospective patients, he was thoughtful and respectful. What set Philimon apart was his age; well into his teens, he had lived with a significant right hand contracture since a house fire when he was just over two years old – or “age 30 months” as they say in Zambia. Having already undergone multiple scar release surgeries, Philimon was familiar with the pain and challenges of postoperative recovery. The team initially hesitated, recognizing Philimon’s existing quality of life. However, witnessing his disappointment, they engaged in thorough discussions, carefully explaining the technical approach and the uncertain outcome of surgery aimed at improving his hand function. Despite the potential complications, Philimon placed his trust in us and chose to proceed. I often think of him now, hoping for his successful recovery, improved hand function, and a more typical anatomical appearance.
The success of this mission was a collective effort, and I extend my sincere thanks to everyone who made it possible.
Sincerely,
Jane Camero, RN
Hood River, Oregon
