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Ecuador
I know this is not about hernias, but it is about helping which is what Hernia Talk is all About.
I feel blessed and have long wanted to give back to those in need. In July, my daughter (an ER nurse at Stanford University Hospital) and I went to Chone, Ecuador to serve on a humanitarian mission at The General Hospital. In 2016, the original hospital collapsed during an earthquake and now the people of Chone are served in tents and mobile buildings. Patients often wait 6 months to see a surgeon and another 6 months to have their operations. When we arrived, patients were already waiting under a tarp outside to see us. My office was a tent, luckily with air conditioning! The operating room was better than I expected and was located in one of the portable buildings. We averaged eight operations each day. All the patients and their families were so appreciative. It was a very gratifying experience.
It was also a great chance to spend time with my daughter. She was a great help and was soon working as my assistant surgeon. In addition to the 3 duffel bags of donated medical supplies, my daughter also brought toys, books and stuffed animals for all the pediatric patients. You’ll see a photo of a young girl after her appendectomy who received one of the stuffies. She named her bunny “Luna” and was overjoyed when we told her she could keep Luna. Our time in Chone was incredible and I’m so glad I went.
If you have the chance, please consider giving some of your time and talent to those in need. I found it to be a rewarding experience and look forward to my next trip. Not sure where I’ll be going but I know I’ll enjoy it.
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7 Replies
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Bless you, Dr. Brown and your lovely, amazing daughter. You are so right, there is nothing more rewarding than giving of yourself to those in need. Thank you for being not only an amazing surgeon, but truly an admirable person with a huge heart. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.
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Thank you for sharing and even in a way representing us all. A profound way to bring humanity together. Bravo!
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Your contributions here and abroad are fewsrrky appreciated!
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Very Inspiring.
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Amazing! ❤️
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I agree with Merritt, great work Dr Brown!
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This world needs more doctors (and people) like you Dr B.
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