Each of our mission teams include a chaplain, or "acompañante", who spiritually and emotionally accompany patients and their families, before, during, and after surgery. They frequently sit with families in their darkest moments, awaiting the results of a critical laboratory exam or the outcome of a delicate surgery. Chaplains may be there to celebrate with families post-surgery, or to hold a patient's hand and pray with them for strength and peace.

Below are a few patient stories from the accompaniment team during our Oncological Surgical Mission Trip in March:

Margarita

Margarita faced a complex surgery to remove a parotid tumor, but she was never alone. Surrounded by her two sons and granddaughters, she sat up in bed before the procedure, holding onto faith and the love of her family. Our accompaniment team joined them, offering listening hearts and prayers prior to her surgery: a steady support in a time of uncertainty. As the family’s long wait outside the operating room stretched on, emotions ran high. One son wept openly, while his brother gently reminded him to be strong for their mother. We reassured them both—tears are not weakness, but a reflection of love. We spoke about the power of simple, healing words as Margarita recovered: God is protecting you. We care about you. Through it all, the waiting, the uncertainty and the prayers, the family remained hopeful and rested in their faith. We’re happy to share that Margarita recovered without complications from her surgery and is doing well.

Emilia

Emilia’s surgery was performed in two parts, to remove a basal squamous cell carcinoma on her nose, and another on her cheek. For a long time, Emilia sought home remedies for her facial lesions, hoping to avoid medical intervention. Her daughter Norma, a 24-year-old medical student, finally convinced her to see a doctor, but Norma now carries heavy guilt for allowing her mother to delay medical care for so long.

Eventually, it was Emilia herself who decided to undergo surgery. She knew it was necessary if she wanted to continue sharing life with her only daughter.

Norma's choice to study medicine was inspired by her mother’s long struggle. Watching her mother suffer with untreated facial lesions moved her to pursue a career where she could make a difference—for her mother and for others.

Emilia has recovered well from the surgery and continues treatment.

Nardo

Nardo had a big surgery, which left him with a tracheostomy and unable to talk post-op. With thumbs up or down, he communicated how he was feeling.

His wife, Nancy, sat quietly by his side after the surgery. Through conversation, she finally opened up with the accompaniment team. With tears in her eyes, she blurted out that she no longer wanted to suffer. In addition to worrying about her husband, she felt a great weight of responsibility to take care of their school-age children as the sole provider. She was worried about losing her job as a cook while accompanying her husband at the hospital. She skipped meals so her children could eat. She feared losing everything and felt overwhelmed by her husband’s suffering and uncertain future.

The mission team patiently explained to Nancy that, even though her husband couldn’t speak, the surgery had gone well and he would recover. Her fears were greatly relieved.

Though still in pain, Nardo showed his gratitude at the end of the week with a hand over his heart and a smile in his eyes. It was a silent but powerful thank you for the care, compassion, and second chance given to him and his family.

Sergio

Last year, Sergio was operated by the Bolivian surgical team and US missioner Dr. Malcolm Bilimoria, during our 2024 mission trip. To show his deep appreciation, Sergio and his family welcomed this year's mission team into their home to celebrate his healing journey. The family prepared a hearty meal including chicken, rice, and chicha camba, a traditional corn-based drink.

As they shared stories and prayers, Sergio revealed a curious dream he had: the Solidarity Bridge team had arrived by helicopter to his front yard to visit him! When the Puente de Solidaridad social worker contacted him to let him know that the 2025 mission team would like to visit, he realized his dream was prophetic. “I don’t get visitors,” he told us, moved by the team’s care and companionship. In turn, we were overwhelmed by the family’s hospitality and generosity. It was a testament to how our work goes beyond medical missions, to building bridges of healing, compassion, and solidarity.

Accompanying Patients Along the Healing Journey