As an organization rooted in solidarity, relationships developed on mission are key to our work. We are proud that many of our missioners return year after year. Mission teams may include surgeons, anesthesiologists, surgical technicians, nurses, clinicians, interpreters, chaplains, photographers, and helpers. Some of our milestone missioners are profiled below.
Nurse Jackie went on her first Solidarity Bridge mission trip in September 2015 to Univalle Hospital in Cochabamba. She is also a frequent visitor in the office, sorting supplies, packing suitcases, and just helping out however she can! She even co-hosted one of our 2016 fundraising events at Found Kitchen and Social House in Evanston.
Our Gynecology Program is championed by Dr. Carrie Giordano, Chair, OB-GYN Department at the Resurrection Medical Center, Chicago. She offers patients and the Bolivian medical community expertise in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery and other techniques. Dr. Giordano has served on five mission trips since 2009.
Dr. Gay Garrett, a general surgeon in Washington, D.C., has participated in 10 mission trips since 2010. The recipient of our 2018 Solidarity Award, she is featured in the short film, Heal and Be Healed. She has also served as the Medical Director of our Board of Directors since 2022.
“Mission trips are about empowerment. We’re training Bolivian medical teams to carry on this work after we leave,” explains Dr. Garrett. “When we train one person we’re healing many."
Fr. Bob is Pastor Emeritus of St. Nicholas Parish in Evanston and SB Board Member. In addition to serving on numerous mission trips since 2007, Fr. Bob tirelessly raises support and awareness for Solidarity Bridge through visits to parishes in the Chicagoland area. Learn more about Fr.Bob and his reflections on his latest mission to Cochabamba.
“When we provide devices hospitals could not possibly afford and teach surgeons to use them, we’ve created a self-sustaining situation in which people are cared for whether we are present or not,” says Dr. Richard Moser, Neurosurgeon at the University of Massachusetts. As Medical Director of our Neurosurgery Program, Dr. Moser has been an instrumental leader since the program’s inception. As of 2018, he has completed more than 20 mission trips.