Mission Accomplished in Uganda

Magical.

This was our 5th trip to Uganda, and while every year leaves us feeling blessed, accomplished, exhausted, fulfilled, and yes, even stressed, this year was different.

After months of late-night planning calls, eighteen passionate volunteers gathered in Entebbe for what would become the largest exstrophy workshop ever held on the African continent.

From the moment we came together—pediatric urologists, surgeons, anesthesiologists, specialty nurses, mental health professionals, music therapists, patient advocates, and medical interns—there was a unique synergy. We melded seamlessly with the incredible Ugandan medical team, as if we had worked together for years. It truly was magical.

Stories of Hope & Healing

Over two weeks, we met families who traveled days—some from South Sudan and Burundi—hoping for life-changing surgeries. Fifty-seven patients, ranging from those we’ve followed for years to those we met for the first time, brought stories of resilience and hope.

Despite logistical challenges and the realities of limited resources, every day brought moments that reminded us why this work matters.

Leadership Team

Pamela Artigas – President and Executive Director

Marlo Eldridge – Lead Nursing and Continent Care

Janet Gibson – Uganda Country Liaison

Emily Haddad – Lead Social Worker

Ranjiv Mathews – Pediatric Urologist

Anthony Schaefer – Pediatric Urologist

2024 International Medical Volunteers

Kristen Arnold – Nurse

Mariah Batuwa – Social Worker

Grace Gearhart – Student Intern

John Gearhart – Pediatric Urologist

Susan Gearhart – Urologist

Paul Kokorowski – Pediatric Urologist

Amy Mathews – Retired Pediatrician

Lucas Mathews – Student Intern

Alexa Penton – Nurse

Deborah Schwengal – Anesthesiologist

Holly Shimomura – Nurse

Paul Sponseller – Orthopedic Surgeon

Jessica Wiley – Music Therapist

Building Community

We weren’t just providing medical care; we were building community. Parents exchanged stories and advice while support groups and therapy sessions offered emotional healing. On Family Day, over 100 people gathered, speaking seven different languages, united by a shared mission.

The outcomes of this workshop are still unfolding. While we’re home now, many patients remain in the hospital, recovering from major surgeries. The challenges aren’t over. Families spread across remote areas face treacherous roads, and the lack of phones makes follow-up care difficult.

Reality in Uganda

This beautiful family is struggling after they were abandoned by their father because of the youngest child being born with exstrophy. Despite their struggles, they welcomed us into their home to see firsthand what living with exstrophy looks like in an impoverished community.

This is where you come in.

Your support helps us overcome these challenges. It allows us to partner with local nonprofits to provide ongoing care, send messages between villages, and ensure families have transportation to follow-up appointments. Every dollar you give creates opportunities for life-changing surgeries, education sessions, and the kind of magic that happens when people come together to create hope.

Let’s keep the magic alive. Your generosity ensures that no family has to journey alone and no child is left without the care they deserve

Please consider making a donation today to help us continue this vital work. Together, we can make sure every child we meet has a future full of possibility.