This is Dr. Chatson’s eighth such trip and second visit to Guatemala with Rotaplast International.
On a typical trip, Dr. Chatson and his fellow volunteer doctors and nurses serve over 100 patients with cleft deformities, burn scars, and facial tumors that would have otherwise gone untreated. These volunteers give time, energy, and resources, providing free reconstructive surgery and ancillary treatment to begin the process of physical healing for these children. Rotaplast International volunteers also spend part of these trips training local doctors and nurses, providing these professionals with sustainable models of ongoing care and empowering them to continue giving these children and their families the support they need.
In his own words:
“I find these trips to be very gratifying because there is such a great need for these reconstructive procedures in developing nations. The bridges we build between countries are very important to promote peace and understanding across international borders.
Participating on a mission trip is also exciting because it gives me a chance to meet and work with volunteers from across the country. We form a team that is ready to overcome challenges and build bonds that will allow us to perform surgeries with the highest degree of safety for the children, often in a difficult environment. I find mission trips to be most enjoyable, as well as highly beneficial to those we serve.”
For more information about Rotaplast International, please visit www.rotaplast.org.
