SOMC Team Serves in Guatemala

A team of SOMC employees recently set out on a mission to do just that. Dr. Vincent Scarpinato was joined by six SOMC medical professionals: Margie Smith, CRNA, Gary Eddy, CRNA, Cathy Price, CRNA, Nick Erlenwein, RN, Lydia Butler, Surg Tech, Melanie Smalley, RN and Kaitlyn Adkins, RN on a medical mission trip to Guatemala through the organization, Hands and Hearts for Christ.

The team served in Antiqua for the week-long mission trip providing medical care to many uninsured and underprivileged Guatemalans from far outside the city. During the mission, the team performed an incredible 76 operations including gallbladder, hernia and breast surgery at a local hospital in the city.

“It was a wonderful experience, and we felt blessed to participate in so many lives,” said Dr. Scaprinato. “The people of Guatemala are so sincere and appreciative.”

Dr. Scarpinato would like to thank Julie Thornsberry, SOMC Administrative Director of Surgical Services, and Ted Stidham, SOMC Manager of Purchasing, for their assistance in preparing and coordinating for their mission trip. He also shared his gratitude for the generous donations from community members: Becky Climer, Dina Fraulini and Betsy Suber.

“Without their generous support, we could not have accomplished this mission,” he said.

Dr. Scarpinato and the team appreciated the support and medication donations from Cabell Huntington Hospital, along with laparoscopic equipment from Ethicon and Medtronic.

The SOMC team makes a difference daily, and sometimes that takes them across the world. We appreciate this team for their amazing dedication to helping others!