Mission Matters Newsletter – August 2026
 FROM THE DESK OF Executive Director, Dan Mauer August 2026 Happy August — and welcome to the latest edition of Mission Matters! There’s incredible momentum building at Medical Missions Foundation, and we’re excited about what lies ahead. While we wish we could share every inspiring story, breakthrough moment, and volunteer experience in one place, there’s simply too much good happening. That’s why we invite you to stay connected through our social media channels and website blog, where you’ll find patient stories, mission updates, volunteer spotlights, behind-the-scenes moments, and the latest news from the field. Because of your support, lives are being changed around the world. Together, we’re bringing hope, healing, and opportunity—one patient, one mission, and one story at a time.  We are truly fortunate to have an incredible group of dedicated volunteers at Medical Missions Foundation, and their unwavering commitment to the communities we serve is truly inspiring. Each month, we aim to shine a light on a volunteer who has made significant contributions to our mission of providing “Health for the World.” In this month’s Volunteer Spotlight, we are excited to recognize all the amazing volunteers that joined us on our 2026 Medical Mission to Antigua, Guatemala in July!  Hope Delivered. Lives Changed. Our recent medical mission to Antigua, Guatemala was an incredible success, bringing together a passionate team of 58 dedicated volunteers committed to restoring health and hope. Among them were 19 first-time volunteers serving alongside 37 experienced team members, creating a powerful blend of fresh enthusiasm and seasoned expertise. Together, our team screened 119 patients seeking specialized ENT and urology care. From those evaluations, our surgeons performed 80 life-changing urology procedures and 10 ENT surgeries, helping patients find relief from conditions that often go untreated due to limited access to specialized medical care. Our dental team was equally busy, providing 68 dental procedures that relieved pain, restored smiles, and improved overall health for patients of all ages. While the numbers tell an impressive story, they only hint at the true impact of the week. Every procedure represented a person given renewed hope, every volunteer reflected the compassion of those willing to serve, and every patient reminded us why this mission matters.  Our pharmacy and PACU volunteers are hard at work organizing and preparing medications for the week ahead in Antigua, Guatemala. Behind every bottle labeled and every prescription filled is a patient waiting for relief, healing, and hope.  A healthy smile can change a child’s world. Dr. Nick and Dr. Nancy share a special moment with one of their young dental patients in Antigua, Guatemala. Through compassionate care and gentle encouragement, they’re helping children smile brighter, eat more comfortably, and face the future with greater confidence. Every smile tells a story of hope.  Restoring comfort. Improving lives. Dr. Miller performs a TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate), a procedure that helps relieve urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate. For many patients, this surgery means less pain, better sleep, and a renewed quality of life. Every procedure is another step toward healthier futures for the patients we serve in Antigua, Guatemala.  “Cinco minutos más.” Sometimes, the most comforting words are the simplest. Alex Loza reassures a patient with, “Five more minutes,” offering calm, confidence, and compassion in a moment that can feel overwhelming. It’s these small acts of kindness—spoken in a patient’s own language—that help transform medical care into human connection.  Compassion doesn’t end when the surgery is over. Interpreter Kristine Campos and Dr. Herrick take time to speak with a patient’s family member following surgery, explaining the procedure, answering questions, and offering reassurance. Clear communication and compassionate care help families feel informed, supported, and hopeful every step of the way.  Recovery is where healing continues. Erin, Sheryl, and Cindy keep the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) running smoothly, providing attentive monitoring, skilled nursing care, and plenty of reassurance as patients wake up from surgery. Their compassion and expertise help ensure every patient begins the road to recovery safely and comfortably.    The day begins with a commitment to every patient. This morning, Dr. Herrick, Dr. Kramer, Dr. Miller, Dr. Montgomery, Dr. Probst, and PA Alex make rounds together, checking on their patients, monitoring recovery, answering questions, and ensuring each person is progressing well. Healing doesn’t end in the operating room—it’s strengthened through thoughtful follow-up and compassionate care.  Meet Kristine Campos from Chico, California! Kristine is serving on her very first Medical Missions Foundation trip as one of our interpreters, helping bridge the language gap between our medical team and the patients we serve. Kristine teaches Spanish I and II at the high school level and also works with English Language Development (ELD) students in grades 9–12. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Spanish from California State University, Chico in 2014, followed by a master’s degree in Spanish from California State University San Marcos in 2019. In 2025, she completed her Bilingual Authorization Credential through Chico State, further strengthening her passion for language education and cross-cultural communication. We’re grateful to have Kristine using her talents to help make compassionate care possible for our patients.  In Antigua, Guatemala, Dr. Probst puts his Spanish skills to good use by speaking directly with patients and their family members. Those conversations help build trust, ease concerns, and ensure families feel informed and cared for throughout the surgical experience.  There were plenty of smiles, laughter, and unforgettable moments as our volunteers spent time with the children at Casa de David. Together, they passed out soccer balls, made colorful bracelets and jewelry, and simply enjoyed being kids together. These moments remind us that healing isn’t limited to the operating room. A soccer ball can spark joy, a handmade bracelet can become a treasured keepsake, and a few hours of love and attention can lift a child’s spirit in ways that medicine alone cannot. Thank you to everyone who helped make this special day possible for the children and families at Casa de David. Casa David Guatemala Be sure to check out more about this medical mission and others by following our social media. Thank you to our volunteers, supporters and donors, who made this mission possible. Together, we are transforming lives—one patient, one family, and one community at a time.  Registration is NOW OPEN for our Medical Missions Foundation Golf Classic! Join us for the 25th Annual Golf Classic at the award-winning Tomahawk Hills Golf Course, one of the Midwest’s most beautiful and highly rated courses. Enjoy a day filled with great golf, delicious food, refreshing drinks, exciting contests, and wonderful camaraderie with fellow golfers—all in support of Medical Missions Foundation’s mission to provide life-changing surgical care to those who need it most. Every drive, putt, and birdie helps bring healing and hope to patients around the world. Click Here to Sign Up Year Team of Become a Sponsor  A surgery can heal the body. A soccer ball can heal the heart. Through Goals of Healing, Medical Missions Foundation is bringing hope, joy, and play to children recovering from surgery and medical care around the world. For just $25, you can provide three soccer balls or help cover medication for one surgery. Your gift gives children more than a ball — it gives them a chance to play, smile, connect, and feel like kids again. GoalsOfHealing.org Every goal starts with you. WAREHOUSE DAY TOMORROW!  Volunteer Opportunities There are numerous and exciting opportunities to get involved with Medical Missions Foundation! How would you like to contribute? Volunteer on a mission – While many of our volunteers have a medical background, it’s not a necessity. We welcome non-medical volunteers to assist with patient check-ins, engage in art projects, manage social media, and provide general mission support. Volunteer at Fundraising Event – Our golf tournament and Art for the Children always need helping hands. Volunteers can assist with event setup, guest check-ins, and various other tasks. Volunteer on a Committee – Medical Missions Foundation has five committees seeking volunteers: Marketing/Communication, Fundraising, Finance, Missions, and Operations/Warehouse. Volunteer in the Warehouse – Join us on the second Saturday of each month for “Warehouse Day,” where we’ll sort through donations and supplies in our warehouse. Volunteer With Us! Mark Your Calendar  Keep up to date on all our events by going to the calendar page of our website. August 8th – Warehouse Day September 12th – Warehouse Day October 10th – Warehouse Day October 19th – Medical Missions Foundation Golf Classic November 14th – Warehouse Day December 12th – Warehouse Day All of what we do is made possible through donations from generous patrons like you. Please consider making a donation today so we can continue providing much needed healthcare to children and families. Donate Today Have a Great Month Everyone! Well, that about covers it for today. Look for a brand new issue of Mission Matters every month! In the meantime our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages are active and a great place to catch all the very latest news and information about Medical Missions Foundation — so stay tuned and be sure to check back regularly! And please feel free to contact me directly with questions, concerns, or to find out more about upcoming missions, events, and fundraisers.  Dan Mauer Executive Director Medical Missions Foundation 8363 Melrose Drive Lenexa, KS 66214 p: 913-338-0343 dan@medicalmissionsfoundation.org  About us We believe that Health for the World is possible. Because of that, Medical Missions Foundation sends teams of doctors, nurses, and support staff to provide surgical and medical care to underserved communities around the world. All medical mission participants are volunteers dedicating their time and talents to provide critical care. More about our missions. Where we work Since 1996, Medical Missions Foundation has completed missions in 14 different countries: India | Guatemala | Mali | Philippines | Uganda | Romania | Ecuador | Mexico | Cuba | Vietnam | Croatia | Panama | China | United States. Click here to learn more. Our Mission Our mission is to provide surgical and medical care in underserved communities throughout the world and to positively impact the lives of children and their families. Click here to learn more. Want to unsubscribe? If you’d like to unsubscribe from this newsletter for any reason—you can do so by clicking on the link below. (And don’t worry, we won’t be offended. We’d much rather only send out emails to people who truly enjoy receiving them.) Our Contact Information Medical Missions Foundation *{{Organization Address}}* 913.338.0343 MedicalMissionsFoundation.org  Follow us Everywhere! |