Our patients are supported by “acompañantes,” who may be lay or religious chaplains or others who spiritually and emotionally accompany them and their families, before, during, and after surgery. These “accompaniers” frequently sit with families in their darkest moments, awaiting the results of a critical laboratory exam or the outcome of a delicate surgery. They may be there to celebrate with them, or to hold their hand and pray with them for strength and peace. 

Our accompaniment teams are in turn blessed to listen to the unique stories of each patient we serve. Here are a few of those stories

During their visit, the Bolivian team met with members of Lurie’s chaplaincy and social work departments for a powerful exchange focused on integrated, compassionate care for pediatric patients and their families. They were hosted in part by Jim Manzardo, Lurie chaplain and longtime volunteer with Solidarity Bridge. Jim has traveled to Bolivia as a chaplain during Solidarity Bridge’s surgical missions, where he provides spiritual and emotional support to patients and families facing complex medical challenges—mirroring his compassionate work at Lurie. 

After years of watiing, 11 patients found the healing care they needed through our recent Neuro trip to Paraguay. For the three patients profiled here, they also found a supportive family to walk with them through their journey to healing.

Sometimes there are words in Spanish that just can’t be translated. Mission chaplain, Dr. Joe Sherman, shares three that have held new meaning for him since his first mission trip.

Team Chaplain, Aida Segura, shares her experiences from the first day of the general surgery mission trip.